I am looking for screws for the Inspiron 15 5559 - it's motherboard is fine, but everything else is broken, and I don't have a laptop, so I'm trying to revive this device. I've managed to find some parts for them, which I'll soon be buying, and all I need new are missing screws. How do I deal with this? Laptop-specific screws are only available in the USA, and I'm not paying 100$ just for the shipping.
Here's the list of screws I want for my device. So far, no luck on any online hardware pages in India.
Working in a machine shop, there are many times where I can't find a screw which is short enough. A quick trip to the belt sander usually solves this. If you can't find a M2x2 screw, you can settle for an M2x5, M2x10, etc. screw and grind it down to size for a "perfect" replacement.
These screws are all Metric. The nomenclature (M#-#x# - e.g. M8-1.0x20) is pretty straightforward. The number after the M is the diameter (in mm), the number after the dash is usually omitted, but denotes the distance between threads (pitch, in mm) if the screw deviates from the standard value, and the number after the X is the length of the threaded part (omitting the head / cap, in mm). As long as the diameter and pitch are the same, the screw length can be shortened to create a substitute.
You probably still want to buy the correct screws, but if you have access to a belt sander or a bench grinder or something (or even a vice and a dremel), it is an option.
Excellent post. Just wanted to add that a nut or two on the screw you’re trying to sand down can help you hold it while you’re working.