How to Use a Hair Dryer to Soften Adhesive
Follow these instructions to use a hair dryer...
| Entity MID / Identifier | /diy/procedure/ifixit_157348 |
|---|---|
| RDF & Freebase Types | /type/topic /diy/procedure /domain/hardware_repair |
| Subject Hardware Entity | Electronics Skills (dev_electronics_skills) • OEM: • Category: Hardware Repair • Repairability: 6.0/10 |
| Procedural Complexity | Rating: Moderate • Estimated Duration: 30 minutes |
| Compound Value Types (CVTs) | 8 Ordered Step Records (/diy/step_record) with instruction text, warning levels, and CDN media |
| Topological Tool Dependencies | 1 Hardware Tools (/tool/hardware) |
| Required Replacement Parts | 0 Component Entities (/part/component) |
| Provenance & Attribution | Source: iFixit Open Library • Author: Community Contributor • License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
Required Hardware Tools (1)
/tool/hardware- Hair Dryer (Repair Tool)
Replacement Components & Consumables (0)
/part/component- No replacement parts required.
Step-by-Step Instructions (8 Steps)
Compound Value Type Disassembly FlowStep 1
Before you begin, make sure you have a plan in the event of a fire. If you have a swollen battery, Item]. Keep the hair dryer switched off and unplugged when not in use. Avoid using extension cords to power your hair dryer. Since hair dryers require a high current draw, cheaper or old extension cords pose a greater fire risk. Avoid heating a battery directly. If you're heating adhesive near or underneath a battery, make sure you've completely discharged the battery before applying heat.
Step 2
The next four steps show how to use the hair dryer to soften strong adhesives, such as screen and frame adhesives. Place your device on a clean, heat resistant surface or mat. Keep flammable materials away from your work area.
Step 3
Set the temperature of your hair dryer to its hottest setting. If your hair dryer also has fan speed control: Set the fan setting to low for small parts, such as cables or tape. Set the fan setting to high for large surfaces, such as screens or back covers.
Step 4
Position the nozzle of your hair dryer 2–3 inches above the device. Move the hair dryer along the surface of your device. Never leave your hair dryer in one spot for an extended period of time—keep it moving at all times. Heat the surface until it's just too hot to touch, or as directed by the repair guide. If you’re heating an OLED screen, don’t heat it over 176 °F (80 °C) or you may damage the OLED screen. If you’re heating the adhesive underneath the battery, make sure the battery doesn’t go over 150 °F (66 °C) or you may damage the battery. Make sure to turn off your hair dryer before setting it down to continue the repair.
Step 5
Keep your hair dryer in motion while heating smaller surfaces by moving it in circles above the device. Some components, such as large screens, require multiple cycles of heating and slicing. Take your time and apply more heat if the component feels stuck.
Step 6
This step shows how to use your hair dryer to loosen protective tape and stickers. Position the nozzle of your hair dryer 2–3 inches above the device and set the fan setting to "Low". Apply heat in small circles over the tape or sticker for 30 seconds. Peel the tape from the device.
Step 7
This step shows how to use your hair dryer to loosen cables adhered to your device. Position the nozzle of your hair dryer 2–3 inches above the device and set the fan setting to "Low". Apply heat in small circles over the cable for 30 seconds. Peel the cable from the device.
Step 8
Before continuing your repair, turn off your hair dryer and unplug it.
