Is it important to not use a magnetic tip screwdriver when opening up a computer?

Question

I can only find one with a magnetic tip in my house. What damage could come from using it?

Answer 1

It's alright to open the case with the mag tip. Just be careful not to touch any chips or boards in the case. Most of the components are screwed in, so you might need to use the screw driver on another object besides the case. If you intend to do this, be very careful not to touch the hard drive or motherboard, ram, etc.

I've opened my case many times with a mag tip, and no problems so far. You could probably get away with a whole lot more than most people will recommend, but don't push your luck. Especially with the hard drive!

Answer 2

You can probably get away with using it on the external case screws.

HOWEVER! It is not a good idea to use it on the internal components. The main risk in using a magnetic screwdriver around computers is the possibility of affecting data on magnetic media including tapes, floppies and hard drives. Of the three, the hard drive is the least susceptible as you cannot get the screwdriver tip very close to the disk platters.Invest in a good non-magnetic-tipped screwdriver and keep it handy specifically for this purpose.

It is more important to discharge any static electricity that may have built up in your body by touching a grounded metal object (lamp base, the outside of the computer power supply, a water pipe, etc.) before touching any internal components. Static discharge inside the case can definitely cause problems.

You should also unplug the computer and press the Start button before opening the case to help eliminate possible shock.

Answer 3

I know we're supposed to keep anything magnetic away from our computers and disks. Found this in Yahoo Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

No. You should use plastic handled screwdrivers only, you should go bare foot or rubber tennis shoes only. You should not do it over carpet but on like a kitchen table on a tiled floor. If you have a rubber mat or a rubber placemat it is best to place that between the computer and the surface it is on.

No magnetic bowl near by to hold the screws, no magnetic screwdrivers, no metal to metal to hand contact, always have rubber or plastic handles breaking the line of circuit to you.

One simple tiny tiny blue spark....and you can kiss that part or component away. Even the motherboard can be zapped with one little static charge.
Source(s):
web programmer and ex EET engineer

Answer 4

Opening the case with it will be fine. Just dont touch the motherboard, memory, or hard drive with it , just to be on the safe side.

Answer 5

yes you can use it just don't tounch anything on the motherboard, that goes whether or not its magnatized though. I would keep it away from the harddrive too although i doubt its strong enough to do any damage, just to be safe

Answer 6

i dont think anything can happen as long as it doesn't go inside the cabinet.