Can This Laptop Case Be Saved?

[Dicey]

I took my laptop to a friend's last week. It was used by multiple people at an event. When I got home, I noticed a hairline crack close to the hinge on the outside of the case. Closer inspection reveals a tiny nick at the corner, which means someone probably dropped it, although if someone did that, they were very quiet about it. It's a Lenovo, just a couple of years old, i.e. brand new in mustachian terms. I tried clear packing tape, but opening and closing the laptop puts too much stress on it and it won't hold.

Any ideas from the crowd? Thanks!

[RWD]

Buy a replacement back cover? What's the laptop model?

[former player]

Try putting a bulldog clip over the crack?

[Dicey]

Buy a replacement back cover? What's the laptop model?

It's a Lenovo Ideapad Flex4-1470. Came from Costco.

[Dicey]

Try putting a bulldog clip over the crack?

I love me some bulldog clips, but the shell is too brittle to use them and they'd scratch the screen.

[AccidentialMustache]

I assume that based on the "tape coming off" that opening/closing the screen is putting stress on that location? It could be the crack is there but doesn't grow, in which case you don't really have to do anything about it. But if it is opening up during screen operation, then it is probably going to get worse over time and quickly.

I don't know how the case would react to plastic model glue, but that'd be one possibility. I suspect it won't be strong enough. (I tried using it as a teen to repair a broken RC car and it wasn't strong enough to take the stress... but a second try where I also wrapped the broken part in a few turns of packing tape did the trick.)

If you were going to try that you might want to glue a stiffener onto the cover itself. Getting something both flexible (to follow the curve) and strong though could be a tall order. Gorilla glue and thin-ish metal? Or maybe even wood? Popsicle stick and epoxy? (although again, risk of damaging the plastic case)

Glue has the risk of not being able to disassemble it if you glue different parts together though so be cautious.

Look for a dead one (cracked screen where the cover is okay?) and swap parts?

[PDXTabs]

I assume that based on the "tape coming off" that opening/closing the screen is putting stress on that location? It could be the crack is there but doesn't grow, in which case you don't really have to do anything about it. But if it is opening up during screen operation, then it is probably going to get worse over time and quickly.
...
Glue has the risk of not being able to disassemble it if you glue different parts together though so be cautious.

I concur. If it isn't hurting anything then I would just leave it. If it is getting stressed opening/closing and you are worried about it growing you could drill a tiny hole where the crack terminates and that might stop it spreading.

[RWD]

Buy a replacement back cover? What's the laptop model?

It's a Lenovo Ideapad Flex4-1470. Came from Costco.

A new cover is $16.70 with free shipping:
https://www.ebay.com/p/502734157?iid=154704911987

[Dicey]

Buy a replacement back cover? What's the laptop model?

It's a Lenovo Ideapad Flex4-1470. Came from Costco.

A new cover is $16.70 with free shipping:
https://www.ebay.com/p/502734157?iid=154704911987

Ooh, thank you! Diving down that rabbit hole now. Will keep you posted.

ETA: It will be here next Saturday, hooray!

[sonofsven]

I kept my old Acer alive for many years by doing repairs like yours, much to the dismay of my family! Super glue and cheap parts online FTW. Taking it apart is no big deal. I bought a package of extra screws of various sizes to add when I inevitably lost many of the tiny ones.
I did finally break down and bought a new Acer last year. I got my moneys worth out of the old one, lol.

[Dicey]

Update: the new cover arrived and our resident computer mad scientist, aka "Bonus Kid" began carefully removing the 4,657 tiny little screws, and...the hinge cracked. He also noticed a small stripe running down the tight side of the screen, about 3/4" from the right edge of the screen. At that point, we logged on to Costco's website and ordered a new  Lenovo somethingsomethingsomething laptop for me. Three days and $600 later, I love it. It's bigger, lighter and has a number keypad, which I am thrilled to have.

All is not lost, however. Despite the fact that BK is very adept at computer repair (are least compared to DH), DH thinks he can MacGyver it. Our plan is to patch it up and give it to my friend to use as a backup so I never, ever have to take my good one to her house again. I didn't mention this before, but it's actually the second time I've taken my laptop to her house with disastrous results (not her fault either time). Sure, It's a big chunk of change,  but 97-year-old friends don't grow on trees.

Thanks for all the help!

[cool7hand]

gorilla tape?

[Dicey]

gorilla tape?

Tape wasn't rigid enough. See the post just above yours for the rest of the story. I'm typing on my new laptop now and it only hurts when I laugh.

[lhamo]

I'm in the process of getting a new laptop -- my 7 YO Yoga is having issues with the spacebar and it isn't worth putting more money into it.  I was leaning toward another Lenovo but when I read a bunch of the reviews at Costco a LOT of people were complaining about cracks and breaks at or near the hinges.  So I'm going with an HP.  Picking it up at the store this week. 

Remember you get concierge service for 2 years if you buy it from Costco, so don't hesitate to contact them if you notice any issues.

[thedigitalone]

I'm in the process of getting a new laptop -- my 7 YO Yoga is having issues with the spacebar and it isn't worth putting more money into it.  I was leaning toward another Lenovo but when I read a bunch of the reviews at Costco a LOT of people were complaining about cracks and breaks at or near the hinges.  So I'm going with an HP.  Picking it up at the store this week. 

Remember you get concierge service for 2 years if you buy it from Costco, so don't hesitate to contact them if you notice any issues.

You might want to check out the Microsoft Surface Laptop line. Best Buy has been running compelling discounts on them and they are well built. We're using them at the office and getting 3-4 years before the batteries start to fade.

Here's an example for $699 https://www.bestbuy.com/site/microsoft-surface-laptop-4-13-5-touch-screen-amd-ryzen-5-surface-edition-8gb-memory-128gb-ssd-latest-model-platinum/6477089.p?skuId=6477089
Similar one at Costco, with a larger SSD for $799 https://www.costco.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-4---13.5%22-touchscreen-laptop---amd-ryzen-5---2256-x-1504-display---windows-10---platinum.product.100760660.html