This is tip which should really be applied when working on any electronic device. Generally, it is very bad to expose electronic magnetized data storage (such as hard drives, flash RAM, etc.) to any electromagnetic field.
While the magnetic power of a magnetized screwdriver is, overall, pretty weak it is best to avoid using one altogether when working on your computer. However, if you have no other option, just be extra cautious.
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Many builders have been using magnetic screwdrivers for years with no problems. I wouldn’t build without one.
See this thread:
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=169584&highlight=magnetic+screwdriver
The reason I post this is because I have hosed a MB using a magnetic screwdriver.
Basically I took all my usual precautions, grounded myself, etc. but I took a functioning board out, moved cases (along with the PSU) and the board no longer functioned. The only thing I can think of is the screwdriver. I even moved the board back to its original case to test and it was dead.
Maybe a coincidence, but I haven’t used a magnetized screwdriver since.
To magnitize a srew driver you drag it across a magnet several times. To demagnitize it you drag it across the magnet in the opposite direction. Simple enough
This has been something my friends and I have discussed for years. I, along with several of those same friends are in the computer service industry and many of us use magnetized screwdrivers with no problems.
It was pointed out to me once that there are in fact, very powerful magnets inside most hard drives. In fact, since it was pointed out to me we have begun using those same magnets, from broken hard drives to keep track of the screws we take out when servicing a computer.
Using them near RAM may or may not cause issues, but we’ve never tested this.
Just thought my experience might be useful in this discussion.
Anyone who doesn’t believe in using magnetic screwdrivers has clearly not worked on Macs on a regular basis. Given the number of screws in a Mac, their small size and the implications of loosing one in such tight quarters, magnetic screwdrivers are a necessity.
Just be careful, of course.