Travel Technology - Tiny Screws

Get your mind up from the gutter. We're talking gadgets.

We've all found tiny screws in the gadget bag and if we can even identify the source, how to replace them without tiny screwdrivers. Who travels with those anyway?

My GPS shed a tiny philips screw and the speaker developed a buzz. I searched everywhere for a suitable screwdriver but failed.

Eureka, I prevailed with a toothpick and a nail clipper! Clip the toothpick until the end fits into the cross slot and you're able to get some purchase. You should be able to drive the tiny screw. If you can scare up some glue even better. I have crazy glue in my freedom baggie but I used a smidge of Elmers.

Hope this helps someone.

Jim

eyeglass kits usually have tiny screwdrivers in them.

eyeglass kits usually have tiny screwdrivers in them.

I had the TSA take my eyeglass repair kit in LGB even though it's expressly on the permitted items list. As I wanted to make my flight, I had to complain after the fact. As expected, TSA didn't respond.

I guess on a related note, where does one purchase tiny screws? I've had the ones from the bottom of my laptop fall out quite a few times and I've been lucky enough that a local tech store has a few in their repair bay. I'd like to keep a stock at home though

What you are looking for is jeweler's screwdrivers. I've got a set I picked up for a few bucks, it's done every small thing I've asked of it.

There are also eyeglass screwdrivers, these are often designed to be easily transportable. I've got one that you can put on a keychain without risking poking a hole in things. It's got both phillips and regular with end caps that screw on over them so it looks like a metal rod a couple of inches long and with a chain on it.

Yeah, but who travels with the jewelers screwdrivers? I have two sets at home.

The last tiny screw I found rattling around was
-after- I removed the eyeglass repair kit from my carry on. I haven't worn glasses in years.

Jim

I keep one of these on my keychain:

http://www.swisstechtools.com/productdetail.aspx?PID=VZ75GDTdP68A

I've always got a screwdriver, and it makes me feel a little like a secret agent.

There's a version available without a knife blade, too, if you want to be all letter-of-the-law about TSA rules.