Pentalobe screwdrivers are an incredibly important tool for fixing all manner of Apple products. As any iPhone or MacBook user knows, Apple makes use of these pentalobe screws to keep all their devices screwed up tight. So, to crack these devices open for repairs and whatnot, you’re going to need a pentalobe screwdriver.
Pentalobe screws are used on basically every Apple device, from the Apple Watch to the MacBook Pro. For better or for worse, everything is standardized when it comes to Apple, and this even applies to these uncommon screws. It’s a fairly cumbersome thing, one that’s been criticized many times by many different users especially thanks to the vast array of pentalobe screw sizes around.
Which Devices Use Pentalobe P5 Screwdrivers?
Yes, on top of how the devices are using proprietary screws, pentalobe screws also come in a variety of different sizes. The size of the screws are dependent on the device, and while there’s no official known standard naming scheme for them, the community has classified each screw size with P-designations. They’re labeled P1 – P6, though there are also different designations for them, like the TS system. You’ll also need to know which devices carry which screws in advance.
For example, larger devices like some MacBooks have larger pentalobe P5 screws, and therefore will need a larger designated pentalobe screwdriver in order to open them up. It’s very important to make sure you know what size screwdriver to get for your device. For these purposes, we’ve prepared a little chart so that you can check with ease.
P1 – None
P2 – Every iPhone variant post iPhone 4
P3 – None
P4 – None
P5 – MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with Retina Display
P6 - MacBook Pro (2009) Battery – 15″ only
Best Pentalobe Screwdriver for DIY iPhone Repairs
The best pentalobe screwdriver for you is going to be the one that fits your device, which is why it’s important to cross-reference before you buy. In terms of quality, these pentalobe screwdrivers aren’t going to differ too much from each other, though it’s still important to make sure you buy a decent one. In fact, most of the time, the best option is to buy a full kit as opposed to just one single screwdriver.
When it comes to DIY iPhone repairs, perhaps one of the best options available is a repair kit. After all, if you’re going to be opening up your device, surely you’ve got something to fix. In these cases, you can take a look at one of Fixo’s very own DIY repair kits for iPhones. They’re a pretty good choice if you’re looking to fix some specific part of your iPhone.
Each Fixo repair kit comes with 15 tools to open your iPhone, including just the right pentalobe screwdriver for your device. On top of that, it will also come with the part you need to swap out, which makes sourcing parts much less of a hassle. You’ll still be able to use the toolkit for further repairs in the future, so it’s a good investment.
Where to Buy Pentalobe Screwdriver Sydney
In Sydney, pentalobe screwdrivers can be somewhat difficult to come by, though they’re not impossible to find. As we’ve already mentioned, Fixo repair kits for iPhones are an excellent option if you’re looking to carry out a full repair by yourself. It comes with the screwdriver required, as well as other tools and the part you need to replace already included, so a solid general deal.
If you’re just looking to secure pentalobe screwdrivers in Sydney however, you can browse options at your closest Jaycar, which should carry them in the form of a full set. This will include every size of pentalobe screwdriver you could want, making things a bit more convenient for users. You’re going to really need to browse through the options though, as there’s no guarantee your store will carry it.
You can also go down the route of purchasing them from an online vendor and having it shipped over. It’s the most hassle-free method on this list, and it allows you to buy single screwdrivers as opposed to full toolkits. You can even buy automatic pentalobe screwdrivers to make life easier, though do keep in mind that it’s harder to assure quality over the internet.
Where to Buy Pentalobe Screwdriver Brisbane
In Brisbane, your choices are relatively similar to Sydney. You can still peruse your local Jaycar to search for a physical set of pentalobe screwdrivers, or you can resort to the online method of searching and finding exactly what you need. Overall, fairly similar processes, though you’ll potentially want to find something closer for faster deliveries.
Or, you can once again opt for the Fixo option if you’re just looking to fix something specific with your iPhone. It’s a convenient package, and a good deal for anyone that’s trying to get into DIY smartphone repairs. An iPhone can be a bit difficult to open up, so having a full toolset is essential to getting this to work.
Most Common MacBook Pentalobe Screwdriver Sizes
When it comes to MacBook pentalobe screwdriver sizes, the most common is definitely P5, also known as TS4. They’re used to secure the MacBook and many of its parts, which makes opening it up a bit of a hassle. The MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and MacBook with Retina display all use these specific types of pentalobe screws, so if you’ll want to get a screwdriver of the same size for the job.
It’s always good to have other sized pentalobe screwdrivers on hand just in case however. For example, some older variants of the MacBook Pro have P6 or TS5 pentalobe screws securing parts like their batteries, so you may find yourself needing to swap screwdriver sizes in the middle of a repair. Otherwise however, P5 or TS4 is the way to go for Apple laptops.
We hope this article was generally enlightening on what exactly pentalobe screwdrivers are and where you can find them in Australia. Just remember to stay safe and take care of your device when performing any DIY repairs!