How To Use Screen Vise Clamps

Written By: Carsten Frauenheim

Comments: 1

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

35 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Screen Vise Clamps are adjustable clamps used around the perimeter of phone, tablet, and smartwatch screens or back panels to set replacement adhesive after a repair.

Follow these basic instructions to properly use your clamps without damaging your device.

Caution: Don't use vise clamps to forcibly close a bulging device! Your battery might be swollen—if it is, take appropriate precautions.

For detailed instructions specific to your device and repair, see our repair guides.

Tools

Screen Vise Clamp

Step 1

In order for the adhesive to bond correctly, you'll need to apply even pressure around the perimeter of your device.
Do not use vise clamps to forcibly close a bulging device.
Before beginning this repair, we recommend cleaning your device to avoid catching debris between the vise jaws and the device.
Open a screen vise clamp and slide it over the edge of your device, as far as it will go.

Step 2

If your device has a camera bump and the clamp is able to sit squarely over the center of a lens, you only need to use one clamp for the camera bump.
If the clamp is not able to sit squarely over the center of a lens, use two clamps spaced evenly over the camera bump.

Step 3

For watches, place clamps near the edges, and make sure the jaws press down flat on the display and not at an angle.

Step 4

Over-tightening may damage your device's screen or back cover.
Spin the vise clamp knob clockwise to lower the upper jaw onto the screen.
Spin the knob until the jaw makes light contact with the screen, and then tighten down one half turn.
The clamp isn't meant to be very tight just yet.

Step 5

Repeat the previous steps for the five remaining vise clamps: one at each of the four corners, and one in the middle of each long edge.
For larger tablets, more than six vise clamps may be needed to ensure the adhesive bonds evenly around the entire perimeter.
Using a hair dryer or heat gun, evenly heat the edges all the way around the device until they are slightly too hot to touch. The heat will help the adhesive form a more complete bond.
Don't overheat the device, or you may cause the battery to ignite or damage other heat-sensitive components, like the display.
While the device is still hot, tighten all six vise clamps down one full turn.
Don't tighten any further to avoid damaging your device.
Leave the vise clamps in place for about thirty minutes.

How hot to heat it? The heater cylinder thingie that ifixit sells heats up to about 150F in the microwave. That seems to be about the right temp. However, I have measured my phone to be at 140F when it is being fast-charged, which implies that could soften the adhesive enough to open.

blicher -

Author

Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 10/03/20

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