Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

pstokely

(10,525 posts)
Fri May 4, 2018, 07:55 PM May 2018

crack on top of laptop, how concerned should I be?

https://imgur.com/a/kMojvdF
no crack on the screen itself but on the back, should I just use something like electrical tape to keep this from getting worse, this is too old to put a lot of money into for repairs and I can live with tape on the back or a crack if won't get any worse
7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
crack on top of laptop, how concerned should I be? (Original Post) pstokely May 2018 OP
I did that for about a year on my old laptop marylandblue May 2018 #1
I think a good quality duct tape would be better and stronger. democratisphere May 2018 #2
is scotch good quality? pstokely May 2018 #3
I would use Duck Tape Brand. democratisphere May 2018 #4
The problem with adhesives LunaSea May 2018 #5
get a glue natheo May 2018 #6
Message auto-removed Name removed Jun 2018 #7

marylandblue

(12,344 posts)
1. I did that for about a year on my old laptop
Fri May 4, 2018, 08:08 PM
May 2018

Eventually it caused a loose connection to the screen but I was just happy I squeezed some more life out of it.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
2. I think a good quality duct tape would be better and stronger.
Fri May 4, 2018, 08:14 PM
May 2018

It also comes in a huge number of colors and patterns if that matters to you!

LunaSea

(2,893 posts)
5. The problem with adhesives
Fri May 4, 2018, 08:59 PM
May 2018

is the speed at which they break down. The sticky part of most tapes will turn to gummy goo in just a few weeks depending on environment, humidity, etc. You can change it out periodically but beware of further stress on the surrounding material.
Several companies make printed vinyl covers for the back of screens which should be much stronger than most tapes.
A cheaper solution might be a vinyl drawer liner or heavy duty sticker, but test it periodically for breakdown by peeling on a corner. I suspect you could find a blank sticker from a printer who makes bumper stickers. I have a company logo sticker from 2004 on the bottom of a laptop that is scratched and faded but shows no signs of gumminess.

If you are handy with such things, find a piece of stiff aluminum to cover the hole/crack, and cut a piece of vinyl or sticker that leaves a border of about an inch or so all the way around to further protect from damage. It would provide better structural support for the fix and should last a longer time without stressing the crack.

Response to pstokely (Original post)

Latest Discussions»Help & Search»Computer Help and Support»crack on top of laptop, h...