can i fix this scratch on my aluminum macbook myself?

July 2, 2009 7:45 AM

So, I put a huge deep scratch into my macbook aluminum. Thankfully the scratch is on the side of the macbook and all not that noticeable, but, I am still thinking about buying aluminum putty/epoxy or similar, filling the scratch, and refinishing it. Is this a horrible idea? Any advice should I proceed?
posted by yeoz to computers & internet (14 comments total)

I think it's extremely unlikely you'll replicate the brushed aluminium finish. I'd say you are about 5 times as likely to make it look worse by attempting this, to throw an arbitrary number out there for emphasis. In short, I think it's a horrible idea.

I think you are far better of just living with the scratch.
posted by Brockles at 7:56 AM on July 2 [2 favorites]

I'd check with an autobody shop for advice, but my instinct is with Brockles on this one.

Entire-replacement chassis are often available on eBay for cheap ("For Sale: MacBook with Broken Screen and Keyboard"), or from Apple Service for not cheap.
posted by rokusan at 8:02 AM on July 2 [1 favorite]

is it that important that it look perfect? - I don't imagine that the putty will look spotless.
posted by mary8nne at 8:12 AM on July 2

Ah, I didn't even think about just replacing the frame, although I've done that with windows notebooks before, it had simply skipped my mind that I could do the same here.

I feel so silly now. I will probably sit and wait for a cheap dead macbook to show up on ebay and then pick it up. Thanks.
posted by yeoz at 8:17 AM on July 2

Draw fake stitches on it and let your computer have some personality. Or cover it up with an EFF sticker!
posted by bensherman at 8:18 AM on July 2

I HAVE a dead Macbook Pro. What do you need from it?
posted by naplesyellow at 8:21 AM on July 2

@naplesyellow, I actually have a macbook and not a macbook pro, and I would've needed the chassis from it, so your macbook pro probably won't help me much. Thanks anyway.
posted by yeoz at 8:26 AM on July 2

Go crazy and draw more stuff on it, as bensherman suggests. I think this would have the added benefit of making your MacBook more identifiable and therefore, less appealing to anyone looking to steal it.

I've done this for an expensive TI-84 Plus Silver calculator that I can't afford to lose.
posted by marsha56 at 8:27 AM on July 2

The side of a macbook pro is mainly the bottom case. You can get one pretty reasonably if the scratch bothers you that much. You might wait until you have a few more scratches before taking this on.
posted by StUdIoGeEk at 9:33 AM on July 2

I feel your pain. I managed to gouge a scrape out of the top of mine by carrying keys in the same hand as the macbook. stupid stupid stupid. However, I figure I am likely to get clumsy again, so won't bother getting a new chassis. Good to know that's a possibility though!
posted by nunoidia at 10:19 AM on July 2

StUdIoGeEk, the side is actually the top case. This is not a very cheap part, unless you can get a salvage machine sold for parts on eBay.
posted by BryanPayne at 10:42 AM on July 2

PBparts.com has them for $229-$249, depending on if you have a backlit or non-backlit keyboard. Disclaimer, I know the guy who owns this company, but would not profit in any way if you purchased from him.
posted by BryanPayne at 10:45 AM on July 2

Probably not. If you can find a friend with a laser cutter, this is a good chance to try etching a design in. Ideally the design would incorporate the scratch much like tattoos that integrate scars.
posted by chairface at 12:14 PM on July 2

Apple builds their products to endure use. Think of the scratch as proof that it's designed to withstand actual everyday use, not designed to be packaged under another layer of plastic or foam.
posted by Señor Pantalones at 3:58 PM on July 2