Cracking open AC adapters

[Me]

I've been told there's often a fuse inside that can be bypassed or
repaired, however, I don't want to ruin the thing. What's the best way
to open them up given that they vary quite a bit in the method of
sealing? Do's and dont's?

JJ

 

[James Sweet]

I've been told there's often a fuse inside that can be bypassed or
repaired, however, I don't want to ruin the thing. What's the best way
to open them up given that they vary quite a bit in the method of
sealing? Do's and dont's?

JJ

First of all *DON'T* bypass the fuse, that's a very BAD idea. Once you get
it open replace the fuse. I've found a bench vise to work pretty well at
opening them, but a rare few do have screws.

 

[Me]

Ah for the days of a basement and bench vise. I loved that thing.
Alas, I'm in an apartment and will have to resort to chisels,
screwdrivers, exacto knives, etc. Plus a light touch and a steady
hand... Hah! Actually, after having lost several AC adapters but not
the appliances they were attached to, there's no way I would bypass.
thanks.

JJ

 

[[email protected]]

Ah for the days of a basement and bench vise. I loved that thing.
Alas, I'm in an apartment and will have to resort to chisels,
screwdrivers, exacto knives, etc. Plus a light touch and a steady
hand... Hah! Actually, after having lost several AC adapters but not
the appliances they were attached to, there's no way I would bypass.
thanks.

For the ones welded or glued together, I've actually used a syringe of
acetone to trace the seams and a razor blade to help seperate. Then
used model airplane glue to seal it back up. This was a slow process,
but it generally worked better than force to break the seams.

-Chris

 

[Yukio]

My technique is a Jeweller's saw and silicone sealant.
BTW a Jeweller's Saw looks like a Coping Saw but is available with a good
assortment of fine blades, It's used in lapidary work , works great for
modifying small PC boards A little more elegant than a Hacksaw, cheaper and
safer than a Bandsaw .

Yukio YANO

 

[Bob Shuman]

I have been successful with a Dremmel tool with a small circular/rotary saw
blade. If you are careful you can then reseal with appropriate plastic glue
after the repair. I've found the Dremmel safer than a razor/Exacto blade
which I had used previously.

Bob

 

[jakdedert]

This must get discussed here every two weeks...at least that was the last
time I remember (two weeks ago). Again, I say the easiest way is to whack
it a couple of times with a rubber mallet. When I last suggested this,
someone said that they usually hold it in their hand when doing so. I tried
that on a cell phone battery and it worked very well...better than I
expected. The seams opened right up and I was able to clear the fault which
caused this brand new battery to not take a charge within about five minutes
of deciding to work on it...had it superglued back together in the time it
would have taken me to find the dremel and the safety glasses.

I'm a big believer in the KISS theory...if it won't open up with a few
whacks, *then* go for the more labor/tool intensive solutions outlined
below...but try the hammer first.

jak

 

[Beloved Leader]

What's the best way to open them up...?

My choices: razor blade, box cutter, X-acto brand knife.

Don't be like me and slice your thumb open. Do wear gloves.

 

[Me]

thanks for all the tips!

JJ

 

[DaveC]

I've been told there's often a fuse inside that can be bypassed or
repaired, however, I don't want to ruin the thing. What's the best way
to open them up given that they vary quite a bit in the method of
sealing? Do's and dont's?

1. Work gloves. Don't ask me why.
2. Pocket knife. If this doesn't work,
3. Dremel with circular saw blade.
4. Model glue or other poly cement.

Put the adapter on its side on a work surface and hold it steady. Place the
knife blade exactly in the middle of the crack and pry. Some models need to
be pried up, some need to be pried down. But frequently it opens up with a
"crack!". Insert the blade into the opening (not too far; you don't want to
make the problems inside worse!) and work your way around. Duplicate on the
other side.

The fuse is frequently a thermal fuse located beneath the tape that is wound
around the transformer windings. Usually marked with its temperature rating.
(Remember to use heat sinks on the leads when soldering the replacement fuse.
Don't ask why...) *Don't* bypass a fuse. Ever.

Good luck,

 

[Asimov]

"Beloved Leader" bravely wrote to "All" (02 Jan 04 14:48:09)
--- on the heady topic of "Re: Cracking open AC adapters"

BL> From: [email protected] (Beloved Leader)

What's the best way to open them up...?

BL> My choices: razor blade, box cutter, X-acto brand knife.

BL> Don't be like me and slice your thumb open. Do wear gloves.

How did you come about your shark proof chain mail gloves...?

.... Batteries not included.