Unscrewed: Finding Replacement Screws for Palm Tungsten T3 (Jerz’s Literacy Weblog)
A few weeks ago, I was comparing PDA’s with Josh Sasmor (a Seton Hill math professor), when Josh noticed that one of the four tiny screws on the lower body of my Tungsten T3 was missing. I forgot to bring the charger home one weekend, and took the following week off, so my PDA’s batteries died and I didn’t use it for more than a week. When I picked it up again, I noticed that now, three of the four tiny screws were missing.
I hit the Internet, and found that I am not alone. Palm does not sell replacement screws, and in fact will not replace them at all unless you send in your PDA for servicing — which costs $125, plus shipping and the time you have to spend without a PDA — and that you might get somebody else’s used PDA back instead of yours. A few posters in online forums mentioned finding replacements in out of the way places, so I was hopeful (though Finn never replied to my e-mail). One online poster said a railroad hobbyist eyeballed the screw, said “Looks like a #80,” opened up a drawer, and presto — problem solved.
After checking Wal-Mart, Lowe’s (a hardware chain), three eyeglass stores, two jewelry stores and a Radio Shack, I was feeling pretty discouraged. The culture here in Pennsylvania is small-town friendly, so I didn’t get the idea people were blowing me off; but nobody had a drawer full of odd screws, and nobody knew how to get in touch with a supplier who might stock such parts. “The parts I’m supposed to need just arrive from the warehouse,” said one employee.
Today I was in downtown Greensburg, and found screws that fit at Bortz Hardware. They had about twenty in a little drawer; The part number: 0-80X 1/8, flat head Phillips, 64084. I bought seven. When I told employee Peggy Felton about the Tungsten problem, she looked in her drawer and said, “I’ll order more.”
Update, June 25 (photo added): The replacement screw, on the right, sticks out ever so slightly on the downslope edge, but it seems to fit tightly.
If you’re looking for replacement Tungsten T3 screws, you might want to give Bortz Hardware a call at 724 834 3770. (I have no financial stake in the transaction… I’m just hoping I might be of some service to somebody whom Google throws my way.)
According to the chatter on user forums and an online petition, Palm’s position is that the screws were lost due to user error, and thus the replacement is not covered by warranty. Many unhappy consumers note that they have owned countless electronic devices with tiny screws that do not need to be tightened regularly, and feel it is a design flaw.
Oh… the price Bortz Hardware charged for the screws? Eighteen cents each. That sure beats $125.
Post was last modified on 2 Jul 2020 2:26 pm
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I had the same problem with my T3, but found a supplier that sells in lots of 100. Not a problem, as many others are having the same issue. I have been selling them as a set of 5 (one exra) on eBay. Simply search for "Palm Screws" and you'll find my ad. I sell them more as a convenience for others with the same problem. Also, as I suggest in my ad, be sure to use a thread locker such as "locktite" to ensure they don't fall out again. I have not had a problem with mine since I replaced the two that fell out and used a thread locker.
And yet another funny story, as i was showing and beaming Applications to a friend of mine who bought a TX, i all of a sudden look at the sides of the palm, to my amazement ... oh .. one missing .... look at the other side ... oh two missing, so nedless to say i was im three out of four screws short ... *Giggles* Go figure, so i also ended up here ... and already bought 12 screws from Carmine .... wich i hope will arrive soon.
We should start a T3 union ;)
*Hugs* All
Francisco
all my screws fell out to then shortly after that the screen went dead it still charges but you cant turn it on at all and body have that problem.
I discovered yesterday that two of the side screws on my Tungsten T3 were missing, and was dreading how difficult it would be to find replacements. (I knew right off the bat that Palm would be of little use). Finding this website was great. Since I'm in Philadelphia, I decided to be a loyal Pennsylvanian and contact Bortz Hardware. Spoke with Heather who was very helpful. Price is still 75 cents per screw plus shipping. She also sold me a small screwdriver to fit the screws. Cost for that was $2.95. Everything is going out today.
Reading this blog was almost as enjoyable as finding the parts so easily. Too bad some television reporter couldn't pick up the story. It could be a quirky but interesting consumer advocacy piece - and could make Palm finally start to pay attention.
Thanks Dennis for starting this off.
Incase its any use to anyone, I got a reply from Palm Europe saying that they would supply the Screws for FREE.
Today, I have confirmation that they have 'ordered' them, o its seems that in the UK, Palm are willing to "do the right thing"!.
Jon
Amazing.. I just noticed that I have lost 3 of my 4 screws and after trying Palm, decided to do a Google search.
I am amazed how widespread this is and also interested to see how many people have lost 3 of the 4 screws like me.
I will have to look into my options and see if its viable to get some shipped to the UK.
Glad to know that I am no alone
Jon
Had my T3 for 3 years, just noticed missing screws in the last several months. Today I noticed I'm down to the last one...after reading all the comments here, I ordered two sets from Carmine...I'm happy to pay an extra buck to him when no one else was willing to provide the product. Thanks!
look on Ebay, they're $3.50 for 5 screws including shipping. hope this helps everyone.
Marilyn
What amazes me is how many of us have just ONE screw left - what is it about that last screw that keeps it from falling out? My T3 has had ONE screww for months now!
Again - eternal gratitude to this blog, Dennis and Carmine - I have just ordered my screws from Carmine!
In 5 minutes I have solved my problem! The internet is sometimes great that way! (assuming US Postal Service can get the envelope to me in Australia!)
Carrie, I'm glad I could help.
Oddly enough, just yesterday I noticed that two more of my screws were missing. Fortunately I had bought extras.