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.
I have a T3 and have the same problem. Thanks.
I have a problem with my palm tungsten w. the sim card access door is damaged. i don’t know from where i can get a replacement. even a piece from the old unused unit will serve the purpose. can anyone help ?
I have had trouble with the T3 screws falling out myself. Palm did offer me a replacement set for US$15.00 wow. Thanks, but no thanks. Some time later I find myself in the market for buying a new PDA and will not look at palm as an option. So you see Mr Palm, the sort of support you give customers results in the same sort of support you receive in return. None=None. Rude=Rude. No Support=No Support. What chance would have received if it were a more serious support issue. Pity you let your investors down. Maybe your investors will read this blog.
I found 25 screw for $2.40 plus five bucks shipping on Amazon merchant Small Parts, Inc. Same merchant had same product for much higher prices within their listings so be careful you find the lower priced product:
The exact listing was: Miniature Stainless Steel 18-8 Phillips Flat Head Phillips Machine Screw 0-80 x 1/8″ L (Pack of 25)
Small Parts, Inc. part number: MPX-0080-02F-25
URL for the product: http://www.amazon.com/Miniature-Stainless-Steel-Phillips-Machine/dp/B000FN0J9E/ref=sr_1_9/103-0656061-9970217?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1178845410&sr=1-9
I ordered a Palm T-3 replacement battery on-line. Now I find I can’t get it apart to replace the battery. Can anyone help?
Thanks for this site…I was actually googling for a case when i stumble upon this. I called Peggy and ordered 6 screws asap..she said she will try to get them out today… we’ll see….75 cents a piece plus $5 shipping. Considering the alternatives..this is great!
Like everyone else on this site, also my Tugsten T3 lost its lateral screws. They have since been replaced with similar screws, but they always looked “different”.
Last week, after reading the thread on this site, I have contacted Palm technical support by filling a form on Palm Italy web site, asking for some screw replacement.
To my astonishment, they have promptly replied (in less than half an hour!), saying more or less “Yes, we will do it.” And today I got an email confirming the shipment of the screws. Wow! So fast and simple! And free, too.
As someone wrote earlier, maybe Palm has started to pay attention, at last.
This is a great post as I just lost two of the screws holding the sliding part of the housing of my Tungsten T3, and have not been able to find them anywhere. As I live in Munich, Germany, I just ordered from Carmine.
Screw Palm!
just thought I’d add that miniature screws like this are available from:
http://www.smallparts.com
and
http://www.mcmaster.com/
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.
Hello Carmine Castiglia and Dennis G. Jerz- 9/24/06
With one screw and tape holding my “Palm Tungsten T” together I found your web-site via Jerz’s Literacy Weblog page. After doing much searching myself (Wal-Mart, a number of hardware chains, eyeglass stores, two jewelry stores and a photo store, I was feeling pretty discouraged myself). I found that this was MUCH the same way Dennis had done after I found his weblog site. I read much of the reviews that people had written and looked on your page. With the same question two others had asked #57 and #58 about the $1 increase-then after reading what you had written, I also noted that when you first stated the $4.95 was Jul 2004, it being Sep 2006 and what you had stated (#59), as well as looking at your site, the comments that Dennis and others had written-I too placed my order. I am glad that things have gone well for you over the years. You have a very good web-site, very professional. I liked the fact that I felt like I was doing business with someone that took this “little” problem seriously and have put something together for the remaining of us that knows the problem is BIGGER then the “little” screws that you provide.
I would also have to TRULY THANK Dennis G. Jerz (#60) that was the original person that has provided this information to us that are one screw short from falling apart. If it were not for Dennis’s trouble and doing much of the same searching that others have done themselves-as well as his willingness to provide such help I might have fallen apart. So THANK YOU both for Truly providing a service that might have Never been, if it were not for your effort to make a difference in our life.
Sincerely,
Carrie P.
This is the very reason why I haven’t made the move for a new Palm.
I have owned 4 over the years, and while I LOVE the PDA, the Customer Service and support from Palm is sorely lacking.
I also lost a ton of information due to the lost slide plate. As a matter of fact, Thanksgiving 2005, my Palm ‘died’ on me. Sadly, I set it to the side. I haven’t found another brand that seems to compare, but not wanting to invest any more money in a company that didn’t care about me once they had my cash (My T3 is out of warranty, and I’m already on one refurbished model), I just went without and cried frequently.
A few days ago, I decided to show some one how bad off the device was, and found it actually worked. Seems if I keep it held together, it’s ok, and I can get by.
Today, I just grabbed a binder clip and guess what? It’s working. But I do want to get screws – and a new case.
I love my PDA, and I love having my information at my fingertips, but I am not loving Palm because they would let me, and others, suffer, and not even SELL the replacement screws!
It’s a mystery to me, but thanks for returning with the follow-up.
Update: After hard reset and then draining the battery completely and recharging completely, and then jiggling the loose slide plate due to missing screws, it finally came back to life. Thanks to BackupBuddy, I was able to quickly sync all my software back on my T3. Not sure why the hiccup and freeze, whether due to software conflict or perhaps the loose slide plate. Oh well, there goes my excuse to get the Tx.
I am now a member of the missing screws club. I also found the two screws on the left side missing after reading your messages and then checking.
Unfortunately, I have a more pressing problem. My screen is frozen on with the Palm Power logo screen always on. No amount of soft, warm or hard resets seems to help. If I leave it out of the cradle, it eventually drains the battery to zero and the screen goes blank. I really don’t need this as an excuse to buy a new Tx, but I’m headed in that direction. Has anyone had a similar experience?
P.S. I used an old trick to keep my screws in place. Guys, if you are married, have a girlfriend, or sister in the house just borrow their clear fingernail polish. Dab a little on and you have an inexpensive alternative to Loctite!
I ordered my screws for my Tungsten T3 from Carmine. He sent them ASAP. I totally agree with Post number 69! I would recommend his service to anyone. BTW, he’s still at http://www.infosystemspro.com for anyone else who wants to order.
BTW, where is this petition so that I too can sign it?
I too found that I am missing two of those 4 screws from the left side of my Palm T3! Thanks for all the geat information! I am going to contact Carmine ASAP!
Aconsola and Ignacio, all I know is the part number that I incuded in the main blog entry: 0-80X 1/8, flat head Phillips, 64084
I am in Argentina. Do you have any idea how I should order the T3 screws? I mean the technical specifications of these screws so it facilitates my search.
Thanks, Ignacio Filici.
What is the actual thread size of the perfect replacement screws. I know I could order them at the sites above, but that would be too easy.
I can’t comment on Peggy v Carmine. I’ll share my ordering experience with Carmine Castiglia:
I ordered replacement screws from Castiglia last month for my Tungsten T3. They arrived in Austin about 3 days after the email acknowledgment. The packaging was as another poster described: letter-size envelope -> small manila envelope -> small plastic zipper-seal bag. And receipt was enclosed.
I compared the replacement screws with an original and found the pitch and length to be the same. I installed 2 screws and tightened up the remaining original screws (with a #0 phillips jeweler’s screwdriver). This left me with 2 spares should any be lost. I may loctite them all in the future.
Castiglia offered a quick, inexpensive, and effective solution. My experience with him was professional– he delivered what he said he would. I’m pleased with the fix, and I will recommend the same to my friends should they need it.
I looked (over the net) at both product Peggy and Carmine are selling. Ihaven’t bought any of them yet. I have a T3 that’s been missing 3 screws for the last past 2 years.
Indeed, it is inconcievable that PalmOne will charge $125 just to replace those.
It is conforting that there is something about this issue out on the web.
To Carmine’s defense, it looks like he’s also a “small-town-shop” and was able to get the actual replacement screws. Come payday, I will be buying Carmine’s product just because I am a perfectionist (that is, if he’s still alive… It’s been 2 years since his last update).
In any case, thank you all for the help. It’s been bugging me for the longest time and because of that, I haven’t used my palm for over a year.
The screws that I bought from Peggy are still in my PDA. I probably remembered to tighten them a few times after I bought them, but it’s probably been a year since I’ve tightened them, and they’re still just fine. I didn’t add any glue or anything.
Bortz Hardware is a mom-and-pop outfit in a small town. Carmine runs a slick online tech-and-geekery shop, and obviously cares about his online reputation.
Some folks have had luck getting Palm to replace the screws for free, but your mileage may vary.
Do I order screws from Carmine or Peggy? Who has the better screws with the best price?
The first time this happened to me, I got the customer service rep in India to give me a phone # in the US (which I, of course, can no longer find). I called Palm, and they sent me four new screws, no charge. Even with Loctite, I’ve since lost another one. But now I’m out of warranty, so will be buying a new set. BTW, pdaparts.com no longer seems to be charging shipping. The screws are $6.99.
Thanks for the tips on the screws. I will get some ASAP.
I lost three before I noticed. I tightened and trapped the remaining one with a strip of “Scotch super strength packaging tape” It is 2 inches wide and you can get it at many stores. The tape is VERY durable and nearly invisible and I have never needed to retighten the screw. I also use the tape to scratch-proof the entire body. It is easy to trim away where you don’t want it. Any more news on availability of the original gray flip cover?
I want to sign this petition that everyone talks about, but don’t know where it is. Can someone help me?
T. Scott
Also found another site that may be useful:
http://www.gethightech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA1694&Category_Code=PC
A bit more expensice than Carmine but another source none-the-less.
Does anyone know the exact size of the screws for the T3? I am going to talk to a machinist to see if he can get them in. Thanks all.
You’re not a spammer, Carmine, you’re a real human being who’s offering a real solution to a problem I’ve blogged about, so you’re welcome here.
Hi folks –
I will have to apologize for the $1.00 increase but please give me an opportunity to point out that I am doing my best to provide a useful service at a reasonable cost which covers my expenses and makes the effort worthwhile. After all, my web site alone costs me several hundred dollars a year to maintain, and my estore manager (esellerate.com) takes 10% off the top of all my sales (compare that to 40% to 60% for PalmGear / Handango / et al!).
I package my screws well (as anyone who has purchased from me will attest, I believe) to ensure safe and fast delivery and I pay the cost of postage within the US (and only charge the difference outside the US, $0.23 for Canada/Mexico, $0.43 elsewhere. I do not charge inflated “handling” fees of any kind.
Compare this to the only other site who (claims – I have not seen the items) to sell replacement screws, pdaparts.com / gethightech.com. He came along nearly a year after I made these screws available and sells them at $6.99 + (the last time I looked – alert me if I am wrong) $5.95 shipping/handling. And at that, the web site plainly states, “This items is NON Returnable, Non Refundable and Non Exchangable.” Now, what’s that all about?? Also, I ship worldwide; PDAParts.com ships only to the US and Canada (again, correct me if I am wrong).
Overall, I think I have done a good job. Google my name (and notice, I do not hide behind phony names or a business title; I use my real name and have always been proud to do so) – anyway, Google “Carmine Castiglia” or “infosystemspro” and I guarantee you will find many, many, positive comments and not a single negative one.
Jerz, I apologize for using your blog as a sounding board, but appreciate your allowing me to do so.
Carmine Castiglia
InfosystemsPro LLC
Are you an engineer? Interested in ISO 286? Please drop me a note via email.
Yeah, I noticed the $1 increase as well… I guess there’s a large enough captive market to make this a profitable business. I also notice that nowhere on the ‘net is there a specification for the exact replacement screw. #80-1/8 is close, but apparently not exact (which doesn’t surprise me, it’s probably a metric screw not an imperial one). Does anyone know what the designation is for the exact replacement?
What a joke.. Last time I’m bying palm… I have walkman, calculators, cell phones among other things and I have never had to replace screws.. only glasses.. Stumble acrros these pstong great help… Just saw thought that prices have go up at Carmine’s by a $1, I thought that the smallest denomination allowed was $4.95.. Just wandering what happened?
Another possibility is to visit a local machine shop or find a machinist that may have the screws or can get them for you. I am going this week to see if this is feasible. Will keep you posted (no pun intended)…
Actually, Aaron, at one point I had to reinstall Docs to Go, and I think it was on the CD with a very uninformative name.
Great website, I may have to order the screws as I just lost one and my local Skycraft which has some of everything didn’t have quite the right screw.
I looked and I don’t have my leather cover as I prefer the hardshell from Rhinoskin. If I had it I would have offered it here in exchange for some screws..
Hotsynch Software comes with Palm desktop download. That does not include the Docs to go and other software. I think it does include Outlook synch, but I’m not sure since I use Beyond Contacts. If you look on Ebay there is often someone selling a broken palm with the software or just a the software. Or try Beyond Contacts. Get the trial and wait the thirty days, they will keep emailing you lower prices. I got mine bundled with Docs to GO for less then the price for one of the products alone.
I wish palm had better support. If I didn’t like the T3 so much better hten anything else on the market I’d tell them to take off. Glad I bought it on Ebay instead of from them.
Thanks for the update. My Bortz screws are still fine… I’ve probably retightened them three times since I replaced them, but I think only once did the screw seem to move when I turned it. I’d agree that tightening screws that use Loctite is probably unnecessary.
Update on Loctite. As in my comment above (#35), I used Loctite “medium strength blue threadlocker”. I used it when my T3 was 3 months old because the screws had fallen out twice. I’m happy to say that after 6 months they still haven’t fallen out. So far, so good. I do not regularly tighten them because I think tightening may strip the screws or loosen the Loctite.
I think you can just download the desktop software from Palm’s website. I don’t know if that would get you Docs2Go or any of the other freebies, but the synch software wouldn’t be much good without the hardware, so I don’t see why they’d hide it.
thank you for this link Dennis.
i just ordered from Carmine Castiglia.
I have gone with 3 screws missing for past 4 months and just stumbled on your link.
thanks again…
Any ideas on how I could get Tungsten T3 software for hotsink….I lost my original CD.
Thanks for any info
P.S. to the above: my replacement order was from Carmine Castiglia (whose name I got from this weblog; thanks!). He is at http://www.infosystemspro.com/pdaparts_screws.htm
I just received my package of four replacement screws for palmOne Tungsten T, T2, & T3, and have installed them using Super glue gel. This is a relief, as at this point I had lost all but one of the original four (more below)!
I ordered the replacements exactly a week ago; they shipped First Class USPS mail from Connecticut on the same day (a Saturday). They arrived today in a small ziploc bag inside a small manila envelope, inside a letter inside a standard business envelope. All four screws were inside.
The replacements are slightly brighter and less grey than the original T3 side casing screws, but are otherwise an exact replacement, fit perfectly, and on my T3 at least exactly match the finish of the two upper back screws (apparently only the lower side ones were finished to match the grey metal case color).
As a test, I removed the one remaining original screw that I had used Super Glue to secure to my T3 several days ago. It came out, though VERY reluctantly, even after the first full turn. That tells me it was securely locked in.
The history of my T3, a case of accelerated lossage:
1. Purchase in November, 2004;
2. Notice two lower left screws missing, move lower right to lower left and tighten the remaining two, late 29 January 2005;
3. Notice lower left screw missing, and find in pocket and retighten both, March 5, 2005;
4. Notice upper right screw missing only 3 days later, March 8, 2005.
So, while the first retightening gave me over a month, the second one lasted only a few days. This may indicate that as these screws are retightened they become MORE LIKELY TO FALL OUT SUBSEQUENTLY. For this reason I believe anyone who replaces these screws should secure them with Loctite or Super Glue.
Carson
Thank you very much for your efforts. I will order the missing screws from Carmine right away.
While on a European trip, I found that all four screws were missing from my T3. I had planned to contact Palm for replacememt screws, but now I know better. I will be contacting Carmine this morning. Thanks to everyone for your posts. This made is painless to find a solution.
Frank…
It’s great to know I’m not alone (T|3; found two lower left screws missing this morning).
I had a similar problem with my Jornada a few years ago, and used Super Glue to secure the screws; they never came loose again. I first cleaned the screws thoroughly with a solvent cleaner, then dried them thoroughly, to remove any oil that might interfere with the bond. I doubt this would prevent the screws being removed if necessary, and suspect it works better than loctite.
Carson
Carmina,
many thanks for shipment of T3 screws to Belgium. received them today and they fit like a glove
cheers,
Harm Spanhaak
I need to find a new grey flip cover also. Palmone said they won’t sell it separately, although the rep said he gets requests for this all the time and feels they should sell it. HELP!
Thanks for the organized effort. Just ordered the screws from Carmine. Looking forward to finally fixing this problem!
Thanks for the help.
RE…Grey flip cover…
Try using black leather dye for shoes.
Then black shoe polish
Looks much better than Grey
Also, I highly recommend a leather case “Micro Leather Phone Case” No. 305748 from Brookstone Company $12.50 Great fit and a great buy.
http://www.brookstone.com
Thanks! Found you on Google right away, and am ordering Carmine’s screws (have also dropped an inquiry to Palm support and signed the petition). My guess, FWIW, is that they’ve got an overly excitable lawyer who thinks if they supply screws it’s admitting the design flaw, and exposes them to a class action suit or recall. Of course, sending a couple screws as needed would probably be cheaper than said laywer’s opinion, and avert any class action suit anyway….
My grey leather flip cover just broke as well. I really prefer it over a hard cover case. Thanks
Thanks for the advice about the ‘screw problem.’ Does anyone know where I could find a new grey leather flip cover for my T3? The original has broken and a replacement apparently can’t be ordered from Palmone. Palm says that the original covers only ship with a new T3.
I’m glad I could help by giving you the space to share what you learned, Peter. Thanks.
I did some research on “thread locker” products to prevent the screws from loosening. The Loctite brand “medium strength blue threadlocker” seems the best suited for this. I picked it up at Lowe’s for about $5. I applied it with a toothpick. The super glue products and the heavy duty strength products might not ever let the screws out again even if needed for repair. I’m hoping this will work since I don’t like the idea of checking them weekly. I think Carmen even warns against overtightening since it can strip the threads. I bough a few extra screws from Carmen just in case.
Thanks for this forum, Dennis.
Thanks for the replacement screws, Carmen.
Pete
thank you for this advice – fantastic and so pleased it came up straight away on Google.
Sam
Does anyone know more about using Loctite or a similar product to help prevent the screws from falling out?
I know this must be a very common problem. I have owned my T3 for less than 3 months and the same 2 scews have fallen out twice already. The first time I was lucky enough to find them in my pocket. Here is Palm most recent response, which is to contact other companies to supply the parts:
Dear Peter:
Thank you for contacting palmOne Technical Support. This is Giovanni and I will be supporting you with your issue. I understand that you have missing screws on the handheld.
I understand that you lost some screws on the handheld. With regard to this issue, I suggest that you logon to this URL http://www.overstock.com or http://www.pdaparts.com and purchase some screws.
We hope this issue has been resolved to your satisfaction. A Customer Satisfaction Survey will be emailed to you very shortly. Please take time to provide us with your feedback about this support experience, as it will help us in our on-going effort to continually improve our services.
If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us again. You can also find troubleshooting articles and frequently asked questions at:
http://kb.palmone.com
To learn more about palmOne handhelds, please visit our support web site at:
http://www.palmone.com/us/support/
Thank you for choosing palmOne.
Sincerely,
Giovanni
Hey everybody. The screw problem is pretty sucky, I know. However the screws from Carmine at InfosystemsPro.com fit PERFECTLY. No one will know the difference. I think they are 100% the same. Anyway, they’re cheap, and your (T3) chassis will slide out without a hint of wobble. If you are without the proper screwdriver for these undeniably small screws, Sunglass Hut’s Sunglass kit has amongst other things, a very handy sunglass’ hinge screwdriver. Works perfectly for the T series screws.
Thanks Carmine.
I ordered the screws from Carmine and he mailed them right away. THEY ARE PERFECT! And the price is right. I ordered the plated screws and they look very handsome in place.
This is a GREAT site! I hopped over and signed the petition THEN went to infosystemspro.com and ordered screws from “them” (him? :o) ). Thanks Jerz! Thanks Carmine!
I have lost 3 screws and I was even aware of the need to tighten them! Just after I bought my T3 I had noticed the screws loosening – so I’d give them a tweak each week…okay, not EACH week, but the rhyme was kind of cute. Despite my tweaking/tightening (I tightened each nighten?) I still lost them.
I read with amusement Palm support’s [lame] cautionary comment that putting the screws in ourselves was “too delicate an operation.” Heck, I wedged a toothpick in the hole for a few days and got it out jus’ fine. I can handle your fancy-schmanzy screw.
Dave Taylor
Thank you Carmine. Your screws arrived as promised and they fit perfectly.
Tibor,
Your replacement screws are already in the mailbox. I hope you will find dealing with me to be a lot more pleasant than your experience with palmOne. :)
Looks like Palm has changed its policy on sending replacement screws, although you may have to pay a $25 charge (I’ve already ordered mine from Mr. Castiglia). See e-mail string below:
Dear [Customer]:
Thank you for contacting palmOne? technical support. My name is Carlos and I will be assisting you with your issue about the screw on your handheld.
Please contact Technical Support hotline for online help about the issue since email support is limited to technical issues and simple inquiry only. By the way we can now send screws to you through carrier this is an updated policy.
If these steps have not resolved your issue, you may want to contact our telephone Technical Support center for additional assistance. This team can be reached at: 813-313-4913
Please note, support telephone calls are subject to a technical support fee of $25 per incident after 90 days from the date of purchase. However, if your call results in a Service Repair Order, or we are unable to resolve your issue, this fee will be waived. U.S. customers may also purchase the palmOne OnCall plan which provides a full year of telephone technical support.
Thank you for choosing palmOne.
Sincerely,
Carlos
palmOne Technical Support
— Original Message —
Dear Palm:
I have been a loyal Palm user for many years, but your refusal to solve
a simple hardware problem by providing a few small screws, and instead
require an expensive and highly inconvenient process to remedy an
obvious design flaw, is commercially unacceptable behavior for a
consumer electronics company.
[Customer]
—Prior Message—
Dear [Customer]:
Thank you for contacting palmOne(tm) Technical Support. My name is
Jalaja and I will be assisting you with your inquiry about placing an
order for missing screws for your handheld. I understand that the
screws of your handheld are missing and would like to get the
replacement for it.
We are sorry to inform that the replacement screws are not available and
in order to get the handheld fixed please set up a Service Repair Order.
Service Repair Orders must be set-up by the palmOne telephone Technical
Support team. This team can be reached at: 813-313-4913
Please note, support telephone calls are subject to a technical support
fee of $25 per incident after 90 days from the date of purchase.
However, if your call results in a Service Repair Order, or we are
unable to resolve your issue, this fee will be waived. U.S. customers
may also purchase the palmOne OnCall plan which provides a full year of
telephone technical support.
Thank you for choosing palmOne.
Sincerely,
Jalaja
palmOne Technical Support
Thanks Denis – I’m practically blushing!
If you should find yourself in the mood for something wild & crazy, I am now also offering the same screws electroplated with real 24 Kt Gold! Adds a tiny touch of class to your T, T2, or T3 and goes great with the (somewhat ostentatious) palmOne Gold Plated Stylus. :)
Carmine
I just installed the replacement screws available from Carmine Castiglia (ccastiglia@infosystemspro.com)on my T3- they fit perfectly, recessing just right compared with the slightly long 0-80X 1/8, flat head Phillips, 64084. I put a drop of locktite on each screw to reduce the problem in future.
Also, buying from Carmine reminded me of the early days on the Net – very personalized service from someone who found a way to solve a problem. I’d happily count on him again…which is far more than I can say about PalmOne these days!
Palm V->Vx->m505->Tungsten->Tungsten T3->??
They are the real thing. High precision stainless steel, made in Germany. They are even better than the Palm originals and sit tight and firm.
See for yourself at http://joyma.com/palm.htm
Ah, but are they the real thing? Exact replacements for the factory-installed screws? Or are they the poorly fitting 0-80 x 1/8″ screws?
You get them now at ebay, too. With comfort and convenience.
One more update for everyone –
After lots of energy and time expended, I have located a source for *exact* replacement screws. I had to purchase a *very large* quantity of screws, but they are now available from my website. To the best of my knowledge, my site is the only place on the web where these *exact* replacement screws can be found.
Please visit http://www.infosystemspro.com/pdaparts.htm for more info.
Carmine
PS: Thanks to those who supported me by ordering the earlier screws from my website. If you would like a “free upgrade” to the new, better fitting, screws, drop me an email and I will get them out right away.
Brett – is that you?
I shipped screws late yesterday to a “Brett”. You/he should receive them in a few days.
Carmine
Dennis,
Just another thanks. I notice my Tungsten T lost 3 of the 4 screws when traveling accross country this summer and I’m still looking -stopped in very store I could find. I check the lone survivor screw every day.
Brett
Dennis – Thanks, your challenge (“If anyone would care to describe their experience…”) is more than fair.
FWIW, as a Palm developer and long-time user, I was surprised to find out how widespread the “lost screw” problem was and simply wanted to offer another channel for replacements. I would actually be willing to sell them for less (I was thinking along the lines of $2.50 – $3.50 for four), however the eSellerate sales engine used at my website will not let me enter a unit price of less than $4.95. That’s why I threw in the free shipping to US and Canada.
Carmine
The free market is alive and well, folks.
I can personally vouch for the screws Peggy Bortz is selling. If anyone would care to describe their experience with the newcomer, feel free to add your comments here.
You can get a bag of four screws from my website for $4.95 including free shipping to the US and Canada, small shipping charge for other locations.
Called Peggy, ordered 8 of them. Said she’d ship tomorrow. Thanks for figuring this out!
I have experienced the same thing with my Tungsten-T; I looked one morning and two screws had fallen out. Palm referred me to pdaparts.com, which has replacement shells for most palms, but they stipulate that the shells come WITHOUT SCREWS. I spent about an hour looking for screws online, and gave up in despair. I’m checking with my local hardware. Thanks!
I think that’s a fair price, especially considering the alernative.
Thanks! I just ordered 10 from Peggy; she’ll be shipping them out today. FYI, she’s charging 75 cents apiece for them and $5 shipping, I guess to cover all the hassle that the demand for these screws has created.
I can’t believe Palm would let there name be trounced for a measely 80 cents in screws.
All the way from Tokyo, Japan, here goes a phone call t Peggy at Bortz. Hope she will ship internationally.
Cheers for the info,
Peter (T3 with two magically missing screws)
Dennis,
Thanks for the link. Got mine ordered from Peggy @ Boortz today. She has them on backorder after as they are now starting to fly out the door. She has now entered the e-biz. Hillarious.
Thanks!
Rosemary, that’s a good suggestion — but after the trouble I endured, I’ll probably take the time to tighten those screws (something I’ve never had to do on the scores of electronic devices with small screws that I currently own). So it probably wouldn’t be a fair comparison.
Thanks Dennis for posting on this. I’ll give the store a call today. Also, I signed that petition. Unfortunately, with only 149 sigs so far, it may not get much of a response.
Dennis, how about letting folks know if the replacement screws you found stay put in your PDA or fall out as did the original screws. If they stay then that might be good ammo to use with Palm to either improve their product or provide replacements.
As far as I can tell, Pete, they fit perfectly. The original Palm screw has a slightly narrower slot, but that’s the only way I can tell it from the three new ones I’m using.
I’d love to hear how those screws fit. Are they as good as the original or are they a little off? Thanks…
Glad I could help!
GREAT tip! I called and indeed, they have them! I ordered and Mike said he’d send them out today! Thanx alot!