My headphone jack broke inside my laptop once. Here are some recommendations for dealing with this frustrating issue.
Home Remedies (Not Recommended in General)
Pliers: Strongly Not Recommended
Your first instinct may be to try to pull out the broken jack with the thinnest pliers you can get your hands on. However this is strongly discouraged. Headphone jacks are designed to “lock on” to the place linearly, requiring non-angular and extensive force for it to be dislodged from the laptop.
With the very limited space that you have to lever the pliers through, the work of dislodging the broken jack is almost impossible. Using the pliers will also almost certainly damage your computer.
There is a chance that a jeweler or a watchmaker may be able to help you with their precision tools, but don’t count on them helping you out – their tools are not exactly designed for pulling off broken jacks, and the tools may become damaged.
Glue: Not Recommended, but Can Be Effective
Do not try to douse the adhesive directly onto the broken jack. Instead apply the glue to the end of the stick and let it dry for a bit first – this is to lessen the fluidity of the glue while keeping its adhesiveness.
After the glue dries for a bit at the end of the stick and becomes firm, carefully attach the stick’s glued end to the broken jack, find something to hold it in place until it dries, and pull the stick in hopes of getting the jack out.
Although this step has been proven to be successful, it is generally not recommended – one wrong move and your computer may be permanently damaged. Exercise your own discretion. If it is a cheap laptop you plan on throwing away after a bit, use home remedies. If not, consider getting help from a professional.
Help from a Professional: Highly Recommended
Home remedies can work, but always at a risk of damaging your computer. If you are willing to spend a few bucks to ensure everything works smoothly, hire a professional to help you. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three local professionals who can help you when you need it.
