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Apple’s “Black Stick”

In all the official Apple Service Source guides, where detailed take-apart information for every Apple product is listed, they make references to a tool called only the “black stick.” It’s used for prying open plastic cases without chewing up the edge like a metal screwdriver would. However, they don’t mention what this tool really is or where to obtain one. RadTech, makers of my favorite iPod cases and polishing solutions, sells what seems to be the tool Apple uses. However, they sell this nylon pry tool for a ridiculous $7. For a strong plastic stick. Being in need and not knowing where else to get it, I ordered one not too long ago. After receiving it and noticing some information stamped on it, I did some searching and found out they’re manufacured by Menda, makers of various lab tools. I also managed to find an online distributor with a website that works. So, if you’re in need of an iPod opener that won’t mark up the case, and which doubles as a handy soldering tool, get your “black stick” from ESD Systems for $1.59.

8/17/06 Update: Buy this stick from Stanley Supply (mentioned in the comments). It’s sturdier than the pointy stick and makes opening iPods and Mac hardware a breeze.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 17th, 2005 at 1:56 am and is filed under Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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  1. [...] Command-Tab » Apple’s “Black Stickâ€? Mysterious Apple “black stick” equipment opener (think prying open a Mac Mini) (tags: apple hardware repair utility tool) [...]

  2. [...] This post was inspired by a non-functioning Digg link, I stumbled across this morning. Update: The Command-Tab link is now working again. Check it out. [...]

  3. [...] from Command-Tab In all the official Apple Service Source guides, where detailed take-apart information for every Apple product is listed, they make references to a tool called only the “black stick.â€? It’s used for prying open plastic cases without chewing up the edge like a metal screwdriver would. However, they don’t mention what this tool really is or where to obtain one. RadTech, makers of my favorite iPod cases and polishing solutions, sells what seems to be the tool Apple uses. However, they sell this nylon pry tool for a ridiculous $7. For a strong plastic stick. Being in need and not knowing where else to get it, I ordered one not too long ago. After receiving it and noticing some information stamped on it, I did some searching and found out they’re manufacured by Menda, makers of various lab tools. I also managed to find an online distributor with a website that works. So, if you’re in need of an iPod opener that won’t mark up the case, and which doubles as a handy soldering tool, get your “black stickâ€? from ESD Systems for $1.59.   [...]

  4. [...] The Command-Tab web site has the info: [...]

  5. [...] to remove plastic bezels without chewing up the edges with a rigid metal tool. As noted in my earlier post, Apple recommends a nylon pry tool for accomplishing this, and I can vouch for its extreme utility [...]

  6. [...] its hardware repair directions and videos, Apple frequently mentions the “black stick,” a plastic tool that can be used to pry things apart without damaging our precious glossy [...]

Comments

  1. I have also found them for $1.25 each at:

    http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group/9752

    A lot better than the $14 powerbookmedic wants to charge!

  2. Commenter
    Dan Padilla says:
    March 3rd, 2006 at 5:39 pm

    You are awesome for posting this. thanks

  3. Commenter
    nomen nescio says:
    March 12th, 2006 at 10:04 pm

    god bless capitalism, and god bless you!

  4. In a pinch, a thin- or medium-gauge Delrin guitar pick will do the job as well.

  5. The official technical name for the “black bar” is a spudger.

  6. Apple calls them the “nylon tool” and sells them in Australia in a 4-pack for outrageous amounts of money.

    Indispensable. Before they told us about them I tried using a spatula.

  7. I have found these Pampered Chef Nylon Pan Scrapers to be useful & economical as well:

    http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/product.jsp?productId=241&categoryCode=FH

    3 for $1.75

  8. Hi,
    I found that you can get the tool included when you order a battery replacement from ipoddoctor.co.uk . They also give another for opening other parts of the ipod.

  9. The stick that is mentioned at the top for $2.00 (http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=10980) is different from the one that is mentioned a few comments below it for $1.25 (http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group/9752) … they are different sizes and have different notches… the more expensive one (only .75 cents difference!) is longer and has more/better notches, one important one at the back for tucking the small wires in. Just like everything in life and my motto: “YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!”… thanks for the links though!! I am going to spend the .75 cents more to get the better one (in my opinion)

  10. @Mike: I totally agree. While the shorter, more flexible stick is the one Apple uses, the longer one is much sturdier and more durable. I use the longer ones more often.

    Occasionally, though, the short one comes in handy when you just know it’s going to be destroyed in the opening of the device ;-)

  11. Available in UK from Radiospares (rswww.com) Part No. 2508614477

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