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How to Use the Anti-Clamp

Introduction

Follow these instructions to use an Anti-Clamp to open a device.

What you need

  1. How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Disengage opening mode: step 1, image 1 of 2 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Disengage opening mode: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Pull the blue handle toward the hinge to disengage opening mode.

    • This allows you to move the arms of the Anti-Clamp freely.

    • The handle may be stiff the first time you disengage opening mode. Don't be afraid to pull on it until it snaps into position.

    Edit

  2. How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Center the suction cups: step 2, image 1 of 2 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Center the suction cups: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Center the suction cups over a smooth area of the device, near the edge.

    • Avoid buttons, gaps, seams, and speakers, as they will prevent a good hold.

    • For stubborn devices, use an iOpener or heat gun to soften the adhesive before and during the opening process.

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  3. How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Apply the suction cups: step 3, image 1 of 2 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Apply the suction cups: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Push down on the cups to apply suction to the desired area.

    • If your device has cracked glass or a textured surface, use a layer of packing tape to get a better grip.

    • If the suction cups are stiff and hard to secure, use your hands to warm them up.

    Edit

  5. How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Alignment information: step 4, image 1 of 3 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Alignment information: step 4, image 2 of 3 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Alignment information: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • The Anti-Clamp works best when its cups are aligned with each other.

    • Improper alignment may cause the cups to separate prematurely.

    • If you find that the surface of your device is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use packing tape to create a grippier surface.

    Edit

  6. How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Engage opening mode: step 5, image 1 of 2 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Engage opening mode: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Push the blue handle away from the hinge to engage opening mode.

    • This prevents the arms of the Anti-Clamp from moving and allows the handle to pull the arms apart.

    Edit

  7. How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Open the device: step 6, image 1 of 2 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Open the device: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Most adhesive separates under constant tension rather than increasing force. Take your time during this step to avoid prematurely separating the suction cups.

    • Turn the handle clockwise until you see the cups start to stretch.

    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • If you're having trouble making a gap, rotate the handle clockwise half a turn and wait another minute.

    • Don't crank more than a half a turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.

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  8. How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 1 of 3 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 2 of 3 How to Use the Anti-Clamp, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Insert an opening pick when the Anti-Clamp creates a large enough gap.

    • Slide the pick along the perimeter of the device to separate the adhesive.

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  9. How to Use the Anti-Clamp: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to Use the Anti-Clamp: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the opening and slicing procedure until the device is open.

    • Be mindful of any cables when you completely remove the component.

    • To remove the suction cups, disengage opening mode and pull on the tabs located on the cups themselves.

    Edit
Conclusion

For other general electronics skills guides, click here.

For a fun way to decorate your Anti-Clamp, click here.

43 other people completed this guide.

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Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/2022

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5 Comments

Very clear step-by-step guide. The next time I do a battery replacement I intend to use one of these.

4surferboy - Reply

Engaging the Opening Mode the first time takes a bit of a push, don't be afraid, keep pushing until you hear a click. Seems to be easier to engage after the first time.

Ed Reeder - Reply

Hi Ed,

Thanks for the helpful feedback! I've implemented your note into the guide step.

Arthur Shi -

Looks like an answer to a problem that I don't have right now but I plan to purchase one of these before I do any more battery replacements.

glynn - Reply

I used mine to open a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 tablet. Very frustrating, seemed like you needed three hands to put it in place (though later I found a better procedure). The OEM case glue was quite powerful (used a heating pad to get the tablet Very hot). The Anti-Clamp had difficulty holding to the back of the case and kept losing its grip. I didn't try the packing tape trick, just now noticed it. I mainly used the top suction cup just by itself.

The replacement battery had a very long battery cable and didn't lay flat, which caused a bright spot on the display where the cable "kink" was. So time to remove the case again. This time I stuck each suction cup individually, screen side first, the case - firmly pressing each cup flat after placement. No need to "fight" the Anti-Clamp to get it in place, plus I think I got a better hold with the cups. The B-7000 glue I used was much easier to break loose than the OEM case glue.

To loosen the suction cups I slid an opening pick under the edge of the cup.

Ed Reeder - Reply

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