beware flying glass

Mijn probleem

Our son dropped the iPad on its corner, cracking the screen.

Mijn oplossing

Well, it was a bit of a trick getting the first bit of screen up. Because the screen was so extensively cracked, the suction cup couldn't get a lot of pull. Eventually we got the first edge up but the glass splintered and shattered as we went. In a number of places, we had to use a small screwdriver to get adequate leverage. The outer perimeter is an aluminum track, so the screwdriver won't damage anything if it's against the outer rail. But the glass will go flying; wear safety goggles.

Once the screen was out, it took some time to clean the remaining adhesive and bits of glass out, but putting things back together is a cinch in comparison. Overall an okay project but we should have been more prepared to contain flying glass.

Mijn advies

(1) I found it much more effective to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive. Because of the aluminum body, heat is conducted away from the part you are working on very quickly, so it's a bit of a trick to heat and work progressively, while keeping the overall perimeter warm too.

(2) Wear gloves! There were so many shards of glass around that it would have been a disaster had I not worn exam gloves. Seriously.