Being a complete tool

[Mr.Meerkat]

So in simple, I got my new bag 3 months ago, the laptop compartment had a packet of silica gel, the packet broke open, one of the beads got stuck in the headphone jack, can I drill it out as it's properly lodged in there now (as some friends are assholes) or is there another way that I can get it out?

Any suggestions? (there's not way to hook anything behind it so  )

[STRMfrmXMN]

9 minutes ago, Mr.Meerkat said:

So in simple, I got my new bag 3 months ago, the laptop compartment had a packet of silica gel, the packet broke open, one of the beads got stuck in the headphone jack, can I drill it out as it's properly lodged in there now (as some friends are assholes) or is there another way that I can get it out?

Any suggestions? (there's not way to hook anything behind it so  )

Vacuum cleaner perhaps?

[Atmos]

have you tried using a needle to skewer it and pull it out?

[Peepnbrick]

+1 on the vaccuum idea. Try to get the most powerful one possible though, as I imagine it will take more than your everyday dust buster to get this one out.

 

On the bright side, at least you don't have to worry about moisture in your headphone jack.

[Mr.Meerkat]

20 minutes ago, STRMfrmXMN said:

Vacuum cleaner perhaps?

I'll give it a try , worst case scenario, I have a project on my hands (can't find a replacement headphone port though so I can't resolder a new one back on :'( )

[Mr.Meerkat]

30 minutes ago, Peepnbrick said:

+1 on the vaccuum idea. Try to get the most powerful one possible though, as I imagine it will take more than your everyday dust buster to get this one out.

 

On the bright side, at least you don't have to worry about moisture in your headphone jack.

well the vaccum cleaner we have isn't powerful enough

 

[Peepnbrick]

5 minutes ago, Mr.Meerkat said:

well the vaccum cleaner we have isn't powerful enough

 

NEW IDEA! Get a toothpick, or preferably a tiny rod with a flatter top, and put adhesive on it. This could be very strong tape, or even super glue. Then stick the rod in the port and have it make contact with the bead. Let it sit there, and then once it has adhered, take it out. If you're using glue, put the rod in before the glue dries to get it to adhere to the bead. Just be really careful that you don't touch the glue to the side of the port - then you may have a larger problem on your hands.

[Sors]

I would try to pierce the bead with a needle, I did the same when a headphone plug broke inside a stereo, I heated the needle, then push it on the broken plastic and it stuck enough to pull out the broken piece.

 

I am not sure if Silica gel is flammable though, so maybe test that before sticking a hot needle in it.

[Mr.Meerkat]

@Sors, @Peepnbrick, @Atmos, @STRMfrmXMN

 

1 hour later with a screw driver and a sewing pin, I was able to disassemble the laptop to the PCB where it housed the headphone jack, usb and sd card reader.

Spoiler

there was a small hole at the back of the headphone jack where I was able to just push it out with a sewing pin  and tested it right now, everything fully works again so problemo solved  (no USB sound card required on my trip to Japan in 2 weeks time again).

 

edit: Sorry for the potato quality of photos (the noise...holy sh** and how badly focused it is)