Broken Headset Plug

[Kaiser Leonidas]

Hopefully this is the right place to post this, but sorry if it's not.

Basically, the audio plug part of my headset broke off inside of my laptop. I followed the advice here of using a bit of superglue on the end of a cotton bud (q-tip) but that didn't work.

I was wondering if there's anything else I can do without having to actually take my laptop apart completely?

[PoleCat]

Hopefully this is the right place to post this, but sorry if it's not.

Basically, the audio plug part of my headset broke off inside of my laptop. I followed the advice here of using a bit of superglue on the end of a cotton bud (q-tip) but that didn't work.

I was wondering if there's anything else I can do without having to actually take my laptop apart completely?

This is one of those times where advice given over the Internet is probably going to fail you as you're in a very specific bind. Basically if we can't see it we can't really help you other than to give very general advice. We don't know what type or size of plug broke, where it broke or how sturdy the port is holding it in place.

Is there any way you can take a picture of the port and post it here? As they say a picture is worth a thousand words and it could help to clarify the situation.

Otherwise - Can you get at it with needle-nosed pliers? Maybe something sturdier than a Q-tip will do the trick? What type of glue are you using?

Not much to add after that but good luck!

[Kaiser Leonidas]

This is one of those times where advice given over the Internet is probably going to fail you as you're in a very specific bind. Basically if we can't see it we can't really help you other than to give very general advice. We don't know what type or size of plug broke, where it broke or how sturdy the port is holding it in place.

This actually happened a while ago and I've only just got round to asking for advice about it so I've already thrown out the old headset. But the plug part snapped in half so the end of it is still stuck in my laptop. I believe that the jack is 3.5mm and the edge of the casing feels quite sturdy to me.

Otherwise - Can you get at it with needle-nosed pliers? Maybe something sturdier than a Q-tip will do the trick? What type of glue are you using?

I tried using pliers and tweezers just now but there wasn't room to the sides of the plug to get a grip on it. I then tried putting some superglue (just generic stuff from a hardware store) on the end of a small metal rod but that didn't work either.

[PoleCat]

This actually happened a while ago and I've only just got round to asking for advice about it so I've already thrown out the old headset. But the plug part snapped in half so the end of it is still stuck in my laptop. I believe that the jack is 3.5mm and the edge of the casing feels quite sturdy to me.
I tried using pliers and tweezers just now but there wasn't room to the sides of the plug to get a grip on it. I then tried putting some superglue (just generic stuff from a hardware store) on the end of a small metal rod but that didn't work either.

I have some bad news. The Long and Short - you're screwed. Either replace the port in question or find someone that can do it for you.

But there is a somewhat extreme do-it-yourself solution if you have the tool set. A 3.5mm jack will probably hold it's ground here against flimsy rods and superglue. The only option I could suggest is to use a Tap Bit to drill a hole in the bottom of the jack, thread it and then use a solid screw to pull it back out.

I'm only suggesting this because you're out of other options. You may need to find a quality repair place to figure this out. If you really want to try this method out then I will help you. But be assured that if you don't know what I'm describing then it may be a losing effort for you. Good luck!

[irishron]

I have some bad news. The Long and Short - you're screwed. Either replace the port in question or find someone that can do it for you.

But there is a somewhat extreme do-it-yourself solution if you have the tool set. A 3.5mm jack will probably hold it's ground here against flimsy rods and superglue. The only option I could suggest is to use a Tap Bit to drill a hole in the bottom of the jack, thread it and then use a solid screw to pull it back out.

I'm only suggesting this because you're out of other options. You may need to find a quality repair place to figure this out. If you really want to try this method out then I will help you. But be assured that if you don't know what I'm describing then it may be a losing effort for you. Good luck!

Right idea but if it's hollow, use a wood screw to try to get a bite on the plug but tot the jack and then use a pair of pliers to pull it out by the screw.

No promises it will work. Odds are tremendously in favor of having to replace the jack.

[Bolkonsky]

Use a knife or something to pry it out. Alternately, take apart your laptop. Not much we can advise. You could try superglue on something that's not a q-tip.

[The Useless Member]

Oh no, not that again.

Ahh, memories. This may sound strange, but go into the Beauty section in Walmart, they probably will have some sort of small pliers.

[Bolkonsky]

You could try two-part epoxy or something. Honestly, your best bet is to do what PoleCat and Ron said: Drill a tiny hole, tap it, and put a screw in it.

[Kaiser Leonidas]

In all honesty I don't really think I'd be able to do then without destroying something, I may look into getting it repaired properly as long as it doesn't cost too much though. It's not too much of a problem at the moment as I'm using a USB adapter and another headset but it's still quite annoying to not be able to use the actual jack on the laptop.

Thanks for your help and advice though guys .