Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!aplcen!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!brutus.cs.uiuc.edu!apple!marc
From: marc@Apple.COM (Mark Dawson)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Subject: SIMM removal tool
Message-ID: <37361@apple.Apple.COM>
Date: 18 Dec 89 20:03:14 GMT
References: <1989Dec18.035636.7591@deimos.cis.ksu.edu> <9334@hoptoad.uucp>
Organization: Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, CA
Lines: 32

I've seen a lot of talk about the case-splitting tool.  As many have commented,
you can duplicate its functions pretty well other ways.  One neat tool that
Apple's just made (or contracted to be made) is called a SIMM removal tool. 
Its an adjustable plastic tool that has two teeth that you slip over the edges
of the SIMM.  By pushing the tool deeper, it pops the SIMM out.  It was 
designed to remove SIMMs faster and lessens (greatly!!) the chances of 
breaking the SIMM sockets.  It works especially well for the Mac II family (
because of the angles on the SEs, it doesn't work quite as well, though its
still 100% better than the manual method).  On a Mac II (cx) I can remove both
banks (8 SIMMs) in under 10 seconds (without rushing a bit).  When I was first
getting the hang of the tool it still took under 45 seconds (my first try) to
remove all 8 SIMMs.

Most of your dealers should know about it, and I'm sure are using it now (its
been out about 3-4 months).  There are rumors that some people actually try
to do the difficult job of installing new SIMMs themselves (thereby, possibly,
voiding your 90-day warantee).  As an Apple employee, I must warn you that this
is not advisted!  (Doing it yourself would mean that your SIMMs would have 2-5 
year warantees vs Apples 90 day, you'd spend $80/1mb vs $120/1mb, and other 
HORRIBLE consequences that are just too frightening to mention).

I've just checked with our service department--your dealers CAN sell you this
tool (whether or not they will is another matter).  It won't be exactly cheap--
I'd guess at least $50 dollars (so it'd be helpfull it you changed SIMMs
somewhat often).  As far as I know, its called a SIMM removal tool; it's part#
is "AMP 821987-02"

Thought I'd let you know about a neat product.  It may not make $$ sense to
buy it, but it really does work (I use it many times a day).

--Mark Dawson
  Apple Service Diagnostic Engineering (though not speaking officially).