Disassembling a MacBook Air: Tools You Need and Amazon Convenience Store Pickup in Japan

I used to be a hardcore Apple fan, but I eventually left the iPhone ecosystem because I disliked Apple’s closed, lock-in strategy. This is Takagi speaking.

 

In the previous article, my MacBook Air suffered a kernel panic and, following the classic Filipino approach of “let it go,” I left it untouched for a while. Then one day, I suddenly decided to take it apart myself.

 

However, disassembling a MacBook Air requires special tools. I searched all over the Philippines but couldn’t find what I needed, so I ended up ordering the tools from Amazon.

 

In this article, I’ll walk through the process from ordering on Amazon to picking up the package, and introduce a very useful repair tool that made disassembling my MacBook Air much easier.

 

 

I had already ordered a useful tool before returning to Japan

https://amzn.to/3hD1gqi

To explain in detail, before temporarily returning to Japan, I had already ordered the “ZENKE 81-in-1 Repair Tool Kit” on Amazon to disassemble my MacBook Air (the link above points to the 63-in-1 version).

 

I considered having it shipped internationally to the Philippines, but unfortunately this ZENKE repair kit was not eligible for overseas shipping.

 

 

Ordering on Amazon and picking up at a convenience store

I don’t have a permanent address in Japan and rarely visit my family home, which can be inconvenient. Fortunately, Amazon now offers many delivery options, and I chose convenience store pickup.

 

Since the package had already arrived at FamilyMart, I went to pick it up at a store in Kagoshima City.

 

When I told the staff that my package had arrived, they instructed me to use the FamiPort terminal. I had almost forgotten how everything in Japan is highly systematized and digitized, especially at convenience stores.

 

After entering the inquiry number and authentication code from the email, a receipt was printed. You simply take that receipt to the cashier to receive the package.

 

I suddenly realized I had left my ID at the hotel, but surprisingly, no identification was required, and I was able to pick up the package without any issues.

 

You can’t find a 1.2 star-shaped screwdriver in the Philippines

I actually searched for tools in the Philippines, but opening the MacBook bottom case requires a 1.2 star-shaped screwdriver. I looked everywhere but couldn’t find one.

 

Even at Wilcon in Araneta Center’s Ali Mall—where I used to shop often during my Airbnb days—I had no luck.

 

 

Even at a nearby handyman shop—surprisingly coexisting right next door—I couldn’t find the correct tool.

 

What I did find were plenty of hex-type precision Torx drivers (T5 to T10) and standard hex wrench sets, but nothing that fit perfectly.

 

In the Philippines, it’s common that tools don’t fit precisely, so measuring sizes carefully before buying is essential.

 

Unboxing the ZENKE 81-in-1 repair tool kit

Although I picked it up in Japan, I had been too busy to open it. Now that I finally had time, it was time for the unboxing.

 

Inside the box was a warranty card (not a manual), complete with email contact, website URL, and even a Facebook page. There was also an invitation to receive free samples, which piqued my interest.

 

The kit itself was impressively well stocked. As a casual gadget geek, I couldn’t help but feel excited.

 

The precision tools were neatly protected, and the metal latch on the case felt far more durable than the cheap plastic ones usually used.

 

Most importantly for MacBook owners, the kit included the crucial 1.2 star-shaped bit. There were also a few extra parts, likely spare components.

 

Pulling the lever makes the driver bits stand upright instantly, almost like a perfectly synchronized school assembly. It’s something that photos alone can’t fully convey.

 

Starting the MacBook Air disassembly

In the next article, I’ll finally begin disassembling the MacBook Air itself. Although the kernel panic wasn’t resolved in the end, the process led to several interesting discoveries that I plan to share.