How do I remove the cover on a drive bay?

Dava

I'm trying to install a new drive in my Dell Inspiron. I removed the bezel/front panel to access the drive cage, and there's a metal panel covering the bay. It looks like it's attached somehow, or maybe even part of the cage. I don't see any clips. Any idea how to remove this thing?

Invisible

Have you tried just knocking it out with a screwdriver or a hammer?

Dava

Invisible wrote: »

I have you tried just knocking it out with a screwdriver or a hammer?

I tried prying it up a little with a screwdriver, but I stopped when I saw it's attached to the main piece. I don't know if it's welded on there or what! I'm not popping it off until I know for sure that that's what I'm supposed to do.

UEAKCrash

Is it screwed in on the sides?

Dava

UEAKCrash wrote: »

Is it screwed in on the sides?

As far as I can tell, no.

ETA: On closer inspection, I see that it is part of the main piece. There are small sections that aren't cut through. What would be the best way to get it off? Pry it up?

Dava

Alright... gonna try prying it up. Thanks!

Everywhereasign

Mine pries up. Then you wiggle it up and down a few times. The little bits holding it on snap off.


Re-reading it, that's an odd statement.

Just_Bri_Thanks

To save money during production, the drive bays are intentionally stamped out like that. You will find something similar on most case models.

The metal isn't sturdy, so if you bend it back and forth a bit it will snap off. I don't recommend banging on it, because you could easily dent the surrounding metal.

Tofystedeth

Yeah, I kind of bent mine up and down a couple times, then just turned it one direction till it snaps off. It leaves little sharp bits unfortunately, though after your drive is in, you shouldn't have much occasion to get your fingers near those. You could always file them down I guess.

Dava

Hey, thanks, everybody! I ended up doing exactly what you all suggested, once I saw the perforations around the cover.