Magnetic Screw Mat
A magnetic project mat with a writable surface. Place screws on the mat as you remove them, organized by step. The magnetic surface holds even the tiniest pentalobe screws in place. Write notes directly on the mat with a dry-erase marker.
- Strong magnetic surface holds screws in place
- Writable/erasable surface for labeling screw positions
- Large enough for full phone or laptop teardowns
- Foldable for easy storage
When to use it
Set this up before you remove the first screw. Organize screws by step number or location — modern phones can have 20+ screws of different sizes.
What it replaces
Ice cube trays, sticky tape, or labeled bags work but are slower and less reliable. A magnetic mat is the professional approach.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Every tool listed on this site is one we actively use in Object Opened teardowns. We don't list tools we haven't personally tested.
No. Start with a precision screwdriver kit, a spudger, and opening picks. That covers most phone and small device teardowns. Add specialized tools as your projects demand them.
We link to wherever offers the best version of each tool. iFixit specializes in repair tools with excellent quality. Amazon is better for general-purpose items and wider availability.
It depends on the device. Phones and laptops are generally safe if you disconnect the battery first. Power electronics (chargers, power supplies) can retain dangerous voltage in capacitors — always discharge them before touching anything inside. Wear safety glasses when prying open enclosures.
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