Microsoft teams up with iFixit to bring official repairability tools to independent repairers

Surface Pro X opened for repair Source: iFixit

What yous need to know

iFixit is now offer official repair tools for Surface devices.
The tools are sold to authorized technicians to gear up Surface PCs.
The partnership between Microsoft and iFixit helps address some concerns with Right to Repair advocates.

Update 12/15/2021: Thanks to u/SurfaceDockGuy on reddit, we now know prices for the new tools. We've updated the article accordingly.

There's no doubtfulness that the Right to Repair movement is gaining traction in the U.s.. And while Microsoft hadn't done too much regarding that struggle, its latest Surface devices make an effort to brand things a flake easier, including replaceable SSDs, and in the case of the forthcoming Surface Laptop SE, even more accessibility.

Today, Microsoft and iFixit are announcing a partnership whereby iFixit's Pro independent repairers, Microsoft Authorized Service Providers, Microsoft Experience Centers, and Microsoft Commercial customers can now purchase official Microsoft service tools for Surface devices straight from iFixit.com.

While these tools are not bachelor directly to consumers, it does allow companies besides Microsoft to offering services to repair consumer and enterprise Surface devices. From the press release:

This program is launching with iii tools, besides as weights and accessories, all designed by Microsoft and manufactured by iFixit. These tools enable precision debonding and rebonding of adhesive for select Microsoft Surface models and will undergo the same rigorous quality testing and attention to detail that nosotros give to all of our products.

Successfully working with adhesive is i of the most challenging aspects of repairing the Surface line. Adhesive must be precisely loosened without damaging other components. During reassembly, achieving a strong bond requires precise application of force. While non necessary to consummate a DIY repair, these new tools are designed to prevent damage and will help technicians performing a high volume of repairs, and aid in improving accuracy and matching manufactory-level adhesion.

Service Tool 900x The Surface Display Bonding Tool, one of the tools iFixit is now manufacturing for Surface repair. Source: iFixit

Those 3 tools include:

Surface Display Bonding Frame ($29.99)

Used in conjunction with weights to press the screen assembly onto the device to ensure proper adhesion. The frame too comes with a piece of 12" x 12" 3/viii" thick EVA foam, which the device should be placed on during repair.

Supported devices: Surface Pro 7+, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Pro X

Surface Battery Encompass ($19.99)

The Surface Battery Comprehend is placed on tiptop of the opened device to ensure that no accidental contact is fabricated with the motherboard or other sensitive components.

Supported devices: Surface Laptop 3 (13.5-inch, 15-inch), Surface Laptop 4 (13.five-inch, fifteen-inch), Surface Laptop Get, Surface Laptop SE, and Surface Laptop Studio.

Surface Display Debonding Tool ($59.99)

Used to separate the screen assembly from the device. The tool ensures that the opening pick is inserted just deep plenty into the device to separate the screen assembly without damaging other components.

Supported devices: Surface Pro 7+, Pro 8, and Pro X

The iFixit Pro program is something independent repair technicians can apply to by filling out a class. One time completed and canonical, those new iFixit Microsoft Service Tools for Surface can be purchased for utilize.

While this is a significant offset step in repairability for Surface, even iFixit acknowledges Microsoft can still practise more than:

Microsoft's conclusion to provide tools to contained technicians is a stride in the right direction. Like many companies, they withal have a long mode to go on their repairability journeying, and we're excited to join them. This is a first step and test of the market—nosotros hope to sell these to the rest of the repair customs in the time to come, and Microsoft is committed to expanding access to repair tools for new products over the side by side year.

And remaining true to its principles, iFixit notes that this partnership won't affect its editorial team, where the company will continue "to tear downwards and review new Microsoft products objectively."

Because Microsoft no longer has whatsoever physical Microsoft Stores to handle warranty repair and exchanges, this partnership with iFixit should make the lives of consumers and businesses a lot easier with more options for getting their Surface repaired.