M1 MacBook Pro lower case clip/hook broken

@danj I'm not sure if this is the proper way of replying to your comment but I'll just add another answer.

Sadly, the spring clip is not available as a spare part. Given the newness of this series it will be difficult to locate a junker to get the clip.

That's unfortunate. If the spring clip was available then it would be an easy fix for me since it seems to just hook onto the plastic bit. I did find a lower case on eBay for $20 though that does have the clip but I can't really justify paying that much just to grab that little clip off it but it's probably worth it for those who want perfection.

The tab that prevents it from coming out is likely fatigued so its strong possiblity the tab will snap when you bent it back into place. So in my opinion I wouldn't do it.

I noticed that tab bent too when I went to have a look at it. I feel like I can superglue it back into place but probably still not recommended to do.

You still have the big question where is the spring clip! Are you sure it's not still inside? It could cause more damage if it shorts across something. So I would strongly recommend you locate it. I wouldn't leave your system in this state as it allows dust and dirt to enter and if you place your system on a wet surface that could enter in as well.

I'm sure the clip still isn't inside because I removed the right speaker (looking at MacBook with battery towards the bottom) to check and it wasn't there. That was also the only place it looked like it would be able to fit under. I also shook the MacBook to see if I could hear it but I didn't. I'll double check again just to make sure. The thing is, I don't want to disassemble too far, which I'm comfortable with doing, or make it look like anyone has touched anything in there in case I ever want to get it repaired with AppleCare, they don't deny it because of that.

Thanks for the response!

@justin2926 - Don't waste your efforts on glueing!

Between the plastic like Delrin which won't let glue to stick and the design is such the part needs to flex.

I wish you luck and hopefully not to expensive!

Ah I see. Well thank you for an amazing response and trying to help me with my issue!

I think I'll just live with it because it's minor and doesn't really bother me or if I ever need to have my laptop repaired with AppleCare for a different reason, I'll just play dumb like you mentioned and note the gap as well.

Thanks again!

@justin2926 - For now I would place some tape across the gap just to keep your system clean inside.

@danj That’s a good idea. I also forgot to mention, since I have a plastic case on it, the gap closes a bit more which is good. It looks really even across all four edges now.