God only knows how many times I’ve whined on Twitter about the sharp edge on my MacBook Pro right where your wrists rest while working on it. I swear to Buddha that after 15 minutes of working on this thing I have lines deep enough imprinted in my forearms to make people think I’m trying to slash my wrists! Furthermore, this laptop nearly makes me want to!!!
But tonight I’d had enough. After a marathon session of pain, I finally got off my lazy butt and did something about it. So, here is a video of me taking a file to my MacBook Pro and doing what Apple should have done long, long ago!
UPDATE
I’ve received numerous emails and phone calls from people asking me what type of files and clamps I used when shaving the sharp edge off of my Macbook. In order for me to get back to work and stop fielding questions, I decided to put the MacBook Pro Mod Shopping List
If you want to do it yourself its actually quite easy. Just get a couple of clamps and gently attach your MacBook to a strong, stable surface. Then take a fine file to the edge and slowly begin removing material. After 10-20 strokes you’ll feel a world of difference in the edge of the device. Just make sure you don’t get the aluminum shavings in your finger. You do not want aluminum splinters!
Have fun, and feel free to ask questions.
EDIT: For those with comments and questions about this process.
For all those who are worried about removing the anodized finish, don’t. I did this a month ago, and there is no “black stuff”or any other sort of residual. (AKA – My sleeves aren’t dirty.)
You should know that I’m also a trained welder, blacksmith and bladesmith. I’ve got hunks of aluminum in my garage that I machine on my milling machine, cut on my CNC plasma cutting machine, and weld on my big ass Lincoln TIG welder. In other words, I’m experienced at working with Aluminum.
This tiny amount of filed area is not going to get exposed to a harsh environment because your laptop can’t take it! Plus, the oil from your skin rubbing in this are will actually keep that small area further protected.
Note that I used a file and did this by hand. That is because the file removes metal as shavings – not dust. I would highly NOT recommend doing this with sandpaper or another abrasive. As you can see from the video the shavings are too big to become airborne and can be swept right up. Also, there is no chance of any of them getting inside the computer.
Finally, turn your machine off. I ONLY left mine on so people would not think this was a hoax. YES, I really did this to my MBP. And yes, I can afford it if I broke it. So guess what, I took the risk so you don’t have to wonder if it can be done. Not the first time I’ve done something like this, nor will it be the last.
So, you’ve got two choices if your bothered by the sharp edge on your MacBook.
- Listen to the guy who did it and had zero negative consequences.
- Listen to people who did NOT do it, but who have a desperate need to sound like a metallurgist or some sort of authority despite their lack of hands on experience.
The only thing I’ll advise is that when you are filing be careful about brushing the shavings off with bare hands or you might end up with aluminum splinters. They are no fun. ;-)


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John,
Good idea… Great idea actually. However I would be concerned that the surface finish (in this case anodized) will be taken off and then bare aluminium will be exposed, this will leave it to oxidize and it will likely leave black or grey marks on your hands. Let us know if this is not the case. If it is the case then I might suggest sealing the edge with clear nail polish or a clear paint that sticks to Aluminium.
Ben
Nice work. I modded a powerbook years ago to change the color of the apple logo on the back, and the comments I got to my flickr photos of the tear down would have you think I just undressed the virgin Mary or something. Mac people hold their hardware as sacred it seems. It’s just a computer though – so good on you for fixing it :)
Ben,
Yes, exposed Aluminum can develop some oxidation, however let’s not forget that this particular area on the laptop is in constant contact with your skin. That means it’s going to be routinely covered with oil, which should keep it from causing problems.
Cheers,
John P.
I expect you to monetize this as a service offering to the public.
Fantastic! I love it. You just made my day a little lighter.
I’ve got a couple of questions for you John. 1) What camera are you shooting this video with and 2) what program are you using to edit and render the final product?
Love it – that is totally awesome! Will most definitely have to share this with my dad!
The ‘rotten sharp corners’ part my dog jump! Woke him straight up out of a nap, thinking there was a dog around! LOL
You’re right! Apple should have considered the comfort of us innocent users. Didn’t bother me before, but now that you mentioned it I will probably have to do the same thing…
John is the new FileMaker Pro. ;)
I expect you to monetize this as a service offering to the public ,)
Brilliant! I just did the same to my MB Pro and wouldn’t have considered it without your inspiration! It is now so much more comfortable. I started with a much smaller/finer file and spent lots of time sanding. Not as gutsy as you…. It turned out great!
Yeah! I’m glad someone was brave enough to give this a try themselves! It is a life changing experience if you ask me. ;-)
John
John, the only down side might be in the warranty. Or as they say the devil is in the details. My best guess is Apple will void the warranty.
I am writing this from my macbook and as soon as I get home I will doing this. Thank you so much
Looks like Apple doesn’t want anyone to think that any of their products could have flaws. I just read a MacWorld article today in which MacWorld reports that Apple is pulling all screen protectors from their retail stores so that, presumedly,
The reason I brought this up here is that the article later states that
Bah…I messed up my quote…the last paragraph should read:
The reason I brought this up here is that the article later states that
which just seems to help validate what John is doing. Seems like they would fix the body design and the underlying problem instead of banning merchandise.
I personally have never had an issue with the sharp edges on my Unibody MacBook, my wrists are never low enough to rest on the edge if you see what I mean, but I have heard quite a few complaints about this! Your brave to take a file to your MacBook, I definitely wouldn’t dare, not matter how sharp the edge is.
Also, would this affect the warranty? Apple like to use any excuse to void it.
Hi, thanks for posting the video and doing this! I’ve been thinking about doing this myself, but I’m a bit worried how the filing and sanding work would look. How noticeable is it? Can you post pictures of the edges? Thanks!
OMG – I could cry, it took me 6 months to save up for my Pro and people are doing this to them, I am just not sure I could do this lol, however I am emailing the video out to all my friends!!
Crazy lol Cheers for making me laugh
I’d love to see some close up, high resolution photos of the aftermath… so painful to watch, but I bet it did worlds of good. That edge drives me crazy at times too…
Never had aluminum oxidize after cutting it. Personally would have used duct tape & foam before grinding, & then used a Dremel. Probably time to invest in a shop. Fortunately don’t have to share my living space with anyone.
Wait, why are your wrists in contact with the laptop while typing?
This is where, Tools meet Technology ha ha. Anyways, since it’s a personal laptop, I don’t see anything wrong with modding it this way :). I think an Angel Grinder with a delicate disk for Aluminum will even make it better. However goggles are required, u don’t want pieces of aluminum in your eyes.
You are much braver than I, Gunga Din!
But this is something Apple should have done before shipping the machines.
Um…
“Aluminium oxide is responsible for resistance of metallic aluminium to weathering. Metallic aluminium is very reactive with atmospheric oxygen, and a thin passivation layer of alumina (4 nm thickness) forms in about 100 picoseconds on any exposed aluminium surface.[6] This layer protects the metal from further oxidation.”
(source: Wikipedia, ‘Aluminium_oxide’)
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