Broken fan retainer tang on ZIF socket

[Callas]

How can I repair or work around a broken fan retainer tang on a ZIF socket? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Bazango]

I had a similar problem with not a fan, but one of those cooling fin arrangements. I tried to pry the clip off with a screw driver and naturally, it snapped. (I found the whole mess in a dumpster.) There was still a bit of the tang left so that I could clip the fins back on. But, only after I had GENTLY bent the retaining clip so that the clip fit flush with the sides of the socket. You can no longer expect the tang to both hold the clip down AND hold the clip close enough to the sides of the socket to catch the tang.

[thews]

Had a similar problem. Wired the fan on (with insulated wire). MadMax had a much better idea. He suggested using the little plastic zip ties (The skinnier the better). They work great.

[MadMax]

A good industrial quality adhesive like JB Weld or Crazy Glue will allow you to reattach that broken piece.