Hot take: Reading the service manual saved me from wrecking a client's laptop

I got a laptop with a broken hinge and thought it was just screws. After trying to force it open, I nearly snapped the plastic frame. Then I pulled up the online service guide and saw a hidden latch I missed. Following the steps, I had it fixed in minutes without any extra damage. Now I tell every new tech to check the manual first, even for easy jobs. It stops guesswork and keeps things from breaking worse. Trust me, skipping that step is asking for trouble.