I’m trying to replace some parts, however one of the screws is terribly stripped. Probably something foolish I did a couple years ago… Anyway, I’ve tried a few things, but nothing has made it budge (rubber band / latex glove techniques, a bit glue, etc.). I don’t think the screw driver catches at all.
Has anyone had any luck with other tools that could get it out? The previous posts I’ve seen didn’t seem all that conclusive on the best options or tools out there. The screw extractors on Amazon didn’t look very promising, and the ones in stores look too large (I thought it would be this one, but seems a bit big??).
I was debating getting a dremel, so I could use a flathead to get it out, but I could see that going wrong as well.
If very careful, putting some super glue (CA glue) on the end of the driver and holding it in place with the stripped screw until it hardens might have the effect of getting it to where it can be removed.
Just be careful not to get too much glue in that hole or there is a bigger issue than just a stripped screw head!
Screw is a goner anyway, the CA glue can be pulled from the tip of the screwdriver after getting it out.
Thanks, I did try that a couple of times but it didn’t work out. I must have screwed it in far too tight the whenever I closed it up a couple years back.
Those screws are small, so any attempt to re-thread it will just problably cause it to shear.
I think the best approach would be to take a T5 bit. This interchangeable bits you get with screw drivers.
Hold it in the hole, and use glue to stick it in there.
Once it is held in place, add more glue, being careful not to spread it over the edges of the screw. Try and maximize the surface area covered by the glue between the top of the screw and the T5 bit.
Leave it to dry, and then try to unscrew it.
You need to choose a glue with high tensile strength.
E.g. J B Weld. The twin tubes that take a long time to dry/cure tend to be the strongest.
So, probably find something to hold it in place for a while until it holds itself, and then leave it 24 hours to set.
You might want to put some paper or electrician tape around it, so it does not stick to the wrong bits. I would cut a round hole in some sticky tape and place it over the screw, so the only thing showing is the top of the screw and the hole in the screw.
When unscrewing it, do it slowly, with only gradual pressure, just enough until it rotates a bit.
Once it is released, you can use a heat gun to separate the T5 bit, and get all the glue off it.
Man, thanks for all the detailed posts. Just got the glue and figured out a decent way to keep it in place. Crossing my fingers that we’ll have it out tomorrow
Quick update- the glued bit was able to loosen it just enough and I was able to get it out the rest of the way with a t6. Thanks again everyone for the help!
