Stripped screw heads on T21

[helmet4000]

I've stripped the heads of 2 screws on the bottom of my T21. Just can't get any grip to turn them as the heads are now a bit hollowed out. Anyone have this problem before? If so, what did you do?

[losmeme]

Go to your local .99cent store. They will have mini screwdriver sets cheap. The screws are too small to use regular sized screw drivers.

When using the mini's, just be sure to apply force directly down to the screw head, and not at any sort of an angle. And don't ever try using a flat head in a phillips head screw, you are guaranteed to strip it.

[alagregg]

once a screw is stripped it is very hard to deal with.

you could try using pliers to hold and twist the screw.

another techneque that has worked for me, is using a dremel and cutting disc to cut a groove that a flat head screw driver can use. However this is messy and will probably damage the area around the screw . Of course it will not work for recessed screws.

- Al

[tom lightbody]

onboard, we have plenty experience with stuck/stripped screws. In your case, because the screw is small and
recessed, would suggest trying this: with right-size screwdriver, sharpened business end: hold screwdriver
absolutely in-line with the screw, tap gently to get engagement: then whilst exerting steady down-pressure
to maintain engagement, remove:-) The tapping also helps loosen IBM's loc-tite.

other boatyard methods: maybe #2 as suggested w/ dremel die grinder: careful to not cut too deep, lest the
sides of the head break off under pressure; or #4

1. weld solid hex on, use wrench

2. cut slot--hacksaw--use straight screwdriver

3. drill small hole into screw, and use "ez-out" screw extractor

4. drill it out and retap

welding is out of the question; and I never have seen such a small ez-out:-(

[helmet4000]

i purchased an electronic screw driver kit from radio shack and i used an oversized torx bit to remove the screw and replaced it with a new one

thanks for your help!

-tom

[tom lightbody]

thanks for method #5: the torx points will grab such as remains from the original shoulders
will try next time the ship turns up w/ a stripped phillips. Did you tap it into engagement?

[Phazer]

You can also get a small set of LH drill bits. Put the bit in and switch your drill to reverse. As it's drilling in, it usually will "bite" and when it does it will back it right out. I'd be leery of chips though.