![]() |
![]() |
#1 (permalink) |
Psycho
|
Getting out a small stripped screw?
I just resently got a Dreamcast (used) and it seems on of the controllers buttons sometimes doesn't work. I know what I need to do to fix it but I first need to get the cover off. Problem is, one of the screws is stripped. Is there a way I can get the screw out without cracking the plastic? The screw is pretty small, as small as the screws on most motherboards but not quite as small as the screws used in computer cases. Thanks.
Oh if it helps, it is a philips head screw. |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: Lubbock, TX
|
Try to find a flat head screwdriver with teh tip that is jsut eh size of the stripped out peortion of the screw. Hit it a few times to make it wedge itself into it and remove the screw. another option would be to drill the head off teh screw and remove the rest of it with pliers once the controller is apart.
__________________
Caffeine - the molecule of life. |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 (permalink) |
Détente
Location: AWOL in Edmonton
|
I have a set of screw-outs. The smallest would be too large for this application. I've also tried to use the 'small screwdriver tap' and only succeded in breaking the plastic. I say the best bet would be to carefully drill off the head- if it's stripped just right it will act as a pilot hole already.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#5 (permalink) |
Addict
Location: Wherever I am!
|
I think the problem your having is that the screww just spins and will not come out, right? The only way to get one of these out is to get something under the screw head while trying to back out the screw. Once it catches the the screw should come right out. Try a small screw driver or better yet one of those Tack pullers to pry it up while turning.
__________________
If ignorance is bliss, then wipe this smile off my face! Last edited by Hard8s; 04-02-2004 at 01:50 AM.. |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: Where the night things are
|
My first resort for a stripped screw head is to use a Dremel tool with a narrow cutoff wheel and cut a clean slot-be careful not to transmit heat to the plastic-go at it in pulses.
__________________
There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: Initech, Iowa
|
If all else fails: Throw the thing in the garbage. You can get new, still in the box and shrinkwrapped dreamcast controllers on Ebay for like $5 or go to Electronics Boutique or Gamestop and they have lots and lots for not much money at all.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#13 (permalink) |
Observant Ruminant
Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town
|
I can vouch for the Craftsman kit. It's a specialized kit that allows you to easily drill out a stripped or stuck screw. I've only used it on cabinetry and doors, however, not sure how well it would work on the smaller machine screws that you're dealing with.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#16 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: norcal
|
before you go apeshit with the dermel, listen to Collegestudent. The valve grinding compountd trick is tried and true, I learned that when i worked at the shop.
My boss told me that it would cause the screwdrivers to grip so hard that the tip would break off in the screw before it slipped out.....
__________________
so much to do, so little time.....at least i aint bored. |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 (permalink) |
Registered User
Location: Deep South Texas
|
if the screw is just spinning, take an old and very small screw driver and super glue it to the head----just hold it straight for a minute while it sets up----then turn and pull at the same time---the next thread should grab and come out...
|
![]() |
![]() |
#18 (permalink) | |
Insane
Location: Eternity
|
Quote:
__________________
The mother of mankind, what time his pride Had cast him out from Heaven, with all his host Of rebel Angels |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#19 (permalink) | |
it's jam
Location: Lowerainland BC
|
Quote:
Philips head screws totally suck... I hate em'
__________________
nice line eh? |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#24 (permalink) |
BFG Builder
Location: University of Maryland
|
Needle-nose pliers may work if the screw is located in an accesible spot. If it's a recessed screw, then I'd recommend snagging a screw grabber or trying the grinding compound.
Don't drill it out. The metal screw is harder than the plastic surrounding it, so it'll actually perform the opposite of a pilot hole and force the screw out of the way.
__________________
If ignorance is bliss, you must be having an orgasm. |
![]() |
Tags |
screw, small, stripped |
|
|