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Stripped/Worn out Screw

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x8612

n00b
Joined
Jan 22, 2013
Messages
13
I am trying to swap my wireless card with a new on my laptop. However, the screw on my laptop is worn out. Is there anyway to remove this screw?
The screw is very small in size, it is about 10-20mm.

I've tried everything from using a rubber band to using a flat head.

Here is an image of the screw:
http://i.imgur.com/mC46qmH.jpg
 
As long as you are careful (don't slip) a normal screw extractor on a drill should be able to remove it quickly.
 
I've used a dremel cutoff wheel to make a slot for an ordinary flat bladed screwdriver. Whether you do that or use a drill, watch for the metal particles or dust , which can cause shorts. Cover the surrounding area. It's probably not a good idea to blow out the metal but instead vacuum it, but don't use a vacuum brush because of the static it will generate.
 
Get some painters tape and some paper, build a cover around the troubled screw area with tape using paper on the other end to spread out the area faster than tape alone. Take out the other screw and go to ACE Hardware, tell the people there you have a stripped screw. Show them the screw you have and tell them it's this size.

1. They'll have an extractor kit small enough to extract it. Use this.

2. They'll give you a drill bit small enough to drill it out.

Go slow.
 
If you can find a screw driver that will fit the end you might be able to extract it with hand power. Those screws shouldn't be THAT hard to pull out in the first place.
 
I've had this problem in the past. This it what I did; I used a very mall drill bit an drilled the head out. Once I removed the card I used a small pair of pliers to back out the left over stud. If you don't have a replacement screw then simply leave the stud there. At least it will help keep the card aligned.

Big disclaimer; be very careful when drilling. Make sure you don't push into the screw. The weight of the drill should provide enough force.

I forgot to mention that you must ensure that there are not metal shavings left behind. I covered the surrounding area with blue painters tape.
 
wra18th said:
I've had this problem in the past. This it what I did; I used a very mall drill bit an drilled the head out. Once I removed the card I used a small pair of pliers to back out the left over stud. If you don't have a replacement screw then simply leave the stud there. At least it will help keep the card aligned.

Big disclaimer; be very careful when drilling. Make sure you don't push into the screw. The weight of the drill should provide enough force.
Click to expand...

OP doesn't have access to a drill.
 
I also a have a specialty screwdriver kit that I bought, I am now wondering if I could use it. The stripped head is now a square/circle.
 
dynamite :eek:

If you have a robertson that is the right size in that specialty screwdriver kit you should be able to do it, unless you tightened it like mad to begin with.
 
x8612 said:
I would rather not try anything drastic such as using a blowtorch.
Click to expand...
Lol , just pickn at ya . Seriously though , if you had a file at least you could create a square persay and put a wrench on it .
 
I'll spare you the screwed puns...

Have you tried needle/lock nose pliers or the like to grip the sides of the head?
The head should stick out a little to try it, just not to screw it up.
 
ninjaturtle said:
I'll spare you the screwed puns...

Have you tried needle/lock nose pliers or the like to grip the sides of the head?
The head should stick out a little to try it, just not to screw it up.
Click to expand...

I guess I'll pry around for a pair. I have limited access to simple tools such as super glue and drills.

I have made the hole into a square shape (I doubt I can find a Robertson which is < 5mm in size).
 
You should probably go buy some simple tools. It's not like it's a waste of money.

If that's not an option, then you should just take it to a professional repair shop and have them fix it. Which I advise anyway because if you're the one who stripped that screw, you probably shouldn't be messing with stuff.
 
Skillz said:
You should probably go buy some simple tools. It's not like it's a waste of money.

If that's not an option, then you should just take it to a professional repair shop and have them fix it. Which I advise anyway because if you're the one who stripped that screw, you probably shouldn't be messing with stuff.
Click to expand...
Have to say that I agree with the above.
That screw extractor would work fine but you are going to need a drill. Hard to see from the image, looks like there is not enough outside edge left on the screw. Otherwise you could grab it with a small pair of needle nose Vice Grips. Like someone said above, it shouldn't be that tight. Unless it got cross threaded somehow.
 
x8612 said:
I had the idea of using some epoxy onto a screwdriver. I just found the perfect screw driver to apply the epoxy. Let's hope for the best!
Click to expand...
Don't bother. No glue is nearly strong enough for that purpose.

The cheapest way to drill is with a pin vise, but it's so slow it may not cut through a steel screw.

If you have to buy an electric drill, consider a 120VAC corded one because it will be more powerful than almost any cordless drill, and you won't have to replace the battery every 2-5 years. Try to avoid the junk brands, including Harbor Freight. Ryobi, Black & Decker, and Skill are OK among the cheaper models.

Apply penetrating oil to the screw before trying to remove it, like Liquid Wrench, WD-40, or even kerosene. Don't use anything with strong solvents in it, like PB Blaster, because it could damage the circuit board and will dissolve the plastic used for notebook computer cases.

Can you loosen the screw by grabbing it sideways around its head with pliers? I mean good pliers, maybe even needle nose Vise Grips.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I am going to try using a pair of needle nose pliers. If that does not work, I'll take it to a local repair shop.
 
x8612 said:
I am going to try using a pair of needle nose pliers. If that does not work, I'll take it to a local repair shop.
Click to expand...
Really thin needle nose pliers may not help because their jaws may bend too much to allow a firm grip, and you need something with toothed jaws, not smooth jaws.

Another thing to try is a screwdriver with a flat blade almost the exact width of the longest span of what's leftover of the screw slot. File the screwdriver to fit, if needed, and carefully wedge it in there firmly and twist. Pressing down and using a wrench to turn the screwdriver can apply a lot more torque safely.

Unless the computer shop does you a favor, a Dremel kit with abrasive cutoff wheel will cost less. The horrible Harbor Freight knock-off will also work, but it has almost no power
 
Use some cutters and just cut away a manageable piece of the card, break it off, grab whats left with pliers?
 
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