Removing Screws with Stripped Head

[metallichemist]

Hi guys, I have a question about how you would remove screws with stripped head, especially those really small ones like onthe arm or legs of deluxe class transformers toys. Thanks!

[enclinedesigns]

super small drill bit:)

[Boggs6ft7]

If its stripped enought that a phillips head won't work, try a flat head. Ususally, I can get those wedged in there enough to pull out the screws. Honestly, that is usually what I use first.

[frenzyrumble]

I usually use a small drill bit also, heating up the screw, when lucky, the screw will push itself outwards once hot, if not, gotta act quickly and use some tweezers to pull it out while still hot.

[metallichemist]

I usually use a small drill bit also, heating up the screw, when lucky, the screw will push itself outwards once hot, if not, gotta act quickly and use some tweezers to pull it out while still hot.

Hmm, frenzy i don't get the logic of the screw heating and pushing itself upwards. Wouldn't heating it makes it dig into the thread more? But i think i'll try using a small drill bit if it helps. Thanks! :)

[Jin Saotome]

I found a pretty neat way of getting this done by checking out the GrabIt device that you see on TV that removes larger stripped bolts/nuts. I take either a Dremel tile cutting bit (http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4923631/169551_Full.jpg) or the teardrop shaped bit (http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/Cheryls_dremel_bits.jpg) seen on the far right in a visegrip pliers. I dig it into the stipped head and one or the other usually grips and backs the screw out.

[MoeSizzlac]

Hmm, frenzy i don't get the logic of the screw heating and pushing itself upwards. Wouldn't heating it makes it dig into the thread more? But i think i'll try using a small drill bit if it helps. Thanks! :)

I've used FR's way on some pins...sometimes, the heating of the pin causes the plastis all around to heat up and start to bubble/burn. If all the plastic is partially melted around the screw, sometimes fumes from the plastic under the screw needs to escape and will push the screw/pin up...It's actually funny when it happens.

[Hotwire]

I've stripped out the heads of enough screws that I now have a set process to removing ALL screws. I heat up my soldering iron and just keep it handy. If the screw shows even the slightest hint of resistance, i heat it up for a few seconds and try again. Usually about 20 seconds and the screw turns smoothly. I rarely have any more trouble with that screw.