How do you remove stripped screws?

Cosmic Superchunk

Cosmic Superchunk

Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
3,709
Okay, I need help. I need to remove a couple of screws from the handle on one of my knives. The problem is that the heads are stripped. I already have a set of replacement screws I received from the manufacturer, but how do I get the old ones out? :confused:
 
There is a very gritty substance that I have seen at wal mart for just that. You apply a drop to the screw head, and it is gritty enough to give the driver enough bite to unscrew it. Here is a link to something similar. You might want to order some of this.

Take Care,

Mike
 
I have some of the stuff Mike is talking about, but I've never had good results with it. The best thing I've found, and this takes a STEADY hand and KEEN eye is a Dremel tool with a thin cutoff wheel and make a slot across the domed top of the screw and using a straight screwdriver take it out. I've had better results with this but you have to be VERY CAREFUL. Btw, the gritty stuff is called Screw Medic, I think. It would be worth a try if you don't have access to a Dremel.
 
I'm not real sure what it is made up of, I just know it is gritty and helps your driver grip the screw better. Last time I saw some in Wal-Mart (haven't looked in a couple years) it was in the hardware section. I don't even know if they still sell it. That is why I posted that link. You can buy some from that site, but it appears the shopping page is down for maintenance temporarily.

Mike
 
Drill them out

Originally posted by el cid
Okay, I need help. I need to remove a couple of screws from the handle on one of my knives. The problem is that the heads are stripped. I already have a set of replacement screws I received from the manufacturer, but how do I get the old ones out? :confused:
Click to expand...
 
Originally posted by JackBoots
Drill them out
Click to expand...

Considering the size of his screws (#6 torx), drilling isn't a good option IMHO. He would most likely have to re-tap the hole, and if this is a knife we're talking about, you are looking at more trouble than that is worth.

Again, JMHO
Mike
 
Well actually on two different occassions I've done just that and both times they were clip screws and T6's to boot. Again you have to be very careful. I used a punch to flatten the jagged edge and then took my variable speed Dremel with a tiny bit and drilled the screws out. I think what happens is that the bit gets a good grip on the shank of the screw and actually screws it out of there. But, I'm like mike in that if you don't have the proper equipment you may be looking at a retapping job! VERY BAD!!!
 
Thanks for the advise guys. I just got back from my local Walmart, but with no luck. I asked a hardware associate where I could find such a thing, and he directed me to the paint section where they had adhesives, so I asked the paint associate and he looked at me as if I were asking for quantum flux capacitor. I'll have to check Lowe's.
 
I meant to tell ya, I think it is in the automotive section at Wally World. I use to work in the Sporting Goods section right next to auto and I'm pretty sure that is where it is. Check where you find all the fluids.
 
Originally posted by artsig1
I meant to tell ya, I think it is in the automotive section at Wally World. I use to work in the Sporting Goods section right next to auto and I'm pretty sure that is where it is. Check where you find all the fluids.
Click to expand...

Ah! Automotives. I'll check it out. Thanks artsig1. :)
 
Apply a little JB weld to the tip of a spare torx or hex wrench and place in the stripped screw hole. The JB will cure like steel, and then you can unscrew it. (of course the wrench and screw are ruined, but that's better than a ruined knife. Many auto places have JB weld, and home depot has it too.

http://www.autobarn.net/ch8265-s.html
 
Originally posted by AlonzoMosely
Apply a little JB weld to the tip of a spare torx or hex wrench and place in the stripped screw hole. The JB will cure like steel, and then you can unscrew it. (of course the wrench and screw are ruined, but that's better than a ruined knife. Many auto places have JB weld, and home depot has it too.

http://www.autobarn.net/ch8265-s.html
Click to expand...


Thanks for the link Alonzo. I'll look for that JB Weld as well.
 
The JB weld trick sounds good, and I'd be willing to give it a try if I were you.

However, I have much experience with this same problem, and I have always had great results using the dremel tool to cut a slot for a flat head screwdriver. Just be patient, take your time, and it will come with ease.
 
The dremel idea will work if the screw head is exposed. If the screw head is countersunk you will also risk cutting a slot in the scale or bolster material depending where the screw is. The best way to get the screw out is to take the next size torx wrench like a #7 and tap it into the striped screw hole. You striped out the #6 size so it's too big for the 6. The #7 will take up the extra room.
 
There is also something called a easy-out. It is sort
of like a reverse tap. It will dig into the head and
screw it out.Try a hardware store. Good luck.
 
Just a helpfull tip,that saved my butt a few times.....Get a real good set of torx drivers, like snap-on, believe me that will help in any further adventures. The cheapo's just arent built to tight enough tolerances, and are made out of cheap material, they always round off. Good luck;)
 
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