stripped hex screw

W

wiseguy

Joined
Dec 27, 2003
Messages
37
I was a bit hasty in reassembling a knife, now one of the hex screws is stripped. I'd replace it, but I can't get it out of the hole!
Suggestions?
 
What I do, and this doesn't mean you should, is file a slot into the screw and take it out with a flat-head screwdriver.
 
I had the SAME problem with a Torx screw not too long ago (I rounded the inside of the head pretty much smooth while trying to remove/change a pocket clip), and I did just what thombrogan suggested, and it worked very well. I used a small Swiss file, and the whole operation only took about 5 minutes. When you get a good, deep slot filed in, be SURE to use a screwdriver that fits the slot VERY well, and use alot of downward pressure and take it slow and steady.
 
How far is it screwed in?

If you have a pal with a pillar drill you could drill it out and use an extractor. Basically this is a square taper that looks like a centre pop. You drill out the bolt tap the extractor into the hole and use a spanner (wrench to you Yanks :D ) to unscrew it. The advantage is the lare amount of contact making an extraction pretty much guaranteed unless its either really 'dogged up tight' or you are ham fisted :)

I suggested a pillar drill for obvious reasons but if you think you have a steady enough hand a regular drill will suffice. Remember though that screws can be very hard and it may want to slip off, so be sure to pop it first.
 
Sometimes a Allen wrench will work. With the lobes on the torx screw gone
the two shapes are quite similar. I sub an Allen for a Torx regularly, on undamaged Torx heads. You'll have to be very picky about the fit though.
Pick the Allen wrench with the best purchase or grip, so as not to strip
the screw further. Before you attempt this, lube the screw from the back side with some kind of penetrant, like WD-40. Becareful not to get any lube on that screw head, at all. I find, that if I can "get behind" the screw driver.
You know lean over it, like on a work bench and have it vised or anchored down some how. I can usually get it. Good luck.
 
For the same problem, I was using a Dremel circular tool to make a slot in the screw head and just unscrew it with a flat screwdriver.
But it was the clip screw of my Sebenza and it is very easy to remove steel without damage the handle... :(
 
Here is a neat trick for ya . check to see which size Torx head driver will almost fit into the hole and "Tap" it in . if you still don't get a bite drill it a little deeper using the original hole as a guide.i have used this trick on a lot of thing's and it work's great. the main thing on this trick is to get the Torx bit to bite well then take it out using a wrench. i hope this is not confusing ? :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top