Stripped screws solutions?

[Lieblad]

....,

 

[killgar]

Heat simply softens the Loctite. It has nothing to do with shrinking/expanding metal.

In regards to knives you are correct. But heat does indeed cause metal to expand, just as cold causes it to shrink. The expansion or shrinkage is not perceptible to the eye, it's very slight, but it happens none the less.

When used to remove a seized bolt from an engine, the part around the bolt is heated to cause the part, and the bolt hole to expand to help loosen the bolt. This is a method that has been used on machinery throughout history.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I agree. Locktite is degraded at lower temperatures than you would need to expand steel.

 

[NWNWMWM]

Hello and welcome to BladeForums!

My suggestion for at least preventing it in the future is to buy a quality set of torx bits that are hardened and make sure to use the proper size or they'll strip pretty easily. I'm sure other members will give you suggestions on removal besides using a larger size bit or using heat to help loosen loctite.

I stripped both pocket clip screws on my mini grip with low quality drivers. This poster is right, you need high quality drivers. I spent a couple days researching and trying all the other methods besides cutting with a dremel, as the screws were behind the pocket clip. After getting my wihas in the mail, the stripped screws came out effortlessly. No need to mess around or send my knife in. I agree with this guy, invest in a quality set. It will save you time and frustration, and will mostly likely take your stripped screws out, unless maybe you stripped it initially with He-man like strength.