Removing rounded off screws

[Martyn]

I've just got a Dell Inspiron 1535 laptop in for a power jack replacement and it looks like they have had a go themselves and rounded off a lot of the base screws. I've never had a problem with screws before, what do you use to remove them? A Dremell drill maybe? I've removed them on car bolts with extractors but nothing this small, any tips?

 

[wimwauters]

With recessed screws your best bet is either glueing a screwdriver to each screw head (which is a very slow method), or drilling the heads off and then drill out the screw shaft with a suitable small drill (tricky). But if you are removing the board anyway, go nuts

Or get a donor laptop from eBAY (one with a smashed screen).

Just make really sure there's no metal bits left when you fit the new board.

 

[arrow_runner]

any tips?

Charge them extra for making you put more time into it.

A small drill is probably the way to go. Take the hard drive out first and if possible, the LCD. I hate drilling on a laptop with LCD still in it. The vibrations CAN'T be good. Luckily I can't even remember the last time I had to drill off a screw head.

 

[Martyn]

Right managed to get them all out bar one Normally with a screw you can hacksaw a slot in it but they are recessed on laptops making it impossible.

 

[mm201]

Automobile mechanics use what's called an "easy out" to remove screws and bolts with deformed heads. The job still requires drilling into the top of the screw to create a hole for the easy out to fit into but they're the best tool for this type of situation.

I don't know if they make a size that's small enough for laptop screws but it's worth a phone call to an auto parts store or a machine shop to find out.

 

[Martyn]

Automobile mechanics use what's called an "easy out" to remove screws and bolts with deformed heads. The job still requires drilling into the top of the screw to create a hole for the easy out to fit into but they're the best tool for this type of situation.

I don't know if they make a size that's small enough for laptop screws but it's worth a phone call to an auto parts store or a machine shop to find out.

Yes I've got those but these are small. Just the one although I might not need that one out

 

[Styxbound]

Lefthand drills work pretty well; if the screw isn't too tight sometimes the drill will bring it out.

 

[robert152]

My preferred method is a Dremel with a cutting disk on it. On the stripped out screw head, cut a straight line across the top, deep enough for a flat head to fit. Now you can remove it with a flat head.

Has worked wonder since my Marine Corps days. Works well on computers too, just be careful

 

[Martyn]

My preferred method is a Dremel with a cutting disk on it. On the stripped out screw head, cut a straight line across the top, deep enough for a flat head to fit. Now you can remove it with a flat head.

Has worked wonder since my Marine Corps days. Works well on computers too, just be careful

Yes good idea, something with a small diameter disk. Done it plenty of times on larger screw where you can get access to the head with a junior hacksaw(not computer repairs), good thinking, thanks.

 

[robert152]

Yes good idea, something with a small diameter disk. Done it plenty of times on larger screw where you can get access to the head with a junior hacksaw(not computer repairs), good thinking, thanks.

Anytime. Hopefully it all works out. Just remember to be careful, Dremels are very fast haha.

 

[DCGPX]

Right managed to get them all out bar one Normally with a screw you can hacksaw a slot in it but they are recessed on laptops making it impossible.

So which method worked out best to get them out?

 

[phaZed]

Screw Extractor size #1

You should purchase a small size #1 screw extractor for $3 and a small carbide drill bit (5/16?). You drill the tops of the damaged screws with the drillbit just a little bit. Then, you reverse drill out the screws with the extractor.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/CHICAGOLATROBE-Screw-Extractor-1U216?cm_mmc=Google%20Base-_-Machining-_-Machining%20Supplies-_-1U216

 

[Martyn]

You should purchase a small size #1 screw extractor for $3 and a small carbide drill bit (5/16?). You drill the tops of the damaged screws with the drillbit just a little bit. Then, you reverse drill out the screws with the extractor.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/CHICAGOLATROBE-Screw-Extractor-1U216?cm_mmc=Google%20Base-_-Machining-_-Machining%20Supplies-_-1U216

Yes just need a supplier in the uk. I have a large set of those for my Land Rover etc, didn't know they did them that small.

 

[edgepcs]

I have a nice low tech and cheap solution.

Get a thick rubber band and place it between the screwdriver and the screw head. Doesn't always work but has made my life easier a couple of times.

 

[Martyn]

So which method worked out best to get them out?

I put a lot of pressure on the end of the screwdriver enought to get them to move a fraction.