How to unscrew rounded screws

DJMK4 · 27 Oct 2008 at 15:14

Hi,

I have a slight problem getting the faceplate off a coolermaster case, a couple of the hex screws on the front place are rounded and i need to get them out, and if possible replace, whats the best way to do this?

Reality|Bites · 27 Oct 2008 at 15:37

Do you mean rivets?

Snakedoctor · 27 Oct 2008 at 15:39

Mole grips.

DJMK4 · 27 Oct 2008 at 15:49

No they are actual hex screws that go into the front of a coolermaster black widow case. Like in the pic below

Cotti · 27 Oct 2008 at 15:57

You can either drill them out or get a screw removal tool (its like a backwards drill bit that digs into the screw).

Bubo · 27 Oct 2008 at 16:14

Socket head capscrews? Get a suitable allen key.

shadowscotland · 27 Oct 2008 at 16:28

I can't see what that pic shows.
is it a complete hex whole - aka use an alan key
or a Hex with a pin in the middle - use a Torx star screw driver
or something else

p4radox · 27 Oct 2008 at 17:37

I don't understand why them being rounded is preventing them being removed. Can't you just use an allen key?

jellybeard999 · 27 Oct 2008 at 19:12

They are button cap hex bolts. You need an allen key.

R B Customs · 27 Oct 2008 at 20:09

When he says 'Rounded' I presume he means damages, as in the female shape of the screw / bolt is damaged, and thus 'rounded'

Allen / hex heads 'round' incredibly easily if you use the wrong size key. and so can regular Philips heads if you use the wrong size driver.

If the heads are rounded ( as in damaged) then a screw remover is about your best bet to be honest.
Drilling them out will not solve anything; It will only make the situation worse.

shadowscotland · 27 Oct 2008 at 22:58

I find the star Torx screwdrivers are really good with burred (or rounded hex bolts)

bledd · 30 Oct 2008 at 12:19

if they are rounded as in damaged rounded, then a good way to remove them, is to get a ton of torx screw drivers that fit, then use something like arctic silver expoxy to set the torx into it, let it dry/set, then remove them

cleanest way of getting them out tbh

DirtyJester · 30 Oct 2008 at 16:51

if your gonna do what bledd said Id suggest using a screw set in expoxy that way you only lose the screws not the drivers.... btw if the damaged screw was proud of the surface of the case then you can use a hacksaw and cut a slot and remove it with a standard screwdriver.

bledd · 31 Oct 2008 at 10:12

DirtyJester said:
if your gonna do what bledd said Id suggest using a screw set in expoxy that way you only lose the screws not the drivers.... btw if the damaged screw was proud of the surface of the case then you can use a hacksaw and cut a slot and remove it with a standard screwdriver.

another viable option, but you'd need the steadiest hands in the world to tackle the front of that case with a power tool to create that groove, too risky imo

Davey D · 31 Oct 2008 at 11:54

depending on how rounded the holes are you can get square tapered bits for screw drivers that might be able to grip with lots of pressure applied to get the screws moving

DirtyJester · 31 Oct 2008 at 12:17

bledd. said:
another viable option, but you'd need the steadiest hands in the world to tackle the front of that case with a power tool to create that groove, too risky imo

... a hacksaw is a handtool .... and yes it would require a steady hand hence why I mentioned the need for the damaged screw/bolt to be proud of the case / surface ... and no wise cracks on the handtool

Felix Da Housecat · 1 Nov 2008 at 05:22

Cotti said:
You can either drill them out or get a screw removal tool (its like a backwards drill bit that digs into the screw).

Do this, your local hardwear or hobby shop should have the correct tool for you.

Hth

PwnDirect · 1 Nov 2008 at 21:14

allen key!!!

Burned_Alive · 4 Nov 2008 at 10:25

Screw removal tool is the way forward. Plus, last time I need some replacement screws for my 201 I emailed Coolermaster and they sent me a full set out for free.

Bubo · 4 Nov 2008 at 11:09

The OP's last input to this thread was a full week ago so he's probably sorted this by now, but surely if the case is as he decribes it simply can't be an issue with damaged screws, I mean all 6 damaged to same way? It is clearly a case of the guy doesn't recognize the type of tool needed, which to me it simply must be an allen key or Torx job. What case manufacturer is going to use proper tamper proof screws to build a case? It would help if he posted a close up shot of the screw type, but his lack of response seems to indicate he can't be bothered.