Broken thumb screw for pci express card - What to do

[Vimes]

How did two manage to break, or you using one of these to put them in..?

Spoiler

as mentioned already I rarely find that these thumb screws are aligned appropriately when fitting a GPU. I tend to do it by placing the case on its back so that the weight of the GPU isn't trying to "pull down" on that bracket with the screw holes in. Also it usually needs one hand to press or raise etc the bracket slightly to align it with the holes on the case with one hand and then screw those screws hand tight only with the other.


Good luck and look after that single one....!

Perhaps you can use another PCI-e slot on the board if that works out

 

[apostolis_kt]

That's the question I asked my self when I broke the second.

I always put it on its back so indeed no gpu weight messes it up. I noticed that even with no gpu if I try to screw one it stops really early and you need a screw driver to continue and that's possibly how I broke them.

I really think the screws might be a bit too thick. Out of warranty now so I cannot contact cm to complain but jeez what a pain.

 

[clone]

Great excuse for a case upgrade me thinks mate.

 

[apostolis_kt]

Great excuse for a case upgrade me thinks mate.

Crossed my mind... But logic prevailed.

Had my previous no brand cheapo crapo midi case since 2006 got this one for this pc build because I love the looks and the space. Not sure I want to change to a new case got the coolermaster brand new half price as well.

 

[clone]

Only thing I can see you doing is drill it then use a bolt extracter.

 

[simc1978]

Superglue a small screwdriver onto the top of broken thread. Let it dry and unscrew.
Don't let the glue touch anywhere else though

A variant of this trick is to use a rubber band and a lot of pressure

 

[Saucesome]

Looks like that part of the chassis is modular, maybe you can find a replacement?

 

[apostolis_kt]

Was looking at the coolermaster parts pages but cant find the mobo tray for sale anywhere. I might contact them and ask but don't have high hopes.

Works for now and won't bother for a while will try the glue option or removing the tray and drilling it at some point.

 

[clone]

Only thing with the glue option is if it bleeds into the thread you will never get it out, take it to a local engineering company.

 

[drakulton]

Get a small pair of fine side-cutting pliers. These have very sharp pointy tips. Come at the stuck screw thread from above and jam the two points of the site-cutters either side of the screw and the threaded hole, and this should be enough to rotate the threaded portion out.

 

[Nutty_Death]

I don't see why you can't drill through it. Start with a smaller bit than the hole you're trying to make then go with a larger. Make sure you're bit is suitable for use with metal.

I also don't understand how the thumbscrew can be so strong you've not managed to drill through it yet but weak enough that you've snapped two of them. They really shouldn't require much force to screw in other than gentle alignment of the holes.