How to remove a striped Hex Screw?

Avathar77 · 6 Jun 2011 at 20:23

Any one know how to remove a completely striped to round hex screw? :confused:

PhillyDee · 6 Jun 2011 at 20:26

Depends on the size and location.

1. You can use things called Easy-outs, which means you drill a hole the right size, and reverse screw one in which grips the hole, and removes the bolt.
2. Hammer a torx driver into it, the teeth should bite in the sides.
3. hacksaw a slit to use wth a flat screwdriver

Avathar77 · 6 Jun 2011 at 20:31

Lets say it is from a back screw of an EK Supreme HF waterblock :eek:

panyan · 6 Jun 2011 at 20:34

PhillyDee said:
1. You can use things called Easy-outs, which means you drill a hole the right size, and reverse screw one in which grips the hole, and removes the bolt.

probably the least destructive for pc parts

Avathar77 · 6 Jun 2011 at 20:48

What size of a easy out are we talking about here?

PhillyDee · 6 Jun 2011 at 20:51

How big is the hex? Might be too small for the easy outs!

Avathar77 · 6 Jun 2011 at 20:57

skinneelab says it uses 2mm hex/allen key

Avathar77 · 6 Jun 2011 at 21:11

smallest easy out I can find is for 3-6mm!
Seems like I have to find another way.

lrlcr · 6 Jun 2011 at 21:25

You can get reverse threaded drill bits, usually work pretty well.

Or very carefully drill off the head with a tiny bit (aim is the same size as the shaft? of the bolt) then remove the stub from the block with pliers/mole grips.

Avathar77 · 11 Jul 2011 at 13:12

I contacted EK about getting some replacement screws for the block, and they said I need "M3x12 7991 DIN"
Can't seem to find any online, any one know where I can get some? I need only 1 or 2.
I still haven't tried removing the striped screw yet!

hyperst · 11 Jul 2011 at 13:20

https://maccmodels.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=2460
These should do it, to get it out you could dremmel a slot in it and use a screw driver

edit, actually not too sure, do you have any of the others out that you can compare against, got a screw fix near you?

OLDPHART · 11 Jul 2011 at 14:47

Hi, always tight'n the screw slightly clockwise as this breaks anything like Loctite used on the screw and do the same as somtimes even the screw justs grabs the screw hole wall it self. Neve use cheap tools as this is one of the main factors in chewing the screw head and so you don't forget which is clockwise and anti-clockwise theres a little ditty > Lefty Loosy/Righty Tighty.

ahar · 11 Jul 2011 at 15:13

Can you post a picture of it? May be easier to suggest things if we can see it.

Another option is to drill it out and re tap the hole slightly larger (done this on my car but not sure about delicate computer parts!)

Avathar77 · 11 Jul 2011 at 15:29

Ok here is a pic when I first got it. Didn't get a pic of the striped screw though! Block is back in the loop so cant remove it yet. I will take it apart in couple of weeks.

[/url] 030920101343 by Avathar77, on Flickr[/IMG]

Update :
Just got a response from EK saying they can send me some spare screws for P&P charges only, it is going to be 4EUR, so not that much more compared to the link hyperst gave(thanx for that by the way)

ahar · 11 Jul 2011 at 22:06

Hmm, if the stripped screw is one of the black ones in the photo, you can't really cut the head off it or drill out the hole easily. I would try to get the smallest easyout (I'm sure the set I have goes down to 5mm - try fleabay for a set) you can and use that, or use a dremel to fashion a slot for a flat head screwdriver.

BringTheRain · 11 Jul 2011 at 22:27

If you are really steady, you can glue a small nut onto the head and use a tiny spanner to undo it. Or just glue something on that you can grip and maybe use pliers.

Have done it in the past, shame as i could have sent all the tools needed todo it (tiny nut etc)

Baldrick1001 · 11 Jul 2011 at 23:15

JML screw extractor - google it - 2.99 cheaps as chips

EniGmA1981 · 12 Jul 2011 at 07:39

Rather than thinking about using an easy-out after drilling into the screw, find one that'll grip the inside of the hex key hole... that should give it a good few mm to grip...

Avathar77 · 12 Jul 2011 at 08:33

I was thinking of gluing the head of the hex key which came with the block, or to make a grove using the dremel so that a flat head screw driver would fit. I have some small enough nuts as well! I will see if that works as "Bring the Rain" said.
Going to order JML screw extractor as well, because I have some other striped screws in the house here and there

ahar · 12 Jul 2011 at 09:55

My experience has been that glue is not strong enough to hold the turning forces but you won't lose anything by trying!