Ruined Torx head screw.

DM · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:11

I have managed to chew up a torx head screw that is recessed in plastic and hard to get at, any suggestions?

InvaderGIR · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:13

Drill...but you may only be able to get the head out...which could prove more problematic.

Other than that I think you're a bit stuffed really.

paradigm · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:16

Any photos of the mashup in question? To see what we have to work with?

DM · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:16

Cant get a drill in there behind it, i think im ****ed.

I dont know why i even attempt these things instead of just paying someone.

DM · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:18

paradigm said:
Any photos of the mashup in question? To see what we have to work with?

I dont think i can even get a shot of it because its recessed.

This is all down to trying to change a steering wheel, that involves these 2 torx things at the back of the air bag if you get what i mean.

snowdog · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:21

We cut new grooves in to the screw head when this happens with an elec saw and then use a flat screwdriver or an elec drill with a flat screwdriver on it (after a lot of wd40 and some banging with a chisel between the screw head and the hole). But i guess since you can't get a drill in there there is too little space to do that?

DM · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:23

snowdog said:
We cut new grooves in to the screw when this happens with an elec saw and then use a flat screwdriven or an elec drill with a flat screwdriver on it (after a lot of wd40 and some banging between the screw head and the hol)e. But i guess since you can't get a drill in there there is too little space to do that?

Sadly that wont work as there is no room to get in there.

-Ad- · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:25

Can you bang in a slightly larger torx/hex socket into the head, essentially creating new biting points for this inserted bit to grip onto?

Did that when getting my steering wheel off and worked a dream on a totally stuck torx bolt.

Will Gill · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:27

DiamondMark said:
Sadly that wont work as there is no room to get in there.

hammer a chisel onto the head? or liquid weld a screwdriver onto the head, what kind of pressure is the screw under, if its not a lot those should work

Firestar_3x · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:29

90deg angle head for a drill, can be had from Machine Mart for around £30.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/rad-1-right-angle-drill-attachment

paradigm · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:30

Maybe try a RIBE or polydrive bit of the same size and see if it gets better purchase.

Polydrive:

Torx:

Will Gill · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:32

paradigm said:
Maybe try a RIBE or polydrive bit of the same size and see if it gets better purchase.

I love that term, I will now try and drop that into conversation today and sound sage like!

not being sarcastic by the way :cool:

paradigm · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:33

Will Gill said:
I love that term

Which, RIBE, or purchase

Will Gill · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:36

purchase, someone dropped it into a conversation at a wedding I was at the other day and the world stopped for 7 seconds as I marvelled at his ability to call upon such extensive vocab.

I have developed a lot of good words/phrases for my chosen industry, if you sat in all of my presentations you would tire of them, but hopefully for a one off I might impress

DM · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:37

Cheers for all the advice chaps.

Im thinking about admitting defeat now though, i really am useless at this sort of thing

Will Gill · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:39

DiamondMark said:
Cheers for all the advice chaps.

Im thinking about admitting defeat now though, i really am useless at this sort of thing

worst case just drill it out and re-tap with a slightly larger bore

direct and forceful, or manly, ggggrrrrr

do it with your chest hair out and a utility belt for maximum effect

DM · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:44

Will Gill said:
worst case just drill it out and re-tap with a slightly larger bore

direct and forceful, or manly, ggggrrrrr

do it with your chest hair out and a utility belt for maximum effect

Oh yes i strode out to the barn this morning tools in hand,in a manly fashion, ready for another fantastic bit of Marks famous motoring DIY, i saw the wife and her 2 mates sniggering, but i wasnt deterred!

After 20 minutes of cursing i strode back indoors and slammed into me office, to ask on here.

Another fine days work, looking good!

Will Gill · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:48

DiamondMark said:
Oh yes i strode out to the barn this morning tools in hand,in a manly fashion, ready for another fantastic bit of Marks famous motoring DIY, i saw the wife and her 2 mates sniggering, but i wasnt deterred!

After 20 minutes of cursing i strode back indoors and slammed into me office, to ask on here.

Another fine days work, looking good!

as long as they don't know of your defeat you still hold the upper hand, just go outside and saw through some wood, then nail said wood onto something, then drill a screw into it and hang your utility belt on it.

trust me their pants will dampen

snowdog · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:49

Haha I'd probably be the same, at the slightest problem when working on the car I ask for help from either my dad or from a couple of mates. My old man on the other hand is stubborn and won't stop until he has done what he wanted to, even if it takes him hours for a small little thing and lots and lots of cursing. And yeah the last resort is often simply drilling the bolt or screw out...

DM · 13 Sep 2010 at 12:56

Will Gill said:
as long as they don't know of your defeat you still hold the upper hand, just go outside and saw through some wood, then nail said wood onto something, then drill a screw into it and hang your utility belt on it.

trust me their pants will dampen

Too late, they know i have failed by the cursing.

The other give away was me ringing the mechanic in the village and asking him to come up.

Still we cant all be masters of the toolbox!!!