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Help!Stripped screw head!

  • 30-05-2012 12:32pm
    #1
    Squaredude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,201 ✭✭✭


    My laptop was overheating so I decided to dismantle it in order to clean the fan.All screws came out easily except one,the screw is holding the dvd drive in place,the head on the screw is fairly damaged and I need to get it out.Hopefully someone can help


Comments

  • #2
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    Two options:

    1. Get a 0.5mm PCB drill bit and use a cordless drill on the slowest possible setting and drill through it. Definitely not for the faint hearted but it does work well and isn't as messy as option two.

    2. Get a small screwdriver, add a tiny drop of superglue on the top and attach it to the screw and try and remove it that way. Alternatively use any sturdy piece of metal with a small tip.


  • #3
    Squaredude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,201 ✭✭✭Squaredude


    No luck with the super glue method.
    Would these drill bits do the job?http://www.amazon.co.uk/HSS-Micro-Drill-Bits-Set/dp/B004CLKYUE/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1338384952&sr=8-16


  • #4
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    Perfect size. As a rule of thumb... for an M3 screw use a 2mm drill bit (Or smaller) and for an M2 screw use a 1.5mm (Or smaller) drill bit.

    When drilling make sure the drill is perfectly perpendicular to the laptop and use the slowest speed possible. Any small mistake will lead to a broken drill bit or worse yet a damaged thread.


  • #5
    Squaredude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,201 ✭✭✭Squaredude


    excellent.will order those bits so and give it a go.


  • #6
    blue5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 181 ✭✭blue5


    I'm having the same problem. I'd be a bit worried using a drill. Anyone think a laptop repair place would be able to do something without charging a fortune to get the stripped screw head out? Or maybe even a jewelers (as they deal with small screws all the time) they must come across this every now and again?

    Any helpful suggestions much appreciated!


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  • #7
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    It depends on the shop. Some rip off merchants would charge you a few hundred for the "expertise" and "labour" whilst others would charge you €20 or so.


  • #8
    blue5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 181 ✭✭blue5


    Just a heads up in case anyone else experiences this. One of my mates had a specialised hand drill (one you could do engraving etc with if you felt inclined), a small drill bit and he was able to basically drill the screw head out, not much of the screw remained but I was able to open the laptop successfully.


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