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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: kekman on Tue, 15 March 2016, 03:47:24

Title: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: kekman on Tue, 15 March 2016, 03:47:24
As subject suggests, I've stripped a screw holding the pcb and backplate together, it's beyond recovery now. I've tried setting glue and a screwdriver to the screw but can't form a strong bond, as well as placing duct tape over the top and trying to unscrew. Any other methods that people recommend?
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: henz on Tue, 15 March 2016, 03:48:43
pictures please
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: kohi on Tue, 15 March 2016, 03:52:04
I never had to deal with a stripped screw before but I heard about the rubber band method before, something like this:
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Rubber-Band-to-Unscrew-Stripped-Screws
don't know if it'll work though; guess you could try
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: kekman on Tue, 15 March 2016, 03:59:15
 here's a picture. I'll also probably have to repair the circuit since I accidentally scraped it when to use pliers
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: Quackles on Tue, 15 March 2016, 04:17:52
When I stripped a screw on my Realforce I had to get someone (iPhone repair place in Chatswood) to drill it out for me. This is probably your best bet if all other methods don't work. Don't bother with those extractor drill bit kits, as it didn't work at all for me.
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: kekman on Tue, 15 March 2016, 05:09:49
When I stripped a screw on my Realforce I had to get someone (iPhone repair place in Chatswood) to drill it out for me. This is probably your best bet if all other methods don't work. Don't bother with those extractor drill bit kits, as it didn't work at all for me.

ah damn, how much did it cost?
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: TalkingTree on Tue, 15 March 2016, 05:15:05
Spray the base of the screw with a lube and twist the screw off with pliers. Careful not to damage the PCB.
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: Quackles on Tue, 15 March 2016, 05:53:17
When I stripped a screw on my Realforce I had to get someone (iPhone repair place in Chatswood) to drill it out for me. This is probably your best bet if all other methods don't work. Don't bother with those extractor drill bit kits, as it didn't work at all for me.

ah damn, how much did it cost?

He charged $10, even though it took him 3 seconds. Whatever, he got it out!
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: appleonama on Tue, 15 March 2016, 06:26:21
When I stripped a screw on my Realforce I had to get someone (iPhone repair place in Chatswood) to drill it out for me. This is probably your best bet if all other methods don't work. Don't bother with those extractor drill bit kits, as it didn't work at all for me.

ah damn, how much did it cost?

He charged $10, even though it took him 3 seconds. Whatever, he got it out!

I'd go with this. be gentle to that topre pcb  :'(
trace looks fine
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: hasu on Tue, 15 March 2016, 08:07:40
here's a picture. I'll also probably have to repair the circuit since I accidentally scraped it when to use pliers

You can use tool like this. Never tried it myself though.
http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/pz59e.html

Invest to good screw drivers before disaster like this, but many including me tend to jump into cheap ones :)
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: kekman on Tue, 15 March 2016, 18:10:41
here's a picture. I'll also probably have to repair the circuit since I accidentally scraped it when to use pliers

You can use tool like this. Never tried it myself though.
http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/pz59e.html

Invest to good screw drivers before disaster like this, but many including me tend to jump into cheap ones :)
I tried using pliers before, as well as sidecutters to grip onto the sides, but it didn't turn, and I even scraped the PCB a bit :(
Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: Melchior on Thu, 17 March 2016, 15:10:42
What is that Torx ? there are specific screw extractors for phillips and most other types of bit.

basically it follows the bit shape with a metal 'tooth' that will bite into the steel of the screw head and allow torque transfer.


Or use my motto:
NEVER USE A WORN SCREW - ALWAYS REPLACE !

Title: Re: Removing stripped screws from PCB
Post by: blighty on Thu, 17 March 2016, 16:00:24
I'd use a dremel with a cut-off wheel attached to cut a groove into it (be careful of the traces, of course).  Then you can remove the screw with a flat-head screwdriver...