I've run out of options for this. For some reason the screws on G1 overrides front section were in firm, very firm. Possibly due to the age they stripped pretty quick and with no real force to do so.

These things are buried deep and are small so there is no way I can get anything else in there. I tried the flat head method but it started to give so I stopped.

Anyone have suggestions for this? I can probably buy another but I really don't want to waste the money and I have my heart set on restoring this one.

 

what i usually do for stripped screws is get a drill and drill bit that fits the head of the screw. then just drill the f**k out of it till you can pop the top piece of plastic off. then maybe get pliers and try to unscrew the bottom piece

 

I use a soldering iron to loosen it from the surrounding plastic...kind of like removing a pin.

 

This. Dremel + drillbit. Drill the head off, then try to pull it apart - hopefully you'll be left with a piece sticking out that you can grab with some needlenose pliers and unscrew it out of the hole. Just use a small drillbit - you don't wanna damage the plastic.

 

The screws are buried half an inch into a hole just big enough for a small screwdriver. Adding to the frustration there is no "back end" to the screw hole. Means solder gun, dremel and possibly drill are out. The drill is a bit risky in that there is no back end to the hole so I risk drilling through the plastic and there are two screw supports for the section.

I'll try and get pictures up tomorrow.

 

Try a thin/small rubber band. Just place it over the tip of your screwdriver, insert it, apply pressure, and see if it will help loosen the screw. This has been known to work at times, because the rubber band fills the stripped space and allows the screwdriver to help grip.

Good luck! Hope you get it out, man.

 

I saw a method of firstly putting a small dab of super glue on the stripped screw head. Then indenting the screwdriver you a using until the glue is dry. Then hey-presto! The screw turns.

This did work for me on one occasion. Hope you find a solution

 

+1

I've used this in numerous applications. A good epoxy works even better.

 

In theory this is genius! Now to get some superglue and test it!

 

Use dynamite.

...

What?  

Seriously though, I love the suggestions for using a soldering iron and also the super-glue + screwdriver method. The next time I come across an issue with a stripped screw, you better believe I'm giving those a shot.

 

Well I'm a believer in anything is worth a shot right?

 

I came across this video today dealing with screws in old joes, not the same, but I'm sure the basics apply. He tries a couple of methods.

G.I. Joe Repair Tip: Removing Stuck Rusty Screws - YouTube