Can I Repair "Shredded" Screws?

Or go to a hardware store. They'll actually have special screwdrivers for situations like these.

Originally Posted by Sso02V You know where he went? Not-Earth. You can find it not-here, and if you're here, then you're not there.

If you've already removed the screw, try "converting" it to a flathead screw with a Dremel tool. I've done this a few times and it works alright.

There are some brass screws that hardware stores sell
that don't rust like cheap steel-based screws (the TF default)
you should try to hunt down some and replace all your TF screws.
The screws normally come in a few standard sizes for TF.

It's not worth the effort the fix the screws, IMO.

as:

I'm not sure I would do this. Brass screws are a lot softer than steel, and sizes that small are going to be even easier to damage. I do use them on model railroad equipment, mainly because that's what the local hardware store carries in miniature sizes. Replacing all the screws on a TF collection would be an awful lot of work, anyway.

OP - If you can't grip the screw with pliers, and you can't slot the head with a saw blade or Dremel tool, and if a different screwdriver doesn't grip just enough of the head to work, you can try drilling out the head. If you use a left-hand drill bit, this might even loosen it. Just drill the head away, leaving a stub that you can remove with pliers after disassembling.

McMaster-Carr sells LH bits:

McMaster-Carr

as above really, drilling the head off is the last resort. remember you need to leave a nub of metal to grip with pliers and if the screw is countersunk you'll probably need some needle nose pliers.

i've had a lot of luck with some star-shaped torx screwdrivers, and hammering them in the head of messed up screws but you need to brace the joint properly to make sure you don't damage the screw housing.

you can get bits specially for removing screws, but i've ruined parts (eg. knackered the thread on the engine casing the bolt screws into) on my motorbike with them before so make sure you don't do that. stripped screws are a f*cking pain in the arse doubly so when they're screwed into something as soft as plastic.

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