Tips and Tools for Removing Stubborn Fasteners

[rctimewaster]

i bought this set it might be good enough.

 

[WickedFog]

having a complete torx set would be handy.
going by this chart a T25 should fit.
I measured with a digital caliper a damaged inner hex screw and it measured from 4.10mm to 4.5mm..i feel like such a nerd
View attachment 176650

You would need to know this dimension.

And even that won't be extremely accurate because of the lobes on the star wrence not fitting into the sharp corners of the allen socket. I usually just try a couple til I find the one that fits best.

 

[rctimewaster]

You would need to know this dimension.

i have used a couple of my torx sockets to remove some stubborn hex screws it can save time it's worth having them.

 

[WickedFog]

i have used a couple of my torx sockets to remove some stubborn hex screws it can save time it's worth having them.

When I was machining, we would usually get little flag handled torx wrenches with the inserts. Various sizes. I always kept them just for sacrificial set screw removal tools. Even if I had to touch them on the surface grinder to make them get a good bite in a fastener, they worked great.

 

[rctimewaster]

When I was machining, we would usually get little flag handled torx wrenches with the inserts. Various sizes. I always kept them just for sacrificial set screw removal tools. Even if I had to touch them on the surface grinder to make them get a good bite in a fastener, they worked great.

There's that good feeling sticking a torx end into a rounded hex screw that's fits tight then removing it and knowing you didn't spend more time getting angry at it

 

[WickedFog]

Bit of an update. I finally got around to trying Team EDS drivers, and after removing and installing 4 screws with the 2.0 mm driver, this is my results, as compared to a 10+ year old Dynamite driver.

 

[9x19]

Hmm... doesn't look like they are gonna last.

 

[jimdavis577]

The best thing i have found to help with this is issue is 2 fold. One is to have a good set of tools when wrenching, MIP is by far the go to standard for tools in this hobby. They get their name for good reason, the hold up and last. This in turn prevents the stripping of the head of the screw , granted you use the proper size, and use it correctly. I am not a big fan of the "ball drivers", while convenient for the case when the wrench is just a little off of being perfect fit for the screw head . They do not provide full engagement with the screw head.
And two, when you do finally have a stripped out head. This set below is great and one of the smallest most self contained sets to use. They are shallow enough to not need to drill out the head( most of the time). And is easy to carry and keep on hand when needed

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C5MNHQY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[Warby]

I have 3 tools to help remove stripped or broken screws/bolts. They have come in very handy. If one doesn't work, one of the others usually does. They are all very high quality tools.

1.
ENGINEER PZ-58 neji-saurus Screw Removal Pliers

2.
KNIPEX Twingrip Slip Joint Pliers, 200 mm, 4-22 mm, Gripping Pliers, 82 02 200

3.
KNIPEX Cobra Water Pump Pliers. Available in various sizes.

Although the best thing is preventing stripped/stuck screw. Use good quality hex driver tools and don't use red threadlocker unless absolutely necessary. I mainly use blue. (I do use red on pinion grub screws)