Tips on how to remove stripped hex screws.

[DavidB1126]

Going back to this, My uncle got me a set of arrowmax tools. Good drivers so far. They sell replacement tips so thats good.

 

[DavidB1126]

My uncle actually stipped out my 1.5 driver so he is ordering a replacement tip for me. Good tools so far. I like that they are longer so I can do hard to reach spots.

www.am-arrowmax.com

 

[bill_delong]

Here's my order of preference:

1) At the first hint of screw head starting to strip I will heat the screw with a micro-torch to melt thread lock then back out the screw:
https://www.amazon.com/Refillable-Butane-Soldering-Jewelry-Pinpoint/dp/B0733SWJQL/

2) If that doesn't work then I try to use an Extractor:
https://www.amazon.com/Nuovoware-Extractor-Stripped-All-purpose-Extension/dp/B08XXP1SD9

3) If that doesn't work then I use a Dremel/Rotary to cut a slot to use a flat head screwdriver to extract the bit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FSBY9GV

4) If that doesn't work then I use a grinding bur bit with the rotary to completely grind away the head of the screw, remove the part and use pliers to extract the threads --- this is my absolute last resort as this risks damaging other parts

I make it a point to regularly replace any screws and hex bits at the first sign of any rounding.

I have been able to refresh my hex bits by cutting off rounded tips with my rotary tool and can do this several times on a bit before it needs to be discarded.

As a preventative, I replace button head screws with socket heads to extend the life of screws, especially on the motor mounts!

 

[WickedFog]

I have never had to go to those extremes on an RC car. If a quality allen bit starts to strip the screw, I'll put a drop of PB Blaster on it overnight and use whatever torx bit I can press into it to remove the screw. But I rarely even have to go that far. Tip - inward pressure is just as important as turning pressure. You gotta put a lot of downforce to keep the bit engaged. And sometimes a slight right-hand turn can break a screw loose.

 

[bill_delong]

There are some blends of plastic with race grade cars that can grab onto the M4 flat head screws with far greater force than you might expect. The root of the problem is when the chassis wears, the head of the screw wears with it and you loose depth for the bit to get into the head and to make matters worse is caked up mud/dirt filled into the screw head. It's a must for every racer to use a pick to remove the dirt but hard to get it all out and that dirt acts as sandpaper which causes the screw head to wear faster and eventually strip.

Chances are the chassis is so thin that it needs to be replaced anyway, but most folks will keep running the chassis until it eventually snaps

 

[WickedFog]

Yeah, I have seen more than my share of worn down screws