Screws with stripped heads on laptop - need help

[IndieSnob]

No, this isn't some sarcastic thread.

I've googled for all sorts of answers, and the only ones I got were using drill bits, which I don't have a drill and would be afraid of fucking things up worse, or using a soldering gun, which I have, but again, too afraid to fuck up things.

I haven't sat and forced them anymore to be further stripped. I've searched through every tool I have. I tried to put in a screwdriver that fits that same size screw on other parts of the laptop to make sure it's a fit, and it is. I tried putting the screwdriver in, and gently using a wrench to try to give it some leverage.

I don't want to walk to my friends shop and feel like an asshole asking him for help on it. I don't know if the harddrive is the problem, but I would at least like to troubleshoot it myself today, so I feel I am not bothering him.

Do any of you have any good tips for stripped screw heads that are in such a delicate electronic spot, and don't have a big opening?

Thanks in advance.

 

[CHNOPS]

Put a rubber band over the tip of the screwdriver. Usually works for me.

 

[JohnnySavage]

use a two-part epoxy that gets hard (as opposed to a rubber cement that stays soft); put a dab in the stripped screw-head; put the screwdriver that fits into the epoxy and tape it in place until the epoxy dries. Then try to unscrew.

 

[IndieSnob]

Thank you both for your advice, I mean that.

I am going to try to get a little more sleep, and I'll give it a go.

 

[unregistered]

 

[islandman]

Put a rubber band over the tip of the screwdriver. Usually works for me.

I echo CHNOPS' advice.

 

[pointless]

you don't have a drill? what is wrong with you?

 

[evesdream]

Put a rubber band over the tip of the screwdriver. Usually works for me.

I circle CHNOPS' advice with a pink sharpie and exclamation marks.

you don't have a drill? what is wrong with you?

I put gold star stickers on pointless' advice.

 

[Squibbs]

Get a drill bit the size of the screw and core it.

 

[unregistered]

 

[Balladeer08]

STOP! DON'T DRILL them out.

Better solution exists.

Sears (and no doubt other stores) sells a set of "EZ OUTS". It comes with drill bits of various sizes for the appropriate screw. You drill a small starter hole in the head of the screw, then put on the ez out bit. It gets a bite in the hole, and unscrews the screw. No lose, as you need to replace the stripped screw anyhow. But just drilling it out usually destroys the threading so you can't put a new screw back in. This will not destroy the threading.

They make another set for this purpose for stripped nuts and bolts. It fits into your socket set, you press down and turn counter-clockwise to unscrew (anti-clockwise for some people).

These are two of the best tools I've ever bought. Gets you past problems that should not exist.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-p...p-00966196000P?prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc...ockType=G2&PDP_REDIRECT=false&s_tnt=39869:4:0

Around $18 each. You'll save a ton of time and cussing!

 

[Balladeer08]

Put a rubber band over the tip of the screwdriver. Usually works for me.

A screwdriver condom?

Does it have a reservoir tip?

Are you afraid of getting the screw pregnant, or that it will give you a STD (screw type disease)?

 

[CHNOPS]

STOP! DON'T DRILL them out.

Better solution exists.

Sears (and no doubt other stores) sells a set of "EZ OUTS". It comes with drill bits of various sizes for the appropriate screw. You drill a small starter hole in the head of the screw, then put on the ez out bit. It gets a bite in the hole, and unscrews the screw. No lose, as you need to replace the stripped screw anyhow. But just drilling it out usually destroys the threading so you can't put a new screw back in. This will not destroy the threading.

They make another set for this purpose for stripped nuts and bolts. It fits into your socket set, you press down and turn counter-clockwise to unscrew (anti-clockwise for some people).

These are two of the best tools I've ever bought. Gets you past problems that should not exist.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-p...p-00966196000P?prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc...ockType=G2&PDP_REDIRECT=false&s_tnt=39869:4:0

Around $18 each. You'll save a ton of time and cussing!

He wasn't going to drill them out.

He doesn't own a drill.

He can't use these bits or any other bits.

Other than that, I think he'll find your post very helpful.