Help! I got a bolt that just won't move...

carage

Senior member
Sep 20, 2004
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I am in the process of swapping cases and I have removed just about everything from my old case except one hard drive because the bolt is stuck. I have been trying to remove that bolt for almost half an hour now. If it wasn't for the fact that the hard drive is my largest drive, I probably would have given up already.
What should I do? Do I need power tools or professional help? I wouldn't mind destroying my old case to retrive that hard drive.
 

GalvanizedYankee

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2003
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If you would link pics of the case it would help.

Can the screw be turned? Is it turning but not comming out?
If it can't be turned, have you mangeled the head of it?

If it's turning but not comming out, wedge a flat screw driver between the cage and drive to assist it's extraction. This will help if the screw it striped.

If the screw refuses to turn. Remove all other screws. Now load the screw counter-clockwise as if it can be removed. Hold it like that, with a load. Now rock the HD perpendicular to the screw. Keep rocking it while trying to remove the screw. It will break loose.

Was any locking agent put on this screw during assembly....For any reason. Something as simple as clear nail polish?
If it was, heat up the head of the screw with a 40 watt soldering iron. Let it cool, then try the rocking bit again.

...Galvanized
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
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Generally the only time that happens is when the wrong size screw was used or it got in cross-threaded. Depending on the head of the screw, you might be able to get hold of it with a pair of vice-grips or one of those new high-leverage wrenches that Sears and others sell. Another option is to grind the head off the screw with a file or a Dremel and once you have the drive out, get a grip on the ramaining nub with some tool or other.

Or penetrating oil might work- put a drop or two in between the frame and the side of the drive right at the screw and let it stand overnight. Wipe the head of the screw clean with alcohol and dry so the screwdriver won't slip as much and see what happens.

.bh.