How do I remove a screw where the pattern is worn out...

[Redwingsguy]

I was about to install my new antenna for my Nokia 5165, but as I got to the last screw (golden one), the pattern was loose so I couldn't remove the screw, and fooling around with it only made it worse. Is there anything that can undo it now? Its in there quite tight so pliers didnt work.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Drill a small hole and reverse tap it.

 

[MajesticMoose]

either drill it out or if it isn't too bad you might be able to put some lock-tite in there and sticking a screwdriver in while its drying.

m00se

 

[Redwingsguy]

How do I go about drilling it out? I have an electric drill but I don't know what kind of head to use.

Thanks

 

[Tominator]

Generally speaking you'd use what is called an 'easy-out' which you turm into a pre-drilled hole. It turns the opposite way the screw does. Grips the sides of the hole and turns the bad screw out. That sucker is pretty small I'd bet so I don't know if this technique would work.

I'd take a dremel tool and cut a new slot...

 

[hans007]

you can buy special drill bits at homedepot just for taking out jacked up screws. they come pretty small too. i have had to drill out screws on laptops (pretty small) and it still works

 

[bunker]

<< I'd take a dremel tool and cut a new slot... >>


That's what I generally do.