Removing stripped screw from base

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Idcurrie

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I have a problem.

I have a scope base with two shims under it that I need to remove.

Sadly, one of the screws which holds the base in place has had the head completely rounded off and stripped.

Is there any kind of tool that I can use to grip the screw to remove it.

Once removed, I will be installing new bases.

Thanks
 
scairns said:
If the screw head has a shoulder you can drill the head off, and it will seperate from the shaft at the shoulder.
Click to expand...

Right, but then the shank is left stuck in the threaded hole.
What i would do is drill a small hole dead center of the screw and try using an EZ-out (Screw extractor), although in my experience the small ones are anything but easy and can break off in the hole making your problem worse because they are hard to get out at that point. Be sure the drill bit is smaller than the shank of the screw so you dont drill out the threads.

Another easy method you can try is using JB kwik, not weld but kwik... use it to glue the tip of a screwdriver to the stripped screw. You will need to make sure that it stays fairly stable for 5 mins or so to make sure it sets properly. Also, if you are doing this method, it would be advisable to again drill a couple really tiny holes in the head of the screw for the jb kwik to settle into so it has something to grip. or if there is still some phillips pattern left you dont need to bother with drilling it. just glue, let it set for an hour or more after hardening, and turn the bugger out.

Good luck
 
The other option is to get the correct size "Left hand" drill bit and 9 out of 10 times it will grip the striped screw and remove it....other than that you will probalby have to try and drill it as close to center and possible and remove it with an easy out...take your time removing it!!!!!
 
Idcurrie said:
...the head completely rounded off and stripped.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a hex head.

Get a slightly larger TORX driver and tap it firmly into the head. While tapping the driver, unscrew. If Loctite is used, heat the area to soften the adhesive.
 
Lodi said:
Sounds like a hex head.

Get a slightly larger TORX driver and tap it firmly into the head. While tapping the driver, unscrew. If Loctite is used, heat the area to soften the adhesive.
Click to expand...

I have already tried this method. That's why it's not COMPLETELY rounded :p

I will pick up one of those screw remover things next time I'm in the city on Friday.

Thanks
 
If you are replacing the bases anyway, use a Dremel with a cut off wheel to cut a slot in the top of the screw head and turn it out with a flathead screwdriver.
 
Most times when the head is drilled off, and the base removed there is enough of the bolt protrudung from the receiver to either grab with pliers or to cut a slot in and remove with a flat screwdriver. If locktite is suspected heat first to soften because you don't want to mess up what little material you have left. Just my .02.
 
I have found that the slickest thing to heat a broken off screw to break the bond of lock tite is an electric soldering gun. It will localize the heat into the screw and not run out into the surrounding metal.
 
The best way imo is to set it up in a mill and use an end mill to mill off the head then pop the bases ,this will leave a short stub you can grab with a pair of pliers to unscrew.
 
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Coyote has it right but if you don't have a milling machine and most don't, center punch the stub and use either a drill press or in a pinch, a hand held drill to get rid of the head. Then, remove the rest of the screws as per normal and the cap will come off. The stub left behind, won't have any pressure on it and can usually be easily removed with fingertips or a pair of pliers.
 
Like Iceman2 said, you can cut a slot with a dremel cutting wheel to take it off, since you are installing new bases.
 
I repeat what was said before - If any drilling is to be done, use a left hand drill bit. Heat if required of course. It will likely turn out before you drill through the head.
 
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