How to get out a striped computer screw?

Question

I took my computer to a local computer repair shop to have them remove some screws to get to the hard drive and they made a philips screw into a circle screw, and I don't think they make a circle screw driver. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to get a small laptop screw out after it has been circularized.

Answer 1

There are screw extractors out there, but for a low torque application like this the best way is probably to take a toothpick, cut part of the tip off so it fits flush into the circular hole, put epoxy on it and tape or support it there overnight while the epoxy cures. Should come right out after that. I wouldn't recommend superglue, it is too brittle.

Answer 2

I think we should all assume that this is NOT a "hex" screw, otherwise you would have already used pliers or a socket to remove it.

I think that drilling is a really bad idea, because screws are much harder that the metal of the laptop case and there might be some damage.

Do you know anyone with a "Dremel"? The last time I had to remove a screw that was stripped, I used my friends Dremel with a very thin grinder wheel on it. I "cut" a straight slot accross the screw and then used a straight screwdriver in the new slot - it came right out and no damage!!

Answer 3

Well if it has a hex head get a grip on it with visegrips.
If you can get its assembly out of the computer frame then do that then drill the head off of the screw. Then grab the stub with visegrips.

Drilling will get'er done but the issue of static might make that a risky venture.

Answer 4

can always get fine grinder break off the head. you might be able to use pair pliers if its got a texture up top.

Answer 5

complex step. do a search from the search engines. it may help!