stripped screws...

I'm an idiot... Let's just get that outta the way.

I stripped one of the tiny screws that hold the shock mount cradle in place as shown in this picture:



Anyone have any suggestions on how I remove them? I'm having some weird HD problems and I want to get in there and reseat the cables.

Thanks,
Ajay

Did you try to grab the screw head with a vice grips ?

Personally I'd get the dremel out and cut or drill the head of the screw off, then use a pair of pliers on what remains when the bracket is out. You could otherwise try filing the head so that it could be gripped with pliers.

Whichever you choose to do, I'd recommend masking off the player with tape and aluminium foil to prevent metal particles getting into it. (Aluminium wont give you any static problems like plastic might)

okay

idea No1 get a small hacksaw blade and cut a slot in it for a normal screw driver

No2 clamp the bracket to side of empeg with pliers/molegrips to remove stress from screw and undo.

No3 carefully drill the head off and then remove the remainder of screw with pliers.

Just push the screw out from the inside using a small nail or other pointy object, while simultaneously unscrewing it from the outside. Works every time for me, and avoids the dangerous mess of metal filings that more drastic methods might deposit.

Cheers

And if you cannot get at it from the inside, then pry it from the outside while unscrewing it. Any thin flat piece of metal (kitchen knife) can be used for this.

-ml

I have a screwdriver with two spring loaded tentacles that grab the screw underneath the head so that you can gently do this sort of operation, its helped me out hundreds of times over the years. It's also much better than the magnetic type for putting screws into awkward places. I got it at Maplins, here, but can't find it today.

Did you chew up the head of the screw, or did you strip the thread of the screw in the disk carrier?

If it's the first, avoid filing/cutting the head of the screw unless you have a good way of removing metal filings/dust. I had to clean a player where this had been done without any consideration: it wasn't possible to clean it properly and I couldn't sort it out as a result. The way I have done it in the past is with a Mole grip, overtightened to "clamp" onto the head of the screw at right angles. Careful! If you PM me I should be able to pull together a few spare screws for you.

If it's the second, you will need a new sled mount. I have a few of these, but - as with the rest of the spares - they are buried in a pile, and you will have to be a bit patient for a while until I can get to them again. Sorry!

sorry mental image of huge pile of bits with robs legs sticking out the top

wow, thanks for all the helpful suggestions...

I chewed up the head of the screw, so the threading is still intact. I was able to loosen it with a pair of vice grips and now I'm inside debugging my empeg. Everything is seated properly which is good, but it looks like I lost my primary 20GB drive. So I can finally justify buying a new 60GB drive!

Once again, thanks for the suggestions.

--Ajay

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

I just stripped 3 screws, and before freaking out, checked the web site, and found this thread about vice grips. Worked like a champ!!!

I feel really stupid, but the truth is, this is that this empeg has been sitting in storage, i think the locktight was still in full effect or something. They were really solid. I tried 5 different screw drivers, they just mashed the screw head (felt like they had just bonded to the case), i had a good grip on them!

Now.... does anyone know what size screws these are so I can order new ones?

There's a thread for that too

(skip down to Rob S. post at the bottom)

I believe Eutronix has them in smaller quantities than the supply warehouses. Ah, I bought a box from the warehouse because I strip them on every use.