Any advice here on removing a stripped VB screw that happens to be one of the two deep ones? My unit has 2 stripped screws, one shallow and one deep. (And no I didn’t strip them, the unit came that way)

I already have a ground bit that fits perfectly in the VB, so possibly using some epoxy in the bit head for a mold around the screw? I assume crazy glue wouldn’t have enough torque, and I’d really prefer to not have to drill the screw out. As always, any advice would be helpful. Thanks all! 🙂

Ok, got the deep screw out, crazy glue did the trick…but just barely enough to get it loose. The shallow screw is crazy stripped, but I’m sure I can get that one out easy.

For those that also have stripped screw probs, I’d probably go the epoxy route. :thumpup:

Holy moly, can’t get the shallow screw out. It’s completely rounded.

I’ve tried super glue, epoxy, and even dremeled down a small set of needle nose pliers that simply can’t grip enough to loosen it even after soaking a drop of penetrating oil on the screw.

So far I’ve drilled a small hole in the screw, going to look for a reverse threaded extractor bit tomorrow. Seriously, such a nightmare.

1. Did you try the “tighten a little bit first” method? Maybe you could use a regular screw in the hole you drilled to give it a little tweak, and then try your pliers, glue, etc.

2. You could also try carefully heating the screw just a touch with a soldering iron (assuming you have one) which will do three things: 1) slightly expand the screw and, thus, the hole it’s in, 2) slightly (I hope!) melt the plastic, and 3) turn that penetrating oil into a nice bit of smoke 😛 (Actually, you might not want to heat it that much, which makes it a good indicator of possible overheating; if you smell burning oil, back off!).

Also, if you find a screw extractor that small, let me know where you found it. I’ve been wanting one for quite a while.

Keep us updated.

You could try drilling a couple holes (or at least indents) straight across and use a flathead. I also remember seeing some gritty goo that’s supposed to help to remove stripped bolts. From a quick search, I can’t find it, but apparently it helped improve grip from the tool to the bolt… maybe it’d work for you (if you can find it).

DogP

Thanks R-pack & DogP. I currently have a small fillips head screwdriver slowly drying in metal epoxy in the small hole I srilled (I have no doubt it will fail as usual). If I have no luck finding a tiny extractor bit, I will attempt to drill another hole for a flathead screwdriver.

It’s very difficult to drill or dremel without slippage. I figure I can buff out minor scratches (which I’ve most definitely already sustained in the screw hole), but I just fear major damage. I’ll get the job done one way or another, just my luck that the most shallow screw on the console would end up being the most troublesome.

I would have broken my virtual boy in anger. I once cracked a super famicom cart in half when I couldn’t remove the screw, out of frustration. I admire your patience in this removal!

John E Bravo wrote:
I would have broken my virtual boy in anger. I once cracked a super famicom cart in half when I couldn’t remove the screw, out of frustration. I admire your patience in this removal!

While painfully frustrating, I should thank my lucky stars that this last problem screw is the most shallow one.

Whomever opened this VB before me must have really overtightened the screws or used the incorrect tool for the job to strip them so badly. Instead of getting too impatient and damaging the unit in a rush, I’m taking a breather for a day or two so I can tackle the endeavor with a clear mind, a solid plan and a steady hand. The epoxy trick is a no-go, the screw will need to be drilled for a Flathead screwdriver or will need to be removed with a small extractor bit. I will go for the Flathead method first, if I can. Possibly insert a large washer in the hole so *when* the drill slips I will not crack the plastic between the screw and the frame.

If all is successful, and I pray it is, I will have to get some rubbing compound and polish out the scratches I’ve caused in said screw hole. It’s incredibly hard to be gentle when trying to drill on a slippery rounded metal surface with little work area.

I really think companies need to eliminate this entire security screw fiasco and just adhere a “Warranty void if tampered with” sticker instead.