m11xR1 Stripped Screw...

First of all I would like to Say Hi to the community. I have been looming around for a while on this forum and would like to start off my first thread by thanking all the contributors, admins, and users alike.

I've gotten myself some arctic silver and would like to change the default thermal paste. Also planned on doing the 2ghz cpu mod since it is right there anyway. But I ran into a big problem when one of the screws holding on to the keyboard is stripped. What should I do?

 

You can't get the screw out or it spins forever when you try to put it in? I've had the threads in the holes strip for holding on the bottom panel. In fact, Dell themselves stripped one on me and replaced all the screws with longer non-captive ones.

If the head is mangled too badly to get it out, either get a better-fitting screwdriver or slice into it. On large bolts people typically use a dremel to saw a slot and then use a slotted/flathead screwdriver on it. There probably isn't any way to do that on really small screws like these, so you'd just use the grinding head to grind it off. Try to leave enough of the screw's shaft to grab with pliers and turn out once the keyboard is free. It sounds like you didn't have the right tools in the first place so make sure you don't compound this by using the wrong tools. Buy some good pliers, a rotory tool (AKA "Dremel"), and a good precision screwdriver set.

Oh, and if you use a drill or rotary tool to grind the head off, there will be metal bits everywhere. Make sure to clean up well with compressed air (preferably, take it to someone with an air compressor).

 

Make sure you are using the optimal technique. Find the best fitting screwdriver. Press down hard with the palm of your left hand on the butt end of the screwdriver while you slowly turn the handle with your right hand.

Once out, by unscrewing, drill press or dremel replace the screws. Has anyone found a good replacement in hex or torx?

 

Hey thank you all for the quick reply!

My friend told me to use some valve grinding compound on the tip of the screw driver for more grip, can anyone confirm if this works?

Thanks again to all!

 

It also works if you place a rubber band under the screwdriver that fits best to add friction. Works for me.

 

I had multiple stripped screws on mine. If its under warranty dell will replace them for free, if you care to send your comp in.

 

Under the screwdriver? I don't follow?

Fill me in - because I hate little laptop screws. It's the only reason I'm ever hesitant to repair them for friends.

 

I'm guessing the rubber band helps to fill the now bigger hole on the head of the screw so it's easier to remove.


Edit: http://lifehacker.com/5462520/remove-a-stripped-screw-with-a-rubber-band

 

Yes. You use the flat side of the rubberband and place it on the tip of the screwdriver and pull it tight. This will serve two purposes.

1) Fill in the stripped screw.
2) Add friction while turning.

 

Lol all I have are the thin tiny rubber bands used to tie up veggies. Arggg, thanks for all the help to all of you guys. How do I give rep as reward? XD

 

Click the little scales underneath someones name on the left.

I'm gonna try that rubberband trick! Hope it works.