HDD compartment screw is shot...

This thing has been causing me a lot of aggravation... it has a Phillip's head and its completely eaten up. Unscrewing it with a screwdriver is next to impossible.

Does anyone have a solution beyond sticking a firecracker and blowing it to ___?

 

I have seen some things in hardware stores designed for this exact problem. I'm not sure if it would work for screws that small though. May even be too messy for the inside of a notebook.

I think they're called screw extractors.

 

If you are able to get it out somehow, make sure you replace it with a new screw. You should be able to find them at a hardware store or an electronic store like radioshack/microcenter.

 

There isn't much to it... so it probably didn't merit the question in the first place. I'll just have to look around for one of those handy tools. Considering how common screws are, it shouldn't be too hard. Thanks a lot guys.

 

You are better of using a dremel tool and small cutting whaeel to cut a slot in the screw head. Then use a slotted screw driver to remove it.

 

If you take it in to an electronics store, I think they can remove it with a special pair of pliars.

 

oh god, have i damaged my share of laptop screws working in computer repair! if theres some semblage of the slots left, take a slightlier larger screwdrive than the one that fits correctly to it. first twist it in the "tightening" direction just a little, then really work on "loosening" it. even when i couldnt do it, my friend could make it work every time.