What is the best way to remove stripped grub screws

[poor paperclip picker]

I just received a classic medeco in the mail today. I was taking it apart to make sure that everything was there, since it only cost me $9.99 shipped. Anyways, I found that the first grub screw's head (where the allen wrench goes) was stripped. I do have an extra to replace it, but I was just wondering the best way to remove it.

Should I just drill it out? This is my first medeco so if there is some trick to get the grub screw out that would be good.

Thanks

[mhole]

Before you try drilling, get an allen key which is a good fit, and put a small drop of CA (super/crazy) glue on the tip. Put the allen key wrench into the grub screw (taking care not to get any glue on the threads) and let it set.

This will often get the old screw out, and allow you to replace it without damage. Once it's out, pop the screw off the allen wrench and chuck it away.

[poor paperclip picker]

Before you try drilling, get an allen key which is a good fit, and put a small drop of CA (super/crazy) glue on the tip. Put the allen key wrench into the grub screw (taking care not to get any glue on the threads) and let it set.

This will often get the old screw out, and allow you to replace it without damage. Once it's out, pop the screw off the allen wrench and chuck it away.

Tried it several times. The glue just breaks loose.

[Josh K]

Before you try drilling, get an allen key which is a good fit, and put a small drop of CA (super/crazy) glue on the tip. Put the allen key wrench into the grub screw (taking care not to get any glue on the threads) and let it set.

This will often get the old screw out, and allow you to replace it without damage. Once it's out, pop the screw off the allen wrench and chuck it away.

Tried it several times. The glue just breaks loose.

Where in Michigan are you located?

If it's breaking loose then try a slightly larger wrench size or a different glue. I prefer Gorilla glue for just about everything except paper products. You could also TIG weld the tip to the grub screw.

[poor paperclip picker]

I am up in the UP. I am trying to fit a bigger wrench in. Maybe I will try some gorilla glue, I am just worried that it will expand and get in the threads.

[Josh K]

I am up in the UP. I am trying to fit a bigger wrench in. Maybe I will try some gorilla glue, I am just worried that it will expand and get in the threads.

A tiny drop right in the head and then insert the wrench. If you have a clamp that wouldn't be a bad idea to clamp the wrench in there for an hour or two.

It probably won't get in the threads, but if it does you're only back at square one with the drill.

[poor paperclip picker]

I am going to try to put some glue in it before I leave for class and work, and let it sit. If that doesn't work, then I will try to drill it tonight or this weekend.

[Raymond]

Soak the screw with a penetrant. Use a one size larger Allen wrench. Carefully grind the tip at an angle to make it taper. The small end of the taper should JUST barely enter the top of the screw. Tap the ground tool into the screw with a hammer. It should seat tightly enough to take out.

[zeke79]

Try using a drill with a bit that almost fits in the grub screw. Then instead of drilling try pressing the bit in with a decent amount of pressure and with the drill in reverse see if the bit will grab the grub and back it out for you. If you do this be sure you put the lock in a vise as there's a chance the bit will break and you will end up ramming a spinning, jagged drill bit into your hand or finger(s). You can also try a slightly larger allen wrench and driving it into the grub with a hammer. This is usually easer if you use a cheap allen wrench and cut the L portion off so it is easier to drive in. Then once it is firmly in place use a set of vise grips to grab the now straight allen wrench and turn it. The last resort would be to use the allen wrench that is spinning in the grub and put a small ball of jb weld in the grub screw head. Then push the allen wrench in and let it sit and cure over night. You need to clean the screw and the wrench well with alcohol before doing this so the jb weld will bond to both surfaces. When done you can use a dremel to cut off the jb welded end of the wrench so you can still have a working wrench.

Hope that helps get that stripped grub screw out.

[Ortin468]

Try smacking in a small torx bit and try... or a torx bit with a small dollop of Pro-proxy on it.
(Pro-proxy it that 2 part clay like epoxy, can be under several other names also. The stuff gets metal solid in 20-60 minutes)


As far as drilling, try a LEFT handed drill bit, if it binds in the screw it will spin it right out, sometimes a slightly dull or chipped lefty bit works better. Definitely better if done in a press.

[Rickthepick]

if its not a deeply recessed screw use a dremel to put a cut in then remove with flat blade screwdriver

[fjardeson]

EZ-OUT broken screw extractor, if you know anyone that has one. Or ORTIN468's idea re: Torx bit, I've done that one myself and it works quite well. Otherwise, it's time for the "rotary pick".

[Squelchtone]

poor paperclip picker, any updates on your progress?

[Phatphish]

I dont like EZ-out stud extractors as they often splay/swage the stud/grub screw if they are too soft making them jam even tighter. They do however make good centre punches and scribes if you grind them down.

This probably wont help your situation but I have found left hand twist drills (ie. drill bits that cut counter clockwise) to be most effective at removing stubborn studs and grubs. Start off with the smallest one you can to get a good centre, then size up if required till your almost at the core diameter. These relieve tension in the stud and because of the left hand (CCW) nature of the bit often the threads just follow the drill bit out. I have used this method many times extracting broken studs from car/motorcycle exhaust studs that have sheared off flush or worse. Saves a fortune in spark erosion charges.

**NOTE** You will need to run your drill in reverse in order to use left hand drill bits.
**NOTE** ALWAYS use goggles when using power tools as losing an eye really sucks, I should know, I only have one left now.

[poor paperclip picker]

I haven't had too much time to try the above methods, hopefully this weekend after graduation I will have some time.

I don't think the dremel idea will work since the screw is set in pretty far. I will look into a left hand bit. I will post any updates.

Thanks for all the replies