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Help! Chassis screw damaged - how to recover?

Help! Chassis screw damaged - how to recover?

Old 05-13-2014, 12:29 PM
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Default Help! Chassis screw damaged - how to recover?

Now, this is my present for I don't know what...

Trying to remove the screws underneath the battery posts so that I could add extra spacers and make them 2mm taller, I got one of the screws damaged.

There was thread lock in there, since the posts are aluminum.

I did use proper tools and all. But it still happened.

Chassis is carbon on the 502X.

Anyone knows what to do to recover? - I need the screw removed.
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Old 05-13-2014, 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by CENTRAL
Now, this is my present for I don't know what...

Trying to remove the screws underneath the battery posts so that I could add extra spacers and make them 2mm taller, I got one of the screws damaged.

There was thread lock in there, since the posts are aluminum.

I did use proper tools and all. But it still happened.

Chassis is carbon on the 502X.

Anyone knows what to do to recover? - I need the screw removed.
You can use an ez out tool or do what most RC racers do. Use a small cut off wheel to grind a clean line on the head of the screw. Turning it into a flat head screw basically then use a flat head blade to remove it. Try to remove it as soon as you are done cutting the groove. It will be hot and loosen the loctite.
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Old 05-13-2014, 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by CENTRAL
Now, this is my present for I don't know what...

Trying to remove the screws underneath the battery posts so that I could add extra spacers and make them 2mm taller, I got one of the screws damaged.

There was thread lock in there, since the posts are aluminum.

I did use proper tools and all. But it still happened.

Chassis is carbon on the 502X.

Anyone knows what to do to recover? - I need the screw removed.
Photo would be helpful. I've had luck using a dremel to create a slot in a socket head screw that the socket had rounded but with the carbon chassis you're going to have to be really careful. Another option is to drill the head off of the screw. Again you're going to need to use care and I'd keep it wet to try to keep it cool.
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Old 05-13-2014, 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by mkorn
You can use an ez out tool or do what most RC racers do. Use a small cut off wheel to grind a clean line on the head of the screw. Turning it into a flat head screw basically then use a flat head blade to remove it. Try to remove it as soon as you are done cutting the groove. It will be hot and loosen the loctite.
Thank you!

Since I am unfamiliar with both, could you please provide some link for each?
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Old 05-13-2014, 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Grasschopper
Photo would be helpful. I've had luck using a dremel to create a slot in a socket head screw that the socket had rounded but with the carbon chassis you're going to have to be really careful. Another option is to drill the head off of the screw. Again you're going to need to use care and I'd keep it wet to try to keep it cool.
It's a countersunk hex screw 3x12mm. The hex has become totally round...
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Old 05-13-2014, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by mkorn
Use a small cut off wheel to grind a clean line on the head of the screw. Turning it into a flat head screw basically then use a flat head blade to remove it. Try to remove it as soon as you are done cutting the groove. It will be hot and loosen the loctite.
That is what to do. When cutting the groove in the cutoff wheel WILL get some carbon chassis too. Do as little as possible that allows you to get a small flathead screwdriver firmly in there. TIP > a new cutoff wheel is larger diameter than you need. If you grind it down in diameter it will cut the chassis less. And like he said be careful about heat, get that screw hot enough and it can fry the carbon.
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:00 PM
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I keep these in my hauler bag at all times.....has saved me, and many fellow racers numerous times. Takes me all of 30 seconds to get out a damaged bolt. Go to Home Depot or Lowes....it's like $20 for the three piece set.

Grab It Pro
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:00 PM
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What about drilling the screw head?
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Stubbs
I keep these in my hauler bag at all times.....has saved me, and many fellow racers numerous times. Takes me all of 30 seconds to get out a damaged bolt. Go to Home Depot or Lowes....it's like $20 for the three piece set.

Grab It Pro
Looks cool, but it could be tricky to get it in Europe...
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by CENTRAL
It's a countersunk hex screw 3x12mm. The hex has become totally round...
I would try and drill it then. The rounded hex in the head will help you keep the drill centered. Go with a drill just slightly larger than the bolt (1/8 should do) and just go slowly. You should be able to get the countersunk portion to pop off and still have enough of a nub remaining to grip with a pair of pliers. Apply some heat to the nub before you try to remove it to break down the thread lock.
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by trevcoll
I would try and drill it then. The rounded hex in the will help you keep the drill centered. Go with a drill just slightly larger than the bolt (1/8 should do) and just go slowly. You should be able to get the countersunk portion to pop off and still have enough of a nub remaining to grip with a pair of pliers. Apply some heat to the nub before you try to remove it to break down the thread lock.
If no accident happens - which should be the case - I can get a new set of posts in the case the leftover remains stuck...
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by CENTRAL
Looks cool, but it could be tricky to get it in Europe...
I mean really ? Did you even look ? I bet you didn't ....

This is the best option you have , although others will work , this is quite a handy item to have. It runs counterclockwise . If not , the drill is the way to go . I loath those stupid dremel stripes people always leave on the bottoms of chassis
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by wittyname
I mean really ? Did you even look ? I bet you didn't ....
I'm trying to find it...
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:19 PM
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Does not have to be that brand name , just the same tool. You dont really need a set either , the small ones fit 90% of rc fastners and it works like a champ in a drill .
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Old 05-13-2014, 01:20 PM
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I have used Craftsman Screw-outs with success.
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