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Asked
How to remove a stripped pentalobe screw
Hi.
When doing the bottom case assembly (with the pentalobe screwdriver from ifixit), one of the pentalobe screws got stuck and a few attempts to turn it made the head stripped. I have a replacement screw, but I'm unable to take this one out.
I've seen numerous posts around here regarding this matter, but none of them were concerning the pentalobe screws.
Any suggestions on removing the screw?
Thank you.
osvaldo, machead3, and pollytintop
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remacberli
7.3k
Answered
Accepted Answer
Drill it out (very carefully). Once the head is removed you can easily turn the remains of the screw with needle nosed pliers. Take care to clean up any chips from the drilling, use compressed air and/or a magnet.
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lemerise
16.2k
Answered
When I have this problem with a torx screw I use a small flat screwdriver that can enter between two notches and apply a little force to unscrew the $%#@$%? screw. Maybe you can try this trick. If your MBA is no more covered by the Apple warranty you can also use a Dremel with a small rotating blade to make a notch and then use a flat screwdriver to take off the screw.
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Daniel
13
Answered
Lowe's has removal tools, basically it's a coarse, reverse threaded carbon steel bit that is designed so that as you twist the bit counterclockwis
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Scott Head
5.4k
Answered
We have just recently added these screw extractors to our store. They would fit that screw size for the MBA and might be able to take out the screw. Screw extractors, in general, don't always work depending on how stripped the head is, but it's an alternative to trying to drill it out.
Sorry for not mentioning that the laptop is on warranty until November 2011, so I wouldn't like to mess it up by Drilling or dremeling. Using a bigger torx screwdriver didn't help, unfortunately.
sergesavranchuk,
Don't go bigger...;-) use lemerise idea of modifying a flat tip screwdriver.
oldturkey03,
the screw cap is so "screwed" that the screwdriver goes round and can't "catch" the screw to make it turn. I tried to stick the screwdriver to the screw using super instant glue - didn't work. My next step will be finding a flat screwdriver this small to fit into the screw cap. If I turn to using a dremel the rotating blade should really be miniature..
sergesavranchuk,
use your Dremel to modify your screwdriver. The jewelers screwdrivers a re great for that start with a flat tip a little bigger than what you have left from the screw head and modify it accordingly. If you do not have a Dremel any kind of small grinder will work
oldturkey03,
thaks for the advice, oldturkey03, but can you please show a couple of images of the tools you are speaking about the Dremel and the grinder? that'd be really helpful.
sergesavranchuk,
maybe you can use a small flat metal file and dig two small notches at the opposite sides of the screw and then use the flat screwdriver. Use the file with an angle to avoid damaging the surrounding areas.
lemerise,
thanks, lemerise. I think that will be my next step. It seems I will have to find a really miniature metal file.. maybe I'll try use a metal nail file
sergesavranchuk,
Small nail file my not work on your screwdriver since it is possibly harder than the file Here is the link to a Dremel http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/...
oldturkey03,
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