Tried everything to remove tiny screw in ear thermometer

Question

Miscellaneous Electronics

Some things just don't quite fit in.

253 Questions View all

honoria glossop @cavendish

Rep: 11

1

Posted: Feb 22, 2022

Options

Tried everything to remove tiny screw in ear thermometer

Hi, I am trying to remove the screw on an ear thermometer, so I can change the battery. I have tried - what I think - is everything. (May I send 2 pictures?) Nothing is working: household oil, WD-40, white vinegar, rubber band. I have used the preceding with the correct size of screwdriver. I can give up, and purchase another, but I want to be assured that I am not missing a solution. Is there something else I can do?

Here are some pictures to refer back to earlier helpful answers. (Am still working on removal…)

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No

Score 0

7 Comments

My apologies for not including the following in the original description. I wanted to add that I tried other tools in my mini-screwdriver set (a mini flathead and one with a tip like a large straight pin), to separate the screw from the screw well. This didn't work either. I welcome your good advice!

Feb 22, 2022 by honoria glossop

If you can add pictures of the screw I can tell you what kind of screw driver is needed.

Feb 22, 2022 by Lee Cooper

a make and model might be good too.

Feb 22, 2022 by bill

Thank you so much for your answers. I apologize for this delay. There is still ice here, and there was a mishap...

Here is a picture of the make and model. Also, I think that I am actually using the correct screwdriver. I am the lucky recipient of 3 sets of these mini-drivers, and I think I can definitely feel it engaging when I use the right one. It is just that I cannot make it rotate. Here are a couple of pictures. (I feel so dumb; I'm now not sure where to attach these pics...)

Feb 25, 2022 by honoria glossop

I have to humbly ask how to respond or comment, with an image...

Feb 26, 2022 by honoria glossop

Show 2 more comments

Add a comment

2 Answers

Chosen Solution

Emilio Martinez @ejomape

Rep: 292

4

1

Posted: Feb 25, 2022

Options

Hi @cavendish ,

I’m not going to say that the next procedures are the more recommended ones, but when I’m desperate, they are my last resource and sometimes they work :)

I’m considering that you have not broken the head of the screw, so the driver head fits properly to the screw head shape.

Often, it’s a torque’s problem. When I use my tiny precision screwdrivers, the torque I can apply with my hands is not sufficient. Then, I use my pliers so I can apply more torque. With the other hand I push longitudinally to the screw so I avoid damaging its head.

But sometimes, the problem is that during the assembly, some glue has been used to ensure the screw will never move. When this is the case, you can try few things:

Heat up the item to 40~50 ºC to try to melt and softener a bit the glue. Depending on the kind of glue, this might work out or not. Be carefull because this can melt the case if it’s plastic!
Breking the glue by impact: Hit the screw longitudinally. Put the screwdriver in position and with a hammer hit it as you were using a nail. Be careful and don’t hit it with excessive strenght… as you might end up breaking the housing!

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No

Score 2

3 Comments:

I am going to try these suggestions. Thank you! I bet this works...

Feb 25, 2022 by honoria glossop

That pliers suggestion worked! Thank you so much.

Mar 3, 2022 by honoria glossop

Hurray! Congrats @cavendish. I'm glad my comments helped to find a way to extend the life of your thermometer :)

Mar 7, 2022 by Emilio Martinez

Add a comment

My apologies for not including the following in the original description. I wanted to add that I tried other tools in my mini-screwdriver set (a mini flathead and one with a tip like a large straight pin), to separate the screw from the screw well. This didn't work either. I welcome your good advice! — honoria glossop
If you can add pictures of the screw I can tell you what kind of screw driver is needed. — Lee Cooper
Thank you so much for your answers. I apologize for this delay. There is still ice here, and there was a mishap...

Here is a picture of the make and model. Also, I think that I am actually using the correct screwdriver. I am the lucky recipient of 3 sets of these mini-drivers, and I think I can definitely feel it engaging when I use the right one. It is just that I cannot make it rotate. Here are a couple of pictures. (I feel so dumb; I'm now not sure where to attach these pics...) — honoria glossop
I have to humbly ask how to respond or comment, with an image... — honoria glossop
I am going to try these suggestions. Thank you! I bet this works... — honoria glossop
Hurray! Congrats @cavendish. I'm glad my comments helped to find a way to extend the life of your thermometer :) — Emilio Martinez

Leon @pantherlady Rep: 25 1 · Answer 1 · 2022-02-26T15:43:07-07:00

Leon @pantherlady

Rep: 25

1

Posted: Feb 26, 2022

Options

It looks like it might be a stripped screw head. You, or someone before you did not apply enough pressure to the driver while turning the driver and you essentially drilled out the grooves. It’s not a great situation to be in, and generally, you’ll need a screw remover bit which basically drills a new grippy hole into the screw head. This looks like a small screw, so it could get messy if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Alternatively, you could just drill the screw head out using a drill bit about the same size as the screw head. The only problem with this is that the screw is destroyed and the screw part is left stuck in the screw hole and there is nothing there to hold the battery compartment lid in place.

Lastly, you could try supergluing a driver into the screw head. It will only work once the glue is completely dry, and even then, the torque required to turn the screw - which, from the picture looks somewhat corroded, which will make it harder to turn - could be more than the tensile strength of the glue.

All that to say, you’re probably better off saving yourself the time and energy by buying yourself a new thermometer.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No

Score 2

3 Comments:

Nice tip the one of gluing the driver into the screw head. I keep that one for the future!

Mar 2, 2022 by Emilio Martinez

Thank you so much. I did get this removed by using a drill bit and also using a pliers. Thank you!

Mar 3, 2022 by honoria glossop

I want to Accept your Answer too. But I think I can only accept one...

Thank you just the same!

Mar 3, 2022 by honoria glossop