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How can I get a screw like this out?

I decided on cleaning my laptop fans today, which I’ve been procrastinating for about a year now because of this one screw. But I just can’t seem to open this with my screwdriver, since whatever I did back when I last opened it it’s nearly circular now. Is there a way to unscrew this?

Jackhammer_Joe ,

Oooh man - you’re screwed!

Tippon ,

From the two photos you’ve posted, it looks like there’s a little bit of the grooves left in the top of the screw, but not enough for your screwdriver to grip.

Try the rubber band trick first, mainly because it doesn’t cost you anything other than a rubber band to try. The combination of the little bits of the grooves and the grip from the band might do it.

If it doesn’t, a sacrificial screwdriver might work. You basically need to file off the pointy tip of the screwdriver until it can reach what’s left of the grooves, and unscrew it with a bit of downward pressure.

Good luck 👍

flashily_ripcord590 ,

Amazon search for tiny screw extractor.

vxx ,

Looks like a screwdriver with a slit and the right size might still be able to grab it.

AsakuraMao ,

Ask Frieren to do it for you

fernlike3923 OP ,
@fernlike3923@sh.itjust.works avatar

I believe I have become a skilled enough mage, so I’d prefer solving this on my own.

lurch ,

sometimes, you can weld something on and use that as a handle

ganksy ,
@ganksy@lemmy.world avatar

If you have one of the other screws, and you’re dead sure it’s the same size, you can use a tiny drill bit that is the size of the screw’s shaft minus the threads. Careful drill through the center. The Phillips divit should center your bit.

You might only use this after trying the others here.

RattlerSix ,

If you didn’t have a Dremel, try channel lock pliers or vise grips. It’s not going to be in there right and rusted or anything, you just need something to grip it.

Kolanaki ,
@Kolanaki@yiffit.net avatar

Is the groove for the screwdriver filled in? 🤨

Maybe just chisel out your own grooves to use whatever style driver you like. Should be doable with a dremel if you have a small enough cutting wheel.

Waveform ,

Maybe try using a file to make flat sides on the outside of the head so you can use a wrench on it? (Not sure if that would be better or worse than the Dremel/slot idea… you would risk scratching the surface of the object it’s on.)

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