Screw Damage

[danielk]

I have just had my first run using my assoc 1:12. While I was putting the motor in for the first time I noticed that the previous owner has rounded off a number of the allen screws underneath the chassis. Can the screws be bought and how can I get the seized in ones out??

Any help much appreciated

[Mark Stiles]

I'll PM you with a shop I know are good for 1/12th bits. ;)

One way of getting rounded off allen screws out is to place your allen key/driver into the screw head, fill the head (hexagonal hole) with superglue and allow to dry (so that the wrench is effectively glued into the screw head!) Then, simply unscrew, and use some pliers or something to pull the screw off the wrench afterwards! Then remove any excess glue of of your wrench. 8)

Alternatively, use a hacksaw to cut a slot in the screw head, and use a screwdriver to get the screw out. I wouldn't advise this method on a countersunk screw though, as you'll probably end up cutting the chassis in half in the process! :(

<Edit> changed word to clear the banned word error.

[PDW]

Daniel, please check the following:

Are the screws rounded off, or are you using too small an Allen key (it's happened!!)

Are the hex holes in the screw rounded off all the way down, or just close to the top? If close to the top, try pushing the Allen key down harder to get to the 'good' bit.

If both the above fail, then I would get a Dremel, cut a slot across the screw heads with the thin cut-off wheel, and get them out with a screwdriver. You might find some better suggestions appear here, so don't go mad just yet!!

I have an oversize Allen driver for just this purpose. If you are at Chesterfield, or the Wickham National, come and find me.

You can get replacement screws through your local model shop, quote the numbers from the exploded diagram in the Instructions. The shop may have to order from CML, so be prepared to wait a few days.

[Mark Stiles]

If you have a dremel, then my 2nd method would be better! ;D

If you haven't already done so, invest in some allen drivers (like a screwdriver with an allen key head). They are much better than standard allen keys, and I haven't rounded off a screw since I've had mine! 8)

[Mark Stiles]

The associated uses imperial screw sizes. The allen key sizes you need are;

0.050"
1/16"
3/32"

[danielk]

many thanks,

I do have a dremel so will give it a whirl.

[PDW]

Daniel, I think you would be better off giving it a very careful approach to the screw head, and making sure you do not touch the chassis. "A whirl" sounds a bit cavalier to me!!! LOL ;D