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Removing Cross-Threaded Screws from Hardware?

Posted by Cliff on from the tricky-situations dept.

TeaDaemon asks: "I currently have an expensive (dual CPU) motherboard mounted in a rack case. One of the mounting screws is cross-threaded, preventing me from removing the board. The case is designed to prevent access to the back of the risers, so that's not an option. Does anyone have experience with this sort of problem? Can anyone suggest a reliable way of removing said screw without damaging the board or any of it's components? The screw is next to the PCI slots, and has a couple of capacitors and ICs near by. Any help would be greatly appreciated."

5 of 58 comments (clear)

  1. holy christ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Thank god I ponied up my hard-mooched cash for that Slashdot subscription, so I could see this story nice and early!

    Unfortunately, I've been sitting here with my jaw slack in stunned silence ever since it appeared. I keep staring at the screen, and it stubbornly persists in saying "Ask Slashdot," when I know, KNOW, that it really says "The Home Depot."

    "Dear Slashdot, I cross-threaded a screw. What should I do?"

    "Dear Slashdot, my toilet is backed up. What should I do?"

    "Dear Slashdot, my grass is too tall. What should I do?"

    "Dear Slashdot, my cat wants something, and I don't know what. What should I do?"

    It's the end times, people. Repent and be saved while you still can, 'cause shit like this MUST be one of the signs of the pockyclipse.

  2. It's a complicated process, but it should work... by jpsst34 · · Score: 4, Funny
    Here's what you'll need:

    One tube of KY Jelly

    One large drill press

    One buffalo - live or stuffed, preferably stuffed, for safety's sake

    One seven layer burrito

    Two female midgets, preferably with experience in adult films

    One hand drill or dremmel moto-tool

    One 1-2 mm drill bit

    3.25 pounds of hashish

    One set of rubber sheets

    What to do:

    Use the hand drill or dremmel coupled with the small bit to drill the center of the screw away. Next, gather the sex jelly, drill press, buffalo, seven layer burrito, midgets, hash, and sheets and have fun celebrating your newly freed motherboard.

    --
    How are you going to keep them down on the farm once they've seen Karl Hungus?
  3. The obvious and simplest method by Crash+Gordon · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm surprised nobody else has suggested this:

    Find the idiot who cross-threaded the screw to begin with, and explain to them that their life depends on their ability to remove that screw without damaging the motherboard.

    Then leave them alone while they solve the problem for you. This is a forward-looking solution, as it not only fixes the current problem but also reduces the likelihood of future problems.

    1. Re:The obvious and simplest method by JediTrainer · · Score: 2, Funny

      Find the idiot who cross-threaded the screw to begin with, and explain to them that their life depends on their ability to remove that screw without damaging the motherboard.

      Who do you think posted the question to Ask Slashdot in the first place?

      --

      You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. The impossible just takes a little longer.
  4. Re:Screw Extractor by Polo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Another thing missing is the use of explosives. By using a carefully designed charge, it should be possible to neatly shear off the screw.

    For instance, the space shuttle actually doesn't rise off the pad until some explosive charges shear some bolts that let it come free of the ground.

    The same technique should be applied here.

    Thank you.