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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."

4 of 58 comments (clear)

  1. Screw Extractor by adamy · · Score: 5, Informative

    The one thing I've seen missing from these posts is the use of a screw extractor. Once you have a small hole drilled into the screw, replace the bit with a screw extractor. This is a wedge shaped bit the that has flanges designed to dig in to the hole as the bit is on reverse. You might have trouble finding one small enough for a motherboard. But it may save the housing , and you will have only lost the screw.

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    1. 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.

  2. Drill once, then use a screw extractor by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Once you've drilled the first small hole you can use a small screw extractor (basically a reverse threaded screw) to get it out. The idea is that you screw the extractor into the hole you've drilled in the stuck screw you need to get out, and once it "bites" you should be able to thread it out.

    I use them all the time when working on my car. It'll take alot less time and have the added benefit of producing alot less shavings.

    Plus it's an excuse to buy more tools! :)

    Here is a page that describes the use of a screw extractor if you aren't familiar with them:

    http://www.bluepoof.com/motorcycles/howto/screw_ex tractor/

  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.