How do I Remove screws with head rounded off?

[Mod_Machine]

Hi - im doing some work to one of my basses and have discovered at some point i have rounded the head off of 2 of the screws holding in the p bass style pick up.

Any advice on how to get the screws out without killing the pick up casing?

[Ou7shined]

Can you push the pups down far enough (maybe even jam them down with some card under the p/g) to get a set of plyers onto the screws?

[bremen]

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1307905' date='Jul 18 2011, 02:53 PM']Can you push the pups down far enough (maybe even jam them down with some card under the p/g) to get a set of plyers onto the screws?[/quote]

I'd try that first. If that don't work, drill the screw heads off, lift the pickups out then you should be able to get pliers onto what's left of the screws. Might be worth putting tape over the pole pieces so they don't get bits of shrapnel stuck to them.

[Roland Rock]

I do furniture restoration and face this prob often; a [url="http://www.screwfix.com/p/screw-extractor-set/18643"]screw extractor[/url] should sort you out

Drill a pilot hole into the offending screw, and screw in the 'remover', which is reverse threaded to it'll loosen the screw rather than tighten it.

[andydye]

[quote name='Roland Rock' post='1307912' date='Jul 18 2011, 02:57 PM']I do furniture restoration and face this prob often; a [url="http://www.screwfix.com/p/screw-extractor-set/18643"]screw extractor[/url] should sort you out

Drill a pilot hole into the offending screw, and screw in the 'remover', which is reverse threaded to it'll loosen the screw rather than tighten it.[/quote]

That's a brilliant little thing!!

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='Roland Rock' post='1307912' date='Jul 18 2011, 02:57 PM']I do furniture restoration and face this prob often; a [url="http://www.screwfix.com/p/screw-extractor-set/18643"]screw extractor[/url] should sort you out

Drill a pilot hole into the offending screw, and screw in the 'remover', which is reverse threaded to it'll loosen the screw rather than tighten it.[/quote]
The smallest extractor there is 4mm. That's bigger than the screw head it's self. (let alone trying to drill down one )

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='bremen' post='1307911' date='Jul 18 2011, 02:57 PM']I'd try that first. If that don't work, drill the screw heads off, lift the pickups out then you should be able to get pliers onto what's left of the screws. [b]Might be worth putting tape over the pole pieces so they don't get bits of shrapnel stuck to them[/b].[/quote]
Nice tip.

[geoffbyrne]

I've done it Rich's way except I used small mole grips.

G.

[Roland Rock]

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1307921' date='Jul 18 2011, 03:05 PM']The smallest extractor there is 4mm. That's bigger than the screw head it's self. (let alone trying to drill down one )[/quote]

Sorry, didn't check the sizes of the example. My set goes to 1.25 mm. I'm on my phone now but will try to post a more appropriate link later

[flyfisher]

[quote name='geoffbyrne' post='1307995' date='Jul 18 2011, 03:47 PM']I've done it Rich's way except I used small mole grips.

G.[/quote]

Beat me to it, but a definite +1

[Mod_Machine]

Ive tried pushing the pickup down but i appear to have tightened it to the point where the pickup is as far down as it would go as the pickup screws we sitting on little ledges rather than flush against void floor (which in hindsight may explain how ive rounded the heads off!)

Im not sure i have a drill piece small enough to go down the screw without cracking the surrounding plastic as its absolutely thin.

No matter as the pickup is only off an 80s cort so ill give it a go and see what happens!

[Ou7shined]

If the coils aren't resined in to the covers then you could just bodge the pups out then replace the covers.

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='Roland Rock' post='1307997' date='Jul 18 2011, 03:48 PM']Sorry, didn't check the sizes of the example. My set goes to 1.25 mm. I'm on my phone now but will try to post a more appropriate link later[/quote]
Wow they must be made from uber tough stuff not to snap under torsion at that size.

[ezbass]

It's an ugly solution but you could try cutting a slot in the head with a small hacksaw blade and using a flat blade screwdriver to remove it.

[Mod_Machine]

not a bad idea - think ill try that first - failing that drill it out with a huge drill piece and if the pick up screw guide cracks so be it.
Only cost me £1.25 off of ebay anyway!

I would take a hammer to it (usual approach) but im afraid of damaging the bass.

[apa]

you can use a bigger drill bit than is needed. Just drill slowly (finger and thumb) until it breaks through the shoulder of the head where it meets the shaft and you can lift out the pup.

A

[geoffbyrne]

[quote name='apa' post='1308115' date='Jul 18 2011, 05:22 PM']you can use a bigger drill bit than is needed. Just drill slowly (finger and thumb) until it breaks through the shoulder of the head where it meets the shaft and you can lift out the pup.

A[/quote]

Then use mole grips - actually that's exactly what I did (above).

G.

[3below]

Depending on which method you use, at some stage apply hot soldering iron to screw and get it really warmed up. Take care not to melt pickup if still in place. heat often 'breaks' the binding between screw and wood. Gives the easy out/ pliers/mole grips a better chance.

Edited July 18, 2011 by 3below

[Protium]

Dynamite.

[soopercrip]

...think I've recommended this before... [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFGva6ZS4fU&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFGva6ZS4fU...feature=related[/url]

[Roland Rock]

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1308032' date='Jul 18 2011, 04:14 PM']Wow they must be made from uber tough stuff not to snap under torsion at that size. [/quote]


It's never snapped, but I've rarely used that tiny one. The tapered tip of the extractor only needs to get a grip on the head, so the shaft size can be bigger than that of screw.