Davy Posted May 1, 2019 Share Posted May 1, 2019 Hi guys, I'm trying to get inside my trace elliot amp head but some of the mini Allen screw heads have shredded. I've tried the usual YouTube tip of putting an elastic band inside the screw head but it still doesn't turn. I've also tried WD40 but the bolts aren't going to shift. Has anyone managed to release shredded Allen screws and if so, how did you manage it? Cheers Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 1, 2019 Share Posted May 1, 2019 A botch method but....Drill a small hole and force a slightly bigger allen key in the hole? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted May 1, 2019 Share Posted May 1, 2019 (edited) Sometimes you can grip the damaged heads with good flat nose pliers and get them moving. Once eased slack continue with pliers or fingers or superglue a bit of something on them to make rotation easy. Another solution is Easy out and/or Screw extractor tools. You may need to slightly drill out the stuffed Allen screws. If this fails (or you want the low cost method) drill the heads out so that they fall off. Remove the case lid. Remove the remaining screws with pliers or small mole grips. Edited May 1, 2019 by 3below Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted May 1, 2019 Share Posted May 1, 2019 55 minutes ago, 3below said: ...or superglue a bit of something on them to make rotation easy. I was wondering something like this - maybe epoxy a spare or cheaply-bought allen key into the top of the bolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy Posted May 1, 2019 Author Share Posted May 1, 2019 Cheers guys, some things to try there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 Cut a slot in the head of the bolt then unscrew using a flat driver. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blablas Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 Screw extractor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 1 hour ago, blablas said: Screw extractor. The very tool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 22 hours ago, Davy said: Cut a slot in the head of the bolt then unscrew using a flat driver. How do you cut a slot on bolt/screw head when its flush mounted ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 2 hours ago, fleabag said: Cut a slot in the head of the bolt then unscrew using a flat driver. How do you cut a slot on bolt/screw head when its flush mounted ? Dremel (or equivalent) with a small (very small) diameter cutting wheel. Also needed, plenty of masking tape to prevent skid mark damage to the case, and a steady hand! YMMV attempt at own risk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 45 minutes ago, 3below said: Dremel (or equivalent) with a small (very small) diameter cutting wheel. Also needed, plenty of masking tape to prevent skid mark damage to the case, and a steady hand! YMMV attempt at own risk I use an old 1/4" chisel. Spent years doing commercial kitchen refits and fixings generally are filled with gunk. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 I'm taking notes here, just in case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimike Posted May 4, 2019 Share Posted May 4, 2019 Which model trace Elliot is this. On most trace amps, these would not be the chassis retaining screws . However, if they are , preferred method is to drill the heads off with a very sharp, good quality, stubby drill bit, using a slow speed, bit of oil might help. Drill size bit larger than bolt shank , but fair bit smaller than head diameter. Head will come off when you reach the shank. After disassembly, usually possible to remove remaining bolt stub with mole grips. take care when starting, as drill will tend to snatch when you first start ! Don't use a long, cheap, drill, as will snap, for this reason. Good Luck mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted May 4, 2019 Share Posted May 4, 2019 a centre punch on the outside of the screw head and tap with a hammer sometimes works Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy Posted May 4, 2019 Author Share Posted May 4, 2019 The offending screws have been drilled out and I've now got access to the amp! 😊 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonBassAlpha Posted May 6, 2019 Share Posted May 6, 2019 (edited) For future reference on this type of problem, at work we find a Torx drive bit of similar size and bang it hard into the shredded hole with a hammer. The Torx ends are hardened and will form sufficient imprint to then drive the screw out using the same driver. Hth Edited May 6, 2019 by MoonBassAlpha Clarity, I hope! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassThing Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 On 06/05/2019 at 21:06, MoonBassAlpha said: For future reference on this type of problem, at work we find a Torx drive bit of similar size and bang it hard into the shredded hole with a hammer. A bit belated, but this is exactly what I was going to suggest. Have used this method many times (not on amps...). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 On 06/05/2019 at 21:06, MoonBassAlpha said: For future reference on this type of problem, at work we find a Torx drive bit of similar size and bang it hard into the shredded hole with a hammer. The Torx ends are hardened and will form sufficient imprint to then drive the screw out using the same driver. Hth I like this method, another one to file away (pun unintended) for future use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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