How can I undo a small screw?

Angle grinder.

Si

Did you use jeweller's screwdrivers?

Christian.

How very small is "very small"? Some small cross head screws from the Far East are not really Philips or Pozi but something else. See if you can get a cross head spectacle screw driver. I got a double headed (slot and cross head) from Boots for a few quid, does the biz on these small Far Eastern cross heads.

Get a driver that fits properly, there is so little metal one slip and the chances are it's going to be beggared.

I wouldn't let anyone loose near *my* laptop with an angle grinder!

On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 17:34:28 +0100, "Set Square" strung together this:

You mean you'd only do it yourself, that's the uk.d-i-y spirit!

Well, obviously it would need a small one! Tch!

;o)

Si

Yes, they're only really useful once in a blue moon, but when nothing else will do they're invaluable.

Si

What you mean is one of the small cutting disks that you get on a dremal. They are about 0.5mm thick and will cut a very nice clean slot. I have done that many times.

In fact it is the only time I have ever used the dremal.

Like the one my dentist keeps using on my tooth perhaps ?

Yes, that was my first try. A very small slot screwdriver in a jeweller's set is the nearest I have come. it doesn't turn round as the Phillips drivers do (without turning the screw) but on the other hand I can't turn it.

I wonder if the epoxy method someone suggested could possible work? Has anyone ever used this method?

In message , Timothy Murphy writes

If you're not concerned with sacrificing the screw, why not epoxy a cheap screwdriver to the screw

X-Sheds (where X is an indeterminate variable) - you spend too much time in UKRM

a) Pick exactly the right size screwdriver, eg jeweller's type. b) Increase the grip using some clever stuff called "Hexagrip". It is a paste in a miniature 'toothpaste tube', containing fine diamond particles, and it helps the screwdriver grip better. I have some knocking about in my toolbox somewhere - probably got it from RS but I can't check for a part number as their UK website is offline at the moment.

HTH

Rick

A careful hammer tap often unseizes screws in metal, makes them come undone easier.

This is true. Also, have you tried the old trick of trying to tighten it up even more? Often works, especially when you've damaged the slot. Put a bit of WD40 on to lubricate. It's not as daft as it sounds :o)

Peter

I know :o)

But it's addictive and they make so much sense. Sometimes. Ok, rarely.

Si

Thanks for all the advice. I tried everything, but in the end I drilled out the screws with a hand-drill and a 2mm bit. I found the screws were held in place with some kind of lockit compound (red).