Stripped a T6 screw and cannot get it out. Need a little advise.

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dfsutton

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All,

I just received a new knife with a badly un-centered blade and I somewhat successfully attempted to center it more. While tightening down the screws along the scale, I slipped and managed to strip one of them. Go figure. At this point, I don't have to remove the screw as the knife is working fine. However, the stripped screw is very annoying and I can't help but to think dirty thoughts about having a non-perfect knife now.

What method would you think is the best to remove it? From looking at the scale, the screw is too far recessed to cut a slot into it with a dremel without damaging the scale. I was thinking of trying to epoxy the t6 driver attachment into the screw and then letting it dry. Viable or crazy? If viable, what epoxy should I buy to try to do this?
 
Here's some info I posted in another thread on the subject.

Here's a little info on the Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 (removable) from the data sheet.

"In rare instances where hand tools do not work because of excessive engagement length, apply localized heat to nut or bolt to approximately 482°F (250°C). Disassemble while hot."

If you do end up with a stripped screw, you can try drilling it out with a reverse or left handed drill bit. Use a small size and drill through the center of the stripped screw (carefully). A drill press is a good idea.
 
i have removed screws with stripped heads before by taking a small punch and flattening down the top of the screw being careful not to flatten it so much you are not able to get the torx head to go back in when you tap it in with a hammer. i have used a soldering iron to heat up a screw before and it works great. a tiny bit of solder on the tip helps carry the heat.
 
Drill it and use a screw extractor. Your drill must be centered very well but a small extractor will work well. I have extracted hundreds of screws and you can run into problems but that usually comes about because of corrosion. You shouldn't have corrosion problems in your case.
 
When I stripped a screw on a knife a while back I used a dremel and a cut-off wheel to cut a slit into the top of the stripped bolt to use a small screwdriver on it. It came out easy after that. I suppose this wouldn't work if you didn't have the clearance for the dremel bit. Also if it doesn't work you should still be able to use a drill/extractor.
 
This is a Benchmade knife. Would Benchmade be able to remove and replace this screw under the warranty? I didn't disassemble, Was just trying to center the blade which was badly off-center.
 
When I could not get a stripped Benchmade T-6 clip screw out with US or Chinese made bits I ordered a German Wiha brand T-6 driver bit and it backed the screw out like the head was perfect. I think that route cost me $3 shipped.
 
This is a Benchmade knife. Would Benchmade be able to remove and replace this screw under the warranty? I didn't disassemble, Was just trying to center the blade which was badly off-center.

If they don't cover with warranty, then they might charge a small fee to do it right without damage to the knife. A small price to pay to get it done right in my opinion. Good luck!!

Blessings,

Omar
 
When I could not get a stripped Benchmade T-6 clip screw out with US or Chinese made bits I ordered a German Wiha brand T-6 driver bit and it backed the screw out like the head was perfect. I think that route cost me $3 shipped.

If they don't cover with warranty, then they might charge a small fee to do it right without damage to the knife. A small price to pay to get it done right in my opinion. Good luck!!

Blessings,

Omar

Update: Benchmade said they'd take care of it under warranty. So, I'll have to pay shipping. Apparently, this is the price I pay for using a cheap Torx driver. Guess I'll know better next time.
 
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Glad to hear that they will fix it for you. I don't have any Benchmade knives, but glad to see them going the extra mile with their warranty. Say's a lot about a company that will do that. Might have to look at them for my next knife purchase.

Blessings,

Omar
 
When I stripped a screw on a knife a while back I used a dremel and a cut-off wheel to cut a slit into the top of the stripped bolt to use a small screwdriver on it. It came out easy after that. I suppose this wouldn't work if you didn't have the clearance for the dremel bit. Also if it doesn't work you should still be able to use a drill/extractor.
I know this an old thread but I stripped the pocket clip screws on my Griptilian today and this idea saves me alot of time and money... I couldn't find a micro extractor and the ones I saw online were expensive. This worked great. Thanks

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
 
I'm surprised nobody said press in a small segment of rubber band pressed into the threads with your driver should give it the grip to get the screw out. It is an age old trick and usually works.
 
It's a shame how many cheap, soft screws and drivers are on the market today. When I saw a Torx head for the first time my first thought was you probably want to be very careful putting torque on it. Working on guns for some years convinced me that slotted and allen fasteners work better than anything else. But most robots can't handle those in high speed production. Most factories buy screws in bulk from offshore origins. The same place cheap drivers come from.........
 
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