Screw removal from a baitcasting reel - Help Needed

[DavePE]

I don't know if this is the correct board for this topic. If not, Mods please move as you see fit. Thanks.


I was trying to strip down my Shimano Calais Baitcasting reel to give it a service. I've gotten stuck very early into the breakdown however... 

There are two screws which need to be removed to get the top of the reel off. One of them has unfortunately stripped. It's also in an incredibly awkward position to try and remove. Do you think a "screw remover" will work? My worry is that it's such a tiny screw. Maybe 3mm in length and 1mm in width. I don't know if they make them so small.

Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[hrogers]

Is there perhaps space for a long nose wise grip pliers to get a grip or small wise grip might do as well
otherwise try to file in a grew for a screwdriver to unscrew if that don't help best is to cut off the bold and drill it out

[REEFMAN]

Ya, what Henry said. I use a dremel tool to cut a new slot in the head for a screwdriver. Maybe take it to your dentist and ask him to cut an accurate slot with his diamond handpiece... 

[Grumpy]

Small tip: Almost all screw's that end up stripped or damaged are caused by either

1. Poor quality or worn screwdrivers
2. Inappropriate fit or size for the offending screw

Phillips style being the worst offender.  A driver too small will almost always damage the head of said screw.  Something else to consider is that many of the screws are plated brass or stainless steel which are quite soft and easily damaged.

We all spend extortionate amounts in our tackle but ignore tool quality we want to service. Buy good tools.

As for your problem ,  best option is to take to Dave Alcock at Alcocks Tackle in PE. Yup we have all done it and had to swallow our pride at some stage.
Alternatively get creative and make a plan. Dremel may work if you have enough access. Care needed as you don't want to damage the reel either. No dremel:
You could take that heirloom screwdriver and  very carefully grind it into a flat which fits the hole in the screw head and very delicately tap into the damaged hole  while turning. This will work quickly if you doit right, not working take it to Alcocks.

Lastly , when assembling again take some of that insanely priced waterproof grease and coat all screw threads before reinserting. Makes it much easier to strip next time. Works for me.

GOOD LUCK :

[Grumpy]

Last word, get a mate to assist and hold the workpiece and support other side of that bar you are trying to remove the screw from.
Work carefully when tapping the driver with a hammer :

[REEFMAN]

Any progress Dave?

[DavePE]

I bought a dremel.  An expensive solution to what is really a rather simple problem. I've got a 1mm drill bit but will need to get an adapter for the dremel to accept it. Will make good use of the public holiday tomorrow and sort this out then.

[REEFMAN]

Nah, the Dremel tool is a WIN! I Use it for fixing many things round the house/fishing box. It's a great tool and has +++ accessories...  Polishes off corrosion and rust perfectly. With the Diamond wheel you can cut/trim anything. It's a great investment for a hobbyist.

[Grumpy]

Dremels are awesome. Expensive solution to a simple problem. Not sure drilling is the way as you would need to be extraordinarily accurate to avoid damaging the reel. Drill press accurate. Locating the dremel in centre of screw  freehand to drill out will be almost impossible. Try and cut a slot in the screw if you have access with dremel. If not try the ground screwdriver trick . it is surprisingly effective.

[bassbug]

i dont know but with a try,
penetrating oil to screw then heat the reel frame/body with a hair dryer, not to overheat. then use a philips screwdriver that is not with a very pointed end.

[DavePE]

Finally managed to get it out. I screwed a tiny pilot hole in the centre of the screw and managed to fold the head in on itself and break it off. That got the thumb rest free and I was able to remove the screw with a pair of pliers carefully turning it out. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. 

[hrogers]

Good to hear glad you could get it out without any damages to the reel !!

[LGF]

Gr8 to hear you got sorted, thankfully the times that happened to me, the screws all had some substantial flesh for the Dremel's cutting wheel assortment to cut a new slot for the "correct" screwdriver.   Just wish I could get an assortment (kit) of small screws with all kinds of lengths and threads for sale somewhere for when I kill them!

[Ziggy]

This made me think of your screw problem

[LGF]

Have a reel that is currently in that exact same state, still have to mill a part that the manufacturers does not make anymore and also don't have in stock.