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Impossible to remove stains from a laptop

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x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member -  
 Lucien -
Hello,
Here is my problem, I have had a laptop for some time now and I wanted to remove some dust from inside it. So I took a small Phillips screwdriver but I see that one screw is stripped, the head of the screw is almost round. So I can't unscrew it. Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove the screw without damaging the computer?
Thank you for your help.
Configuration: Windows Vista Firefox 2.0.0.16

14 answers

  1.
    x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member 26
     
    It's a cross-shaped screw and I'm a bit afraid with the drill since it's a laptop and the components are right underneath. How should I go about it? A drill bit a bit larger than the screw? How deep should I drill?
    12
    1. justanumber
       
      In fact, you need to take a drill bit just slightly larger than the diameter, not of the head but of the screw, and drill flush with the flat of the head.
      It's a bit like drilling to break a rivet, actually.
      Once the head is drilled, it will come off, and you will be able to dismantle your PC and unscrew the rest of the screw shaft with pliers or a small pair of tongs.
      Everything is in the diameter of the drill bit. If you take too small a one, the head of the screw won't come off. It's better to take a bit larger than the screw shaft, actually.
      1
  2. justanumber
     
    Are you sure it's cruciform? Don't we need star keys?
    Otherwise, you should try with other screwdrivers with a larger head, possibly.
    Otherwise, as a last resort -->>> drilling. (Drill in such a way as to just pop off the head of the screw.)
    4
  3. x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member 26
     
    Well, the drill didn't work, the head won't budge, and now there's no notches left for the screwdriver. Do you have any other ideas? Or should I spend hours holding my drill? ^^
    4
    1. justanumber
       
      but there's not much to drill, surprisingly.
      what is the diameter of the drill bit?
      do you see how to remove a pop rivet?
      0
  4. justanumber
     
    have you tried using a flat screwdriver? sometimes it can work on a crosshead screw.
    1
  6. x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member 26
     
    I tried with a flat screwdriver, but nothing works. I'm going to try with the drill. I'll let you know if it worked in 5 minutes.
    I'm crossing my fingers ^^
    2
    1. justanumber
       
      Yes, just be careful to press but not too hard. Make sure you can hold the machine so it doesn't move and drill beside it. ^^.And as soon as you see the head of the screw turning, that's good.
      0
  7. Qinqin
     
    Have you tried cutting the screw crosswise to use a flat screwdriver on it?
    1
  8. x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member 26
     
    But when I drill, there are hardly any shavings coming off, I feel like I'm just spinning in place. However, the bit doesn't move at all ^^
    1
    1. justanumber
       
      Hum, well either you’re not pushing hard enough or your wick is not working. : /
      0
      1. justanumber > justanumber
         
        If you have a vise and some screws, do some tests if you want. It will allow you to experiment a bit with drilling. :)
        0
    2. gonzo
       
      I have the same issue, help.
      0
    3. Lucien
       
      Same issue, it's horrible :/
      0
  9. buge Posted messages 1714 Status Member 405
     
    +1 for the flat screwdriver. It needs to be just a bit smaller than the cross-shaped slot, and by wedging it in, we can easily remove the screws.
    0
  10. justanumber
     
    Where are you, Kevin? You're scaring me! :D
    0
  11. x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member 26
     
    The screw still won't budge; it's probably due to the drill bit. I'll try again tomorrow because I have to go now.
    0
    1. justanumber
       
      It's not the screw that needs to come off, just the head! Okay?
      Well, see you tomorrow, I'll stop by to take a look.
      0
  12. x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member 26
     
    I tried with several bits, but I don't see how to remove a rivet :/
    0
    1. justanumber
       
      Did you manage to make small metal shavings when you drilled? :)
      You do need to press down a bit on the drill, and possibly use a larger bit; it's a bit harder to drill with a bigger bit, but there’s less risk of missing the hole.
      In fact, the principle is to drill in such a way that the head of the screw breaks off, leaving only the shaft of the screw.
      0
  13. x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member 26
     
    I've done it =D
    it took some time but I've done it, thank you for your help ;)
    0
  14. derof Posted messages 30 Status Member 3
     
    Hello

    There’s still something that surprises me about your system:
    once the head of the screw is removed, normally the screw should still fulfill its purpose because of the threading, and you shouldn't be able to remove the part that it holds. The head is mainly for locking when we screw it in. Unless only the part where the screw sinks in is threaded, but the screws I have observed were threaded along their entire length, which is not a good sign.

    Otherwise, does anyone know where we can find screws like that because after destroying it, we need to replace this screw?
    0
  15. x--keviin Posted messages 165 Status Member 26
     
    There were almost no shavings and I tried with bigger bits, it's the same but I will try again by pressing a little harder.
    -2
    1. justanumber
       
      what you need to do is drill through the plastic under the head of the screw and stop as soon as possible to minimize contact with the plastic.
      0