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Stupid Screw [probably the most stupid question but its gotta be done]

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by BIGGBILI, Aug 12, 2009.

  1. BIGGBILI

    BIGGBILI Guest

    right, i wanna get into my tower, i tried opening my case and the screw [phillips head, fairly big] won't open! i've tried everything, yes ive used a screwdriver. i don't understand, i did it before..any help?
     
  2. dailun

    dailun Active member

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    Are you sure it's a screw and not a locking fasterner?

    A locking fastener will only turn 1/4 or 1/2 turn and then it's released. It may have a philips or standard head as well.
     
  3. KillerBug

    KillerBug Active member

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    If you overtightened it, you may be able to use a socket to grab it from the outside and get more leverage.
     
  4. BIGGBILI

    BIGGBILI Guest

    it's definatly not a locking fastener, i've turned it 1/4 and 1/2 and it just doesnt seem to release. what kinda socket?
     
  5. KillerBug

    KillerBug Active member

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    If it turns, the socket will not help. What it sounds like is that you have stripped the screw threads and the screw is now acting more like a rivet. These can be tricky to remove. Your best best is to break the screw off if you can (use a vice grips if there is rooms). If this cannot be done, and there is no way of getting at the other side of the screw, you might try cutting the head off with a file, hacksaw blade, or rotary tool. Once you get the screw out, you will probably want to re-tap the hole for a larger sized screw to prevent this from happening again.
     
  6. BIGGBILI

    BIGGBILI Guest

    hey, thanks for the advice, i was actually thinking about cutting the head plain and simple :), thanks again.

    BIGGBILI
     
  7. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    slide a slot screwdriver blade or a butter knife in between the sheet metal & screwhead & pry up as you use a phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screw. done that lots of times & it works with no damage to case or screw. use a pair of needle nose pliers or similar to squeeze the metal back together abit were the thread of the screw goes thru the metal case. you partially stripped the metal thread of the case because of over tightning of the screw. squeezing the metal a bit somewhat fixes that.
     
  8. BIGGBILI

    BIGGBILI Guest

    thanks for that but i already opened the case :)

    i think thats what my brother did, there was a lil gap underneath the screw which he then lifted [since the screw was half way out] and bam, the screw came flying off, already kinda ruined a little bit of the case but no biggie, thanks anyway.

    BIGGBILI
     

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