Epic screw battles

jonathan1138

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So i was taking apart my Star wars yoke for a rebuild and to get the parts powder coated.


Inside the metal box, there is a three scew collar (allen wrench screws). Two came right out, but one had me feeling like Captain Ahab up against the mighty Moby Dick - not only is that screw off-angle (there is a metal lip blocking its access) but it was stripped. After about an hour of trying every tool i have, the room is a disaster - tools everywhere, my whole shop is disarray. Finally got it free by snapping an Allen Wrench so it can get past the lip (should have done this first) and modifying the male head to at least get a grip with some strong glue.

Reminded me of another epic screw job - on an Indiana Jones Pinball machine i had, the bridge diverter screw (set screw) was stuck in AND stripped at the same time. No amount of heat or strength would budge it. So small to drill out. I tried every improvisation i had to get that darned thing out. Finally, gave up and just cut the damn arm and ordered a new piece to replace it.

Made me wonder - have you ever had an epic battle with a screw? The improv needed to get past these can become quite impressive.
 
One of the screws on the handles on my Assault seems to have been the wrong size, but forced in anyway. I tried every allen wrench I could, along with various ez-outs, etc. I even drilled the damn thing (after snapping off the head), and I have not yet gotten it out (I suspect glue was involved). Fortunately, it's only one screw of 4, so I was still able to re-assemble and play without it, but it's a SERIOUS pain in the ass.

At some point I'll clamp the thing to a drill press (using the screw holes on the other side) so I can drill more of the screw out (if I try by hand, I'll surely trash the threads), and then use a tap to clear the rest. What a nightmare.
 
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