Stripped screws

[flywheel]

How would you, non-destructively, remove stripped retaining screws from the back of a cylinder?

Thanks

[Riyame]

Well, if the screws are against a tailpiece instead of the cylinder itself you could use a dremel to cut a new screw slot.

[mister sour]

Walmart sells stripped screw removers. They drill a small indentation into the screw and then u put in a bit that bites into the screw to pull it out.

[jones]

My fav method is using an automatic center punch. You could even use a centerpunch with a small hammer.
If this is a phillips head screw,#1) place the punch in one of the four high points, avoiding the X part of the screw and hit the punch into the screw head lightly, to make a dimple. Now place the punch in the dimple and hit in the direction needed to unscew. If the screw is machined a few taps may be needed. If stuck tight, refer back to #1) and make a new dimple across from the first one. I can usually re-use the screws after cleaning off the rust/dirt.

[GringoLocksmith]

Jones has a good method that I'll try someday if I ever get a small enough center punch. But sometimes those screw heads can be miniscule, no? If I haven't stripped the head too badly, I usually have success putting the cylinder into a vise, tapping the appropriately sized screwdriver or bit into the screw so that it's got some purchase, and then pushing with all of my weight as I turn the screwdriver in a short sharp burst.

[youluckyfox]

Anyone ever seen this trick?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaCYyL4UJAA

[GWiens2001]

Never even heard of that trick, YLF. Will have to put that one away in the ol' memory banks for future reference. Thanks!

Gordon

[jones]

You could also use an impact driver, last one I saw was at Harbor Freight. You can use a screwdriver bit, or pull the bit attachment off and use a 3/8" socket. You choose to tighten or reverse, place the driver you need on the tip and hit the end of the driver with a hammer & it will turn to the left or right, usually breaking loose whatever you are working on.

[jeffmoss26]

One of these days I am going to get the tool that Keedex makes:

http://absupply.net/keedex-spin.aspx

[jones]

I'm sure You could make your own for less that $150, I have used my auto- centerpunch trick to remove mortise cylinder screws, so size is not an inhibitor for tapping stuck fasteners loose.
You can find an automatic center punch in hardware stores