Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
Hi there, I have a serious issue of being unable to remove the top grub screw due to it being worn in.
I am unable to use the axel key and even a star screw end and even tried using screw grab solution, aluminum foil, none of which works since the nut itself is so small.
I know it's possible to drill it out but considering that it's a pricey fragile machine, I really don't won't to resort to that. It looks like I will have to break something at this point and will need parts to replace them too. I had considered using a hand routor to file the inside so a larger axel or screw can fit inside (obviously needs replacing). If there is no alternative....I'm kinda at a loss on what to do.
What do you think I should do?
RE: Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
Using a hand drill would work don't use electric
Please help me out by downloading a model it's free and easy but really helps me out https://www.printables.com/@Hello_474427/models
RE:
Hand drill! You mean like a hand screw driver? (on the left)
I tried that already, even with the elastic band, everything and nothing works.
Is there any other way besides the electric drill, because it looks like I have no choice cause it won't come out otherwise. I may have to break something just to use this printer again.
RE: Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
I'm going to assume thats a mini (looks like one and this problem has happened to other users several times before). Not sure what this is doing in the PS forum rather than the mini but hey ho. You probably would have/will get more help by posting in the correct forum.
You have tried elastic bands and foil but have you actually tried the tool specifically designed to remove a worn screw ? A screw extractor. For example (first ebay hit) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166077687475?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20201210111314%26meid%3Da21fc181e7e44bff9ac9374828fc60c7%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D203509552303%26itm%3D166077687475%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithLambda85KnnRecallV1V4V6ItemNrtInQueryAndCassiniVisualRankerAndBertRecall%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A166077687475a21fc181e7e44bff9ac9374828fc60c7%7Cenc%3AAQAIAAABYA2rugFlOq3qu1cLac%252F%252Fk6Vp0Oa0HaJIqoXKeIiOR%252BTUgsSvHaeyPxKYu6UqHqq7GaGyKVqHQnjeiiXcQpMGw2t3aB%252BssGfjtIWOBj8wExc7oYYP7xGMyQCrHDyDaSaWjB1CueI3A94n0yxXX5dx5gDAkms79KMWkQAaBuwPyTp5WhDIQ6bnQJNgh65pk%252Bv6I07rHhT8KRab5ALsFbzrqcHJpweHtkE67QTWaK21zgDn0kMvGY1Txt4%252FBRUIuwdqdQOZB15snbjupSzpiZNEFBSbnJEQMyc9ndVM13%252BKBFJdQqgeID8wwsE7Qt6VOQ45FXqYDYZtLs4TzMEIW2UyVhhsxElFmAEbOeVaJWV%252BKDhWGyP5i%252FyidJD57we%252FmnFNMxAZhoh9ijYIY7nf9D6zkhw8IUAcI5RwoZ38IaGpeuKuFoM0vgFVQQcR8dO0YAw6Nv3868MRa2RwFK9msoG4S9s%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675
When you do get it out then you might want to consider replacing them all with normal cap headed hex screws instead of tiny grub screws. As several other forum members have done.
Also you might want to use a small torch to heat that area up when you try to extract it, the screw is steel but the heatsink is aluminium and the aluminium will contract more than the steel screw so it gets tighter as it cools. I'd suggest removing the fan etc to reduce the parts in the area if you do that though.
RE: Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
There are such thing as a handrill if that's what there called there really sharp on the end and can drill through metal
Please help me out by downloading a model it's free and easy but really helps me out https://www.printables.com/@Hello_474427/models
RE: Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
Sorry, that's my bad. I should've put it in the right category (mini)
Yeah, I'll take your advice. Just need to find the right size of screw extractor and replacement hex screws and I guess I'll be home free.
RE: Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
Hi Mike,
I have moved the thread for you!
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
If you have a Dremel then you could use one of the metal cutting disks to cut into the screw and through the aluminium surrounding it - this way you would make two notches that can be deep enough for flat screwdriver.
It will be messy but should not really degrade cooling capabilities.
Other crazy ideas - gluing in Allen key. Another use case - using soldering iron instead of glue, on in extreme version using torch/welding key to the bolt, but that works well for much bigger screws.
See my GitHub and printables.com for some 3d stuff that you may like.
RE: Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
I really appreciate the advice, but I decided to go for the screw extractor method.
Whether it goes well or not I'll let you all know thanks
RE: Advice for removing worn out grub screw near heatend
Just one question; do these grub screw or head caps take M1.6, M2 or M3?
I'm assuming these need the first two, but I'm not completely sure.