How do I get this screw out? Heater cartridge replacement.
I recently accidentally broke the heater cartridge wires so I ordered a replacement cartridge. I took out the hotend but I can't rotate the scre that holds the cartridge in.
I've used a heatgun for a while on it. It still didn't budge. I even tried using a lighter on it for a bit to see if I have any luck with that and it's still stuck.
I think at this point the screw is a good bit stripped. I don't have a dremel to try to cut a notch in it to get it out.
I'm halfway tempted to just order replacement parts from Prusa so I don't need to deal with this headache. I'd probably just end up ordering a whole new assembled hotend for $80.
Could I get some assistance, please? I' love to just be able to replace this heater cartridge.
I've had this printer for about 2 years now and never bothered cleaning the hotend, and that is coming back to haunt me now. I'll definitely be getting some of those hot end socks after I get it back up and running.
RE: How do I get this screw out? Heater cartridge replacement.
I consider E3D to be a trusted supplier. You might check out this page for faster delivery than Prusa can provide:
https://e3d-online.com/prusahotend
Although I think if I was going to E3D I would skip the Prusa MMU specific heatbreak geometry.
E3D might have some specific suggestions on how to remove your old heater cartridge. They should - they make the things.
RE: How do I get this screw out? Heater cartridge replacement.
If you're in the US, there are many E3D resellers that will save you some time and possibly money. PrintedSolid and Filastruder sell the necessary parts, including the non-Prusafied heartbreak. I ordered my Titanium heartbreak, plated copper block, replacement Prusa-fied thermistors and heater cartridges with Mk3 style cables from PrintedSolid. PrintedSolid has a more complete selection. IIRC the full hotend kit was a bit cheaper from Filastruder.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: How do I get this screw out? Heater cartridge replacement.
@Bobstro - what is your opinion of heater and thermistor connectors at the extruder? Like adding connectors to existing cables.
I am not a fan of cables that have to be replaced when changing small parts...
RE: How do I get this screw out? Heater cartridge replacement.
@robert-rmm200
I have never used them but like the idea of having the connectors near the hotend. That way when you get a blob of death you don't have to undo the entire wire loom to replace them.
RE: How do I get this screw out? Heater cartridge replacement.
Replacement ones from E3d come with the connectors on them. When I rebuilt my extruder to a geared version I also fitted replacement ones. Now the connectors sit just behind the extruder so if I need to replace in future it should be an easier job.
I also took the opportunity to fit connectors on the fans too so I can swap those out easily. The one thing to watch out for with fitting extra connectors is that its adding another point of failure so don't buy cheap connectors off ebay. Use brand ones from reputable suppliers.
I rebuilt about 3 months ago and the only issue I have had since was my own stupid fault. I tried a replacement part fan setup with 2 fans and stupidly connected the sense wires for both fans. This would occasionally cause a fan error as the 2 sense signals interfered with each other. A simple cut wire later on one of the fans fixed that though 🙂
RE: How do I get this screw out? Heater cartridge replacement.
@Bobstro - what is your opinion of heater and thermistor connectors at the extruder? Like adding connectors to existing cables.
Definitely a good idea, but I haven't done it yet. My thinking is that using the E3D-style connectors would be easiest, but there's something to be said with using a more modular connector that can handle the fans as well.
I am not a fan of cables that have to be replaced when changing small parts...
Agreed. If the connectors were easier to deal with, I'd be able to do a lot more testing. As is, it's a bit of a chore.
Quick correction: Filastruder has the more complete line of E3D replacement parts, not PrintedSolid. I've done buisness with both, including E3D parts, and both suppliers are excellent, US-based alternatives who directly support our community. I prefer to deal with them instead of Amazon when possible.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: How do I get this screw out? Heater cartridge replacement.
Is there a specific name for the E3D style connectors? Are heater and thermistor connectors the same?
My urge to collect parts and tools (for crimping) I will never use is starting to twitch...
If I ever need 50 PSUs, I am all set with really good XT60 connectors.