stripped bottom screw :( Update, got it out!

[vivithemage]

Anything I can do to fix it? I rounded it to the point where it's circular now. Possible to fix? I assume apple will not warranty it now either.

UPDATE :

sweeet, so Apple took the screw out and replaced it! They even said they'd replace the entire bottom because they slightly scratched it, haha.

It is not breaking warranty if you open it.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Anything I can do to fix it? I rounded it to the point where it's circular now. Possible to fix? I assume apple will not warranty it now either.

Found this:
http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/52033/How+to+remove+a+stripped+pentalobe+screw

 

[vivithemage]

damn, I do not have that fine enough of a drill

 

[GoCubsGo]

They sell drill bits at Lowe's or Home Depot .

 

[vivithemage]

I wonder if there is a way to just get some blue locktite in there, and then undo it?

Would blue locktite work, let t harden for a few hours on the screw?

I really want to avoid drilling, haha.

It's so stripped it's rounded. I stopped right away, and tried a flathead, but just got worse....the screw was mush!

 

[gentlefury]

What kind of screwdriver where you using? I have this set:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NICEUI/ref=oh_o01_s00_i01_details

Its a good set and a good price.

 

[vivithemage]

I used the ifixit scfew driver specifically for the penta on the MBA's.

Anyone else have any ideas I could try out?

 

[vivithemage]

Maybe these will work?
link

even though the screw is 100% rounded inside?

 

[Hirakata]

Try using a strong rubber-band that is flat enough and wide enough. Place it over the hole and then turn the screwdriver slowly with enough pressure. Might give you the grip you need.

 

[vivithemage]

Try using a strong rubber-band that is flat enough and wide enough. Place it over the hole and then turn the screwdriver slowly with enough pressure. Might give you the grip you need.

I have not tried that one in a while, thanks..i'll try that one...there is literally NO cut anymore, it's a circle within the screw.

That reminds me, where do I get a replacement?

 

[hh83917]

Maybe these might work: http://www.amazon.com/Alden-1007P-P...ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1326415792&sr=1-3

 

[vivithemage]

I am going to try a rubberband actually, might work..has in the past.

 

[iaymnu]

rubber band has worked for me in the past also

I am going to try a rubberband actually, might work..has in the past.

 

[Robyr]

I know this is going to sound prickish, but I told you you should have thought about your technical skills before you even tried this.

 

[bthrel]

Didn't see it posted yet, but they make such a thing as a stripped screw remover, it basically diggs into the stripped head and allows you to unscrew it. Found a small set on amazon for laptops.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=15G4E21CFC2KPY9SVYER

 

[case2001]

Have used the above easy out's in the links that are posted. They work much better that drilling out the screw. If you do try to drill it out be very careful and patient. If you slip the drill will go through the aluminum case like a knife through butter. I had to drill pop rivets and screws out of aluminum sheet metal before. It is very easy to make a mistake.

Good luck.

 

[doktordoris]

Just buy a small rounded screw removal tool. They cut into the knackered screw head and take it out.
look below for other ideas .

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/02/the-12-best-ways-to-remove-stripped-screws/

 

[vivithemage]

Where would I get a replacement screw?

 

[doktordoris]

Where would I get a replacement screw?

ifixit?

 

[vivithemage]

ifixit?

They want $60 for the entire kit (every single screw in the MBA), they do not sell individual screws.

 

[doktordoris]

They want $60 for the entire kit (every single screw in the MBA), they do not sell individual screws.

I just guessed that you could find them there. Mind you 60 dollars isnt that expensive is it? I bet you could soon flog the spares on ebay.

 

[mac jones]

Go to an Apple store they will give you a screw. I've gotten them a couple times. Don't let them give you any grief.

Also, I've removed screws with those screw removal tools (screwdriver type things) in the past, works fine. However, I don't know if they have them for such a small screw.

If you have to drill, use a Dremel, and make sure that the tape you use to prevent scratching is tough enough to withstand a rotary drill under pressure (like, metal tape? )

 

[vivithemage]

Go to an Apple store they will give you a screw. I've gotten them a couple times. Don't let them give you any grief.

Also, I've removed screws with those screw removal tools (screwdriver type things) in the past, works fine. However, I don't know if they have them for such a small screw.

If you have to drill, use a Dremel, and make sure that the tape you use to prevent scratching is tough enough to withstand a rotary drill under pressure (like, metal tape? )

Do you think any of the linked kits is small enough?

I have never dremeled, nor own a dremel, so I want to save that for a last possible resort.

Would Apple be able to do this for me

 

[vivithemage]

sweeet, so Apple took the screw out and replaced it! They even said they'd replace the entire bottom because they slightly scratched it, haha.

It is not breaking warranty if you open it.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

sweeet, so Apple took the screw out and replaced it! They even said they'd replace the entire bottom because they slightly scratched it, haha.

It is not breaking warranty if you open it.

Good news on both counts! Glad they helped you out.