Stripped Windshield Screws

[monte1214]

- I was polishing up the sled tonight and noticed that I have 2 of my windshield screws sheared off!!

- What's the best way to get them out so I can replace them?

- All help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Super Sled]

They are just plastic screws into a metal surrounded by a rubber bushing. I'd say if you unsrew all the rest of the screws and lightly pull on the windshield it will pop off of the sled.

Or else you could drill them out or try using a screw extractor. I bet a screw extractor would get them out easy.

 

[monte1214]

- Yeah, I never thought of a screw extractor.
- I'll see if I have one that small.

- Thanks!

 

[Winderallday!]

Had to remove several of these in the past. If the head is completely snapped off, and you can get at the remainder, take a small blade flat screwdriver (3/16" wide), heat the tip of the blade up slightly with a torch so it will melt into the plastic, then insert blade into broken plastic screw about 1/8" or so, let it cool in place, then back out broken piece.
The key with these plastic screws is to not overtighten them when you install the new ones, they can't take much pressure before they are over stressed and prone to breakage.
Cheers!

 

[monte1214]

- Another great idea!! I'll look at that one too!
- Thanks again!

 

[lochrtj]

I just took a small drill bit, drilled it, put the drill in reverse and out they came.
I guess you could heat the bit and let it melt its way into the screw, then back it out.

 

[**sj**]

the heat the screwdriver works .....but...do it this way..

heat a small to medium phillips tip...not too hot...use the bit to imprint the screw quickly and remove...let cool competely before attempting to remove...and dont imprint too deep either!

 

[sledneck22]

I had to do this a while ago when I slipped and broke a bunch of plastic. I actually used a small piece of wire coat hanger. I heated it up, stuck it in the broke off screw and let cool. Then I was able to unscrew it. This way I didn't gum up my screwdriver.

 

[monte1214]

- The old heated screwdriver did the trick!

- Slick as Sheet actually!

- I would have never thought of that!

- Thanks again everyone!

 

[RollRite]

The screw extractor works great that is what I used