Stripped Screw Head - Best Way to Remove?

[jetsetjones]

I was about to check the brake fluid levels on the bike today, but managed to strip one of the screw heads on the reservoir lid (managed to get the other screw out). As this is a general DIY topic really, this seemed like the most appropriate forum group.

 

Any ideas on the simplest way to get the thing out or off? I would prefer not to have to buy a drill or screw extractor. Any ideas?

 

I've attached a photo of a similar fluid cap, which shows the screws are flush with the reservoir lid (unfortunately - so pliers won't work).

[carlyai]

Try and get a good lot of CRC/Sonic in the thread. With a screwdriver in the slot, wack it a couple of times. Then try and get a flat bladed screw driver into the Phillips screw slots. Attach a ratchet spanner (forget their name, but you screw in the end and then clamp them) onto the flat blade screw driver and have another go.

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[Artisi]

Depending on how tight it is, with a very small chisel, centrepunch, or even a hardened concrete nail, you might be able to carefully persuade it to undo by tapping at a very acute angle, in the right direction of course. 

[johng]

I would try center punch or concrete nail too....remember lefty loosy, righty tighty

(in most cases and in this case)

 

 

[Denim]

As mentioned....spray with Sonic ( WD forty ) then use an impact driver on it if you have one. If not ...get one. Not expensive and very useful tool to have.

[stubuzz]

If you can't loosen it with a center punch, break the lid at the smallest point with the center punch or small sharp chisel and lever it up and off.  Then you will be able to get locking pliers on the screw, but you will need to replace the lid.

[Daffy D]

Don't they have a little plastic window on the side so you can see the level without removing the top?

[RichCor]

If you've stripped the grooved slots of the screw head, try using a strip of rubber inner-tube placed over the screw head and see if that gives you some purchase for the screw driver.  Otherwise, you can try using a 'dremel-like cutting wheel to cut a new slot.

 

Might be cost effective to buy a new reservoir/brake handle assembly.

 

  10 Easy Ways To Remove A Stripped Screw

[cooked]

Drill it out.

[perthperson]

Ask your friendly local motorbike guy to fix it ! 

[RichCor]

Drill, baby, drill.  Or use C4.

You need a new bike anyway.

[jetsetjones]

All good tips. I had another look and there is still enough of a groove to get a flat-blade in there. If I had power tools I'd just use a small circular disc to cut a deeper groove for a flathead to go into. If all else fails, I'll just buy a new lid and snap the old one allowing me to get the screw out with pliers. Failing that, I new bike (scooter) might be in order anyway as it's a Fino and is a fairly crap bike!