How to remove stripped screws

Three Variants of Stripped Screws

Stripped screws usually come in 3 variants: the stripped bolt head, the stripped internal thread, and the stripped external thread. The 3 variants of stripped screws are usually caused by:

1. Screws that are too tight
2. Loosening the screw at an angle
3. Incorrect size of screwdriver

Stripped Bolt Head

A stripped bolt is a screw that has its head rounded. With a rounded bolt head, the Allen wrench cannot gain enough leverage to turn it around.

Stripped Internal Thread

A stripped internal thread is a damaged nut thread that becomes incapable of tightening up.

Stripped Anchor

A stripped anchor or stripped screw hole is when the anchor is loose from the resin vat and cannot be tightened up.

How Did the Screws Get So Tight?

The screws on our vats are tightened at 1.5~2 kgf·cm, which is less than 0.5T (Torque). Therefore, you should be able to easily remove the vat screws by using a handheld Allen wrench.

When screws get too tight, this is usually the result of resin getting stuck in the screws. This may happen when you pour resin out from the vat. There is a chance that excess resin may drip to the bottom of the vat and the vat frame, effectively getting stuck in the screws.

Avoid Stripping the Screws

Avoid stripping the screws if you notice that the screws are too tight when trying to remove them. We suggest soaking the screws with sanitizing alcohol for about 15 mins and then using a handheld hex wrench to turn it slightly. If it still doesn't budge, soak it again, then use a sharp corner hex screwdriver, usually an automated screwdriver, to remove it.

Removing a Stripped Screw

If you have a stripped screw, there are still a few possible methods to fix this issue:

Stripped Bolt Head

1. Using a Plier: Try using a plier to remove the screw.
2. The Rubber Band Method: Lay a rubber band across the screw head. Then press the Allen wrench hard on the rubber band while turning the screw in a counter-clockwise direction.
3. Using a Larger Allen Wrench: Switch to a larger-sized Allen wrench. A larger wrench can evenly distribute pressure across the screw head.
4. Using a Flat-Head Screwdriver: Use a blade and cut a slot straight across the stripped screw head, then use a flat-head screwdriver to remove it.
5. Using a Screw Extractor: Drill the center of the damaged screw, then use an extractor to remove the stripped anchor screw.

Stripped Anchor

After removing all the other screws, pull on the vat frame to remove the stripped anchor.

Stripped Internal Thread

Try using a plier to pull the screw, then pull it out by force.

Replacing a Stripped Screw

For the screw size of resin vat, please check the following list:-