[Help] Hex screw rounded n over tighten.

[syc77]

Newbie here just bought a 450 heli n came across 2 screws that's over tighten by the factory. Plus I think there's too much free play when i slot in the correct size hex key. Tried to turn n next thing I know,rounded...

Anyone has solution?

[rchobbyfly]

For overtighten screws on my HK, I have tried the following:

1. Tilt the hex driver at a angle, sometimes got lucky, managed to loose the screws.

2. If it is metal-to-metal, I have used heat (lighter with the blue flame touch) and use method one in the above.

3. If screw still refuse to come out, I use the cutter piler to grab onto the aluminium washer and hope it will grab onto the screw head and unscrew it out. Doing so will result the aluminium washer to spoil if managed to unscrew it out.

4. The last one is to drill or grill. This is tedious and noisy. I tried it on my threadlocked screw which I applied 10 mins ago, and realised that I mount the servo in wrong direction. It is very tough to drill it out.

Maybe you want to include a photo on the location, so other guys can help it out too?

[foxkilo]

Newbie here just bought a 450 heli n came across 2 screws that's over tighten by the factory. Plus I think there's too much free play when i slot in the correct size hex key. Tried to turn n next thing I know,rounded...

Anyone has solution?

Not just overtighten, it's probably too much threadlock from the factory. Sometimes the strength of the threadlock is often underestimated.

Anyway, what I've tried - assuming you're talking about metric hex, i.e. 1.5mm for M2 hex screws - you can try the nearest almost equivalent imperial (inch) hex key. For example, you can try using a 1/16 inch (1.58mm) hex key in place of your 1.5mm hex key.

[nic]

Get a dremel and cut a slot, then use a flat head to unscrew it.

Dremel is a must have tool for this hobby. You can get a good one from SGTooling @ Fook Hai.

Other times you will need a dremel is when the rods (e.g. spindle or feathering shaft, or main shaft) etc, are so bent that you can no longer slot it out of the bearings. Those are some of the many scenarios we need to cut the parts.

[misato]

Threadlock and be weaken by heating it so in your case you can trying heating things up first then try all the non destructive tips and see if it helps.

[TWE75]

Erm i actually over-tighten the bit to my dremel and now i can't remove the bit together with the head . Any idea ?

[syc77]

Not just overtighten, it's probably too much threadlock from the factory. Sometimes the strength of the threadlock is often underestimated.

Anyway, what I've tried - assuming you're talking about metric hex, i.e. 1.5mm for M2 hex screws - you can try the nearest almost equivalent imperial (inch) hex key. For example, you can try using a 1/16 inch (1.58mm) hex key in place of your 1.5mm hex key.

cant be threadlock cos it's metal to plastic!
they put superglue??
tried the imperial method too.no go.imperial is too small! n i dont even know how that happens.

Get a dremel and cut a slot, then use a flat head to unscrew it.

Dremel is a must have tool for this hobby. You can get a good one from SGTooling @ Fook Hai.

Other times you will need a dremel is when the rods (e.g. spindle or feathering shaft, or main shaft) etc, are so bent that you can no longer slot it out of the bearings. Those are some of the many scenarios we need to cut the parts.

ya...i got a bad feeling i will need to convert it into a flat head screw.. will PM u for more info,nic!

Threadlock and be weaken by heating it so in your case you can trying heating things up first then try all the non destructive tips and see if it helps.

erm..misato from paGn?

guys, i dont understand y is it that when using the correct size hex key,how come got so much freeplay?can see/feel the screw's hole is like a bit bigger..is that normal or do i need to buy hobby grade tool?! should be all standard size right?

guys i take it the shops in Fook Hai sell replacement screws or is it better to just go to hardware stores n get?

[TWE75]

Get the screws at hardware shop at cheaper rate . Sometimes proper tool still can spoil screws . I encountered before .

[nic]

Actually which 450 heli are you having?

Align is notorious for their easy to strip screws. You will need a good accurate + hard hex key to open them. Their stock drivers are no good. Their screws are hit and misses. Those "branded" drivers at DIY shops are not good enough.

hK450 screws are star shape rather than hex. That you will need a good star shape driver. If not observed carefully, one might mot notice they are star rather than hex. Some DIY shops carry the drivers.

Mini-T screws are ok, unless too much locktite.

If you have alot of different sizes of screws to replace, get a screw pack from LHS. If you are missing one or 2, it is cheaper to get like 5-10 from "nuts and bolt shop". There is one very near to rotor hobby. "Pan Sun hardware"

rotor hobby carries a good set of alan keys for $50+

[syc77]

Actually which 450 heli are you having?

Align is notorious for their easy to strip screws. You will need a good accurate + hard hex key to open them. Their stock drivers are no good. Their screws are hit and misses. Those "branded" drivers at DIY shops are not good enough.

hK450 screws are star shape rather than hex. That you will need a good star shape driver. If not observed carefully, one might mot notice they are star rather than hex. Some DIY shops carry the drivers.

Mini-T screws are ok, unless too much locktite.

If you have alot of different sizes of screws to replace, get a screw pack from LHS. If you are missing one or 2, it is cheaper to get like 5-10 from "nuts and bolt shop". There is one very near to rotor hobby. "Pan Sun hardware"

rotor hobby carries a good set of alan keys for $50+

mine's Align 450 pro

guess i just get a dremel n cut those rounded nuts.

thanks everyone for the advise!

[jiawei]

U can try using a unwanted hex screw driver and place it in the screw. Then use CA to glue the hex driver to the screw before removing the screw. But at the end of the day, the hex driver and the screw have to be thrown away..

[syc77]

U can try using a unwanted hex screw driver and place it in the screw. Then use CA to glue the hex driver to the screw before removing the screw. But at the end of the day, the hex driver and the screw have to be thrown away..

cant do..
turns out i have 11 overtighen rounded screws!

took nic's advise n bought the last set of Dremel 10.8V Li-ion Cordless.
very happy to report all 11 screws r cut n screwed out!

but replacement screws r damn exp sia!
i wonder if Pan Sun hardware would be cheaper...

[nic]

Happy that you have got them out.

I went through the same.. for my Trex250 and Trex 700... lots and lots of screws...

Get the rotor screw set, it does helps reduce striping, although still not 100%.

Yes Pan Sun will be cheaper, but it won't be cheap if you are going to get some "2 of this" and "3 of that".

Also, if you do come across the brand call "RCScrewz", forget about it. They advertise 100% screw replacement, but majority of it are of the wrong size and useless. But, the screw quality is indeed good. None of my screws from them stripped, only prob is, it is way too expensive considering that majority of the items in the kit are useless to the specific heli model they advertised for. In my case, it was T700LE and T500. - it will cheaper if you do a "2 of this" and "3 of that" with the specific screw material.

[syc77]

Happy that you have got them out.

I went through the same.. for my Trex250 and Trex 700... lots and lots of screws...

Get the rotor screw set, it does helps reduce striping, although still not 100%.

huh?
rotor screw set?

[nic]

missed out a word.
I meant the screw driver set.

http://shop.rotor.com.sg/show-detail...D4BA2F47}&pn=2