Heads snapped off M3.5 screws

[DaveyD]

Hi Everyone

Had to change some plate switches and sockets after decoraters have been in. On one socket the screws have snapped off in the lugs. The room is papered and the lugs are fixed. Normally I can get them out with pliers but these are rusted in at the lug. Any tips please?
T.I.A.
Regards, David

 

[JamesBrownLive]

Drill 'em out and re-tap the box lugs to m4.

 

[Rockingit]

drill out the old screws, then re-tap the lugs as M4's. You may also find that when you start drilling them using a very fine drill bit that they may start to move and unscrew anyway.

 

[Rockingit]

LOL - There's an echo in this room!

 

[JamesBrownLive]

alternatively, just drill off the tops, remove the socket and see if you can get better purchase on whats left with pliers.

 

[JamesBrownLive]

LOL - There's an echo in this room!

Great minds think alike:39:

 

[DaveyD]

Top Tips, Thanks guys, I have a 3.5 tapper, never throught of going up a size DUH!! Will ask at wholesalers tomorrow - ready to watch their confused little faces ....

 

[MarkieSparkie]

If it's just a case of rusted screws try releasing the screws with Plus Gas dismantling fluid (available from Halfords or automotive factors) first. Spray Plus Gas on, leave for 5 minutes, twist off screws with Mole Grips, it usually works.
If this doesn't work you can always used the drill/retap method suggested by others.

 

[DaveyD]

If it's just a case of rusted screws try releasing the screws with Plus Gas dismantling fluid (available from Halfords or automotive factors) first. Spray Plus Gas on, leave for 5 minutes, twist off screws with Mole Grips, it usually works.
If this doesn't work you can always used the drill/retap method suggested by others.

OK, thanks - like WD40?

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Very small drill. Get some "easy outs"...there like a tapered left hand thread and you only need a shallow hole for em to bite.....they come in packs of 5 or 6 in different sizes and they aint dear to buy.....
Rockin....why would they unscrew? which way does a drill turn.........

 

[Guest112]

Very small drill. Get some "easy outs"...there like a tapered left hand thread and you only need a shallow hole for em to bite.....they come in packs of 5 or 6 in different sizes and they aint dear to buy.....
Rockin....why would they unscrew? which way does a drill turn.........

thought the same thing when reading lol

 

[MarkieSparkie]

OK, thanks - like WD40?

No mate, WD40 is useless for penetrating and deactivating rust.

 

[the pict]

when in doubt C4,
Pict

 

[DaveyD]

Hi All , I managed to get M4 in brass. Does anyone know where to get in steel?
TIA

 

[Rockingit]

Originally Posted by GLENNSPARK

Very small drill. Get some "easy outs"...there like a tapered left hand thread and you only need a shallow hole for em to bite.....they come in packs of 5 or 6 in different sizes and they aint dear to buy.....
Rockin....why would they unscrew? which way does a drill turn.........



​

thought the same thing when reading lol

Yes, it goes the same way. Has no-one ever tried the tighten to loosen principal before?

As for brass M4's, I'd throw them away...steel ones from your wholesaler or from a certain well known Fixings company.


​

 

[DaveyD]

OK, well thanks again everyone. Drilled out the fixed side and replaced the unfixed side. Nightmare job getting the drill to hold but done. Rethreaded to m4 and away ....
Re M4, thanks rock, no w/salers have them here, will try online. Could only see stubbys last week ....

 

[Richard Burns]

I had a look for oval raised head screws and could only find stainless ones
here
A2 Stainless M4 Slotted Raised C/sunk Screws (DIN 964)
and here
Bentleys Raised Head Countersunk
no idea who they are but may solve a problem.

If you can get them to hold on the tag you could use spire clips (u clips, panel clips) close them down and tap for 3.5mm but they do not hold very well.

 

[DaveyD]

Yes, its the size of the head. It needs to be the same size as the M3.5, Mine were not and did not sit inside.