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Astro Spectra Control Head Stripped Screw

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KG5HHS

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I have two control heads that have stripped screws on the control heads. One is a W4 and one is a W5. I am wanting to change some buttons on both but just noticed that one screw on each have stripped heads. I have attempted to use an extractor tool with no luck. Does anyone have any idea's for how to get these screws out that have stripped heads?
 

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techman210

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Try getting the screw loose by applying a heat gun to the side of the chassis of the spectra. This might relieve some of the “grip“ on the screw itself by the chassis. Just keep it far enough from the control head so you don’t melt the control head.

Alternatively, you’ll have to resort to perhaps jamming a disposable hex wrench or something similar in there that will fit tightly after applying both the screw and the tool with a little JB Weld. Let that set up for 24 hours or more, and then you may be able to apply more pressure to that screw to get it to loosen.

You can try drilling out the head of the screw- that would be my last option.

There’s a special place for techs that put in hand-tight screws with power tools using non-torque-limited settings!
 

KG5HHS

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Joined
May 10, 2015
Messages
637
Location
D/FW
Try getting the screw loose by applying a heat gun to the side of the chassis of the spectra. This might relieve some of the “grip“ on the screw itself by the chassis. Just keep it far enough from the control head so you don’t melt the control head.

Alternatively, you’ll have to resort to perhaps jamming a disposable hex wrench or something similar in there that will fit tightly after applying both the screw and the tool with a little JB Weld. Let that set up for 24 hours or more, and then you may be able to apply more pressure to that screw to get it to loosen.

You can try drilling out the head of the screw- that would be my last option.
I will try those options! Do you by any chance know what a part number is or where I could find news one to replace them.

There’s a special place for techs that put in hand-tight screws with power tools using non-torque-limited settings!
Hah! I agree!
 

FFPM571

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If you want to change buttons sometimes its easier to take a small jeweler's screw driver flat head and pop them out...
 

KG5HHS

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I have managed to change the buttons out, but will keep the other idea's in mind when/if it comes time to open them up.
 
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