Pete M Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 I don't know what those stupid phillip screws are made of, but I've ruined 2 of my uber bits on them. looking for out of the box ideas on getting this light off. (pun intended) if anyone is contemplating using anything but a stainless screw and matching stainless clip nut... DON'T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billabob Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 Normally I'd suggest a JIS bit and one of those hand impacts but I'd probably drill the heads off the bolts instead seeing as the lights are worth a small fortune. Even if you do manage to get the screws to turn, the force needed to turn them is almost definitely greater than the force needed to snap the little plastic tabs off inside. I ordered some new taillight clips off of etsy and they came with nice stainless torx head screws, that paired with blue loctite should help avoid this problem in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertRat1991 Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 Which screws are stuck and what's the condition of the screw heads? You can access the backside of both inboard/outboard lower screws from underneath the bed. I'd focus on destroying the backside of the clip nuts. I think that's the only part that the screw threads actually engage with. Might be able to get your dremel up there with the burr attachment. Getting at the the top screws would be more tricky... but I see you already got the Sawzall on deck. That solves that problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted June 28, 2022 Author Share Posted June 28, 2022 one inner remains (which spun around in a circle) and both outers are there (heads were stripped). drilling them out has proven far more difficult than anticipated. I think I know why this tail was still connected to the bed when I got it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87 MJ Chief Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 (listening and learning) Will needle nose locking pliers reach and attach to the clip nuts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted June 28, 2022 Author Share Posted June 28, 2022 there's nothing left of the phillips heads to bite with a screwdriver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The86manche Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 Flip the bed over reach up and cut/grind the clip and threads off the screws? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted June 28, 2022 Author Share Posted June 28, 2022 I win. the winning move was to just sacrifice as many drill bits as needed. the sale of a tail can buy replacements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White_Comanche Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 I see that you successfully got the screws out. Just wanted to add a method that might not be commonly known. Century Drill makes damaged screw removers and extractors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now