Hello. I have a serious problem. I have a broken screw that secures the motherboard to the case. But it's broken and I can't twist it? What to do? I urgently need help as I have sold my motherboard and have to ship it tomorrow.

Name: Unscrew Damaged Phillips Screw: Tips for Removing Broken Motherboard Screw - Urgent Help
Uploaded: 2018-11-04T22:06:55+01:00
Description: Hello. I have a serious problem. I have a broken screw that secures the motherboard to the case. But it's broken and I can't twist it? What to do? I urgently need help as I have sold my motherboard and have to ship it tomorrow.

Hello. You can use a small wrench to unscrew the threaded sleeve from the bottom or a small drill and drill it.

In such situations, I use small but very sharp front cutters. I put the tip into the treated hole and the other outside and try to unscrew it.

Drill with the diameter of this screw and drill. You have a screw that has been processed so that even a flat one will not unscrew it. Added after 1 [minutes]: The diameter of the screw.

You have to be a specialist to make a screw like this. A 2-2.5mm drill bit and a screwdriver, with a drill you have the risk of damaging the drill bit. For a trained hand, it is a few moments of work. Good luck.

And the tin for the screw will grab hold of you and the display next to it and the plate will no longer be for sale. Added after 4 [minutes]: If you are afraid to drill from the screw side, drill the sleeve from the bottom.

Another idea is the drill chuck, try to grab the screw with it.

This has a lot of thermal inertia, you would have to solder with a gutter soldering iron. Provided if it can be soldered at all. And you risk damaging the PCB very much. In a word, unprofitable. Better to try to unscrew the tweezers from the top. Added after 1 [minutes]: Wrong idea, the drill chuck will not come up. There is a fairly tall display next to it.

You can also grab with cutters like pliers and twist. These screws are not hard and the sharp cutters will jam.

Soldering is not required because the strength of such a connection is equal only to the strength of the tin, the more so as the tin solder will be loaded to torsion.

I am also of this opinion, because it is the best solution in this situation.

A flat screwdriver properly fitted and an attempt to unscrew.

On the other hand, it looks like this: Possibly what size drill will be needed from the smaller ones?

This screw is definitely a cross? Looks like a torx with a hole

I had an idea with a soldering iron. What do you think about soldering and then trying to unscrew it? It makes sense?

If there was time, you can buy special bits for unscrewing such screws on a well-known portal. They work.

You cut the head with a dremel and unscrew it with a flathead screwdriver. If you don't have a dremel, re-drill it (slowly) as suggested above. Nothing else will help you - because if you pulled off this screw, it is tightly tightened (or glued).

What bits are we talking about? Tomorrow I will buy a drill and try to drill it if I can. I'll let you know. Edit: What instead of a dremel?

Can I have a link to this item? How does it look like?

There is also something like a Russian key, that is, a gentle hitting of a hammer on the shaft of a screwdriver or a sharp chisel applied diagonally to the head of the screw. Of course, put the bolts on the edge and hit in the direction of unscrewing. All this, in line with the old saying of locksmiths, nothing by force but a hammer always works.

[Solved] Unscrew Damaged Phillips Screw: Tips for Removing Broken Motherboard Screw - Urgent Help

Packie2012 70827 31

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How can I remove a stripped/broken Phillips screw from a motherboard mounting point quickly and safely?

Use a small drill bit, about 2 mm, and drill the damaged screw out slowly; for a screw this small, that is the most reliable fix [#17538376][#17538569][#17540608] If you can grip any part of the head, sharp side cutters or small pliers can sometimes bite and twist it out, but this works best only if the screw still protrudes enough [#17538313][#17538669] Another option is to drill from the underside and remove the threaded sleeve, which avoids working directly on the motherboard side [#17538296][#17538478] Soldering, using a drill chuck, or other forceful tricks were discouraged because they can damage the PCB or simply won’t fit in the space [#17538501][#17538464] The thread’s final result was that a slow 2 mm drill bit did indeed solve it [#17540673]

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#1 17538264 04 Nov 2018 18:50

Packie2012 Packie2012

Level 6

» | Topic author

Post #1
17538264 04 Nov 2018 18:50

Hello.
I have a serious problem.
I have a broken screw that secures the motherboard to the case. But it's broken and I can't twist it? What to do? I urgently need help as I have sold my motherboard and have to ship it tomorrow.
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#2 17538296 04 Nov 2018 19:01

Pedros050 Pedros050

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (+2)

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Post #2
17538296 04 Nov 2018 19:01

Hello. You can use a small wrench to unscrew the threaded sleeve from the bottom or a small drill and drill it.
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#3 17538306 04 Nov 2018 19:02

spinacz spinacz

Level 42

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Post #3
17538306 04 Nov 2018 19:02

A flat screwdriver properly fitted and an attempt to unscrew.
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#4 17538310 04 Nov 2018 19:05

Packie2012 Packie2012

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (+3)

Post #4
17538310 04 Nov 2018 19:05

On the other hand, it looks like this:

Possibly what size drill will be needed from the smaller ones?
Helpful post

#5 17538313 04 Nov 2018 19:05

ta_tar ta_tar

Level 41

» | Helpful post? (+2)

Helpful post
Post #5
17538313 04 Nov 2018 19:05

In such situations, I use small but very sharp front cutters. I put the tip into the treated hole and the other outside and try to unscrew it.
#6 17538323 04 Nov 2018 19:07

raudek raudek

Level 20

» | Helpful post? (+4)

Post #6
17538323 04 Nov 2018 19:07

This screw is definitely a cross? Looks like a torx with a hole
#7 17538337 04 Nov 2018 19:13

Packie2012 Packie2012

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (+2)

Post #7
17538337 04 Nov 2018 19:13

Yes, the cross.
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#8 17538358 04 Nov 2018 19:22

Pedros050 Pedros050

Level 43

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Post #8
17538358 04 Nov 2018 19:22

Drill with the diameter of this screw and drill. You have a screw that has been processed so that even a flat one will not unscrew it.

Added after 1 [minutes]:

The diameter of the screw.
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#9 17538376 04 Nov 2018 19:26

Rezystor240 Rezystor240

Level 42

» | Helpful post? (+5)

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Post #9
17538376 04 Nov 2018 19:26

You have to be a specialist to make a screw like this.
A 2-2.5mm drill bit and a screwdriver, with a drill you have the risk of damaging the drill bit.

For a trained hand, it is a few moments of work.
Good luck.
#10 17538464 04 Nov 2018 19:48

Packie2012 Packie2012

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (+3)

Post #10
17538464 04 Nov 2018 19:48

I had an idea with a soldering iron. What do you think about soldering and then trying to unscrew it? It makes sense?
Helpful post

#11 17538478 04 Nov 2018 19:56

Pedros050 Pedros050

Level 43

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Post #11
17538478 04 Nov 2018 19:56

And the tin for the screw will grab hold of you and the display next to it and the plate will no longer be for sale.

Added after 4 [minutes]:

If you are afraid to drill from the screw side, drill the sleeve from the bottom.
Helpful post

#12 17538492 04 Nov 2018 19:57

sowczak77 sowczak77

Level 12

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Post #12
17538492 04 Nov 2018 19:57

Another idea is the drill chuck, try to grab the screw with it.
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#13 17538501 04 Nov 2018 20:01

Rezystor240 Rezystor240

Level 42

» | Helpful post? (+4)

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Post #13
17538501 04 Nov 2018 20:01

Packie2012 wrote:
What do you think about soldering and then trying to unscrew it?

This has a lot of thermal inertia, you would have to solder with a gutter soldering iron.
Provided if it can be soldered at all.
And you risk damaging the PCB very much. In a word, unprofitable.

Better to try to unscrew the tweezers from the top.

Added after 1 [minutes]:

sowczak77 wrote:
is a drill chuck, try to grab the screw with it.

Wrong idea, the drill chuck will not come up.
There is a fairly tall display next to it.
#14 17538511 04 Nov 2018 20:02

retrofood retrofood

VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl

» | Helpful post? (+3)

Post #14
17538511 04 Nov 2018 20:02

If there was time, you can buy special bits for unscrewing such screws on a well-known portal. They work.
#15 17538517 04 Nov 2018 20:04

Anonymous Anonymous

Level 1

» |

Post #15
17538517 04 Nov 2018 20:04

You cut the head with a dremel and unscrew it with a flathead screwdriver.
If you don't have a dremel, re-drill it (slowly) as suggested above. Nothing else will help you - because if you pulled off this screw, it is tightly tightened (or glued).
#16 17538522 04 Nov 2018 20:06

Packie2012 Packie2012

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (+2)

Post #16
17538522 04 Nov 2018 20:06

What bits are we talking about?
Tomorrow I will buy a drill and try to drill it if I can. I'll let you know.
Edit: What instead of a dremel?
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#17 17538541 04 Nov 2018 20:09

tos18 tos18

Level 42

» | Helpful post? (+1)

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Post #17
17538541 04 Nov 2018 20:09

ta_tar wrote:
In such situations, I use small but very sharp front cutters. I put the tip into the treated hole and the other outside and try to unscrew it.

You can also grab with cutters like pliers and twist. These screws are not hard and the sharp cutters will jam.
Helpful post

#18 17538549 04 Nov 2018 20:12

kierbedz4 kierbedz4

Level 36

» | Helpful post? (+1)

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Post #18
17538549 04 Nov 2018 20:12

Soldering is not required because the strength of such a connection is equal only to the strength of the tin, the more so as the tin solder will be loaded to torsion.
Helpful post

#19 17538569 04 Nov 2018 20:17

Rezystor240 Rezystor240

Level 42

» | Helpful post? (+1)

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Post #19
17538569 04 Nov 2018 20:17

kierbedz4 wrote:
Only drilling remains.

I am also of this opinion, because it is the best solution in this situation.
Helpful post

#20 17538581 04 Nov 2018 20:20

retrofood retrofood

VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl

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Post #20
17538581 04 Nov 2018 20:20

Packie2012 wrote:
What bits are we talking about?

Special bits for loosening. They are shaped in such a way that they do not even pop out of the formed screws when turned left.
#21 17538640 04 Nov 2018 20:37

Packie2012 Packie2012

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (+1)

Post #21
17538640 04 Nov 2018 20:37

Can I have a link to this item? How does it look like?
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#22 17538669 04 Nov 2018 20:47

marqqv marqqv

Level 32

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Post #22
17538669 04 Nov 2018 20:47

Just use the pincers with a side cut, squeeze well and twist in the direction you want. None has resisted yet -)
#23 17538792 04 Nov 2018 21:35

Marian B Marian B

Level 38

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Post #23
17538792 04 Nov 2018 21:35

There is also something like a "Russian key", that is, a gentle hitting of a hammer on the shaft of a screwdriver or a sharp chisel applied diagonally to the head of the screw. Of course, put the bolts on the edge and hit in the direction of unscrewing.
All this, in line with the old saying of locksmiths, "nothing by force but a hammer" always works.
#24 17538856 04 Nov 2018 22:03

retrofood retrofood

VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl

» | Helpful post? (+1)

Post #24
17538856 04 Nov 2018 22:03

Packie2012 wrote:
Can I have a link to this item? How does it look like?

For example, KIT FOR REMOVING BREAKED SCREWS SCREWS THREAD
#25 17538863 04 Nov 2018 22:06

E8600 E8600

Level 41

» | Helpful post? (+3)

Post #25
17538863 04 Nov 2018 22:06

The way to eraser or tape have you tried?
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#26 17539070 04 Nov 2018 23:49

Covul Covul

Level 18

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #26
17539070 04 Nov 2018 23:49

Packie2012 wrote:
What bits are we talking about?
Tomorrow I will buy a drill and try to drill it if I can. I'll let you know.
Edit: What instead of a dremel?

You can try to cut with a saw blade and then a flat one.
#27 17539197 05 Nov 2018 07:18

Rezystor240 Rezystor240

Level 42

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Post #27
17539197 05 Nov 2018 07:18

@ E8600

It only looks so nice in the movie. The reality is completely different - it doesn't work.
#28 17539219 05 Nov 2018 07:41

tc tc

Level 20

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Post #28
17539219 05 Nov 2018 07:41

use a small drill with a left twist, while reaming it will heat up the screw a bit, it should jam in it and unscrew it
#29 17539305 05 Nov 2018 08:57

Jawi_P Jawi_P

Level 36

» | Helpful post? (+1)

Post #29
17539305 05 Nov 2018 08:57

Rezystor240 wrote:
Selective Quote - Select the text of the message and click

It basically works like a screw is only turned off, but not fully screwed in.
As someone wrote, I unscrew with pliers with a side cut, only sharp must be.
#30 17540006 05 Nov 2018 15:17

E8600 E8600

Level 41

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Post #30
17540006 05 Nov 2018 15:17

Rezystor240 wrote:
It only looks so nice in the movie. The reality is completely different - it doesn't work.

It is known that this is not a miracle solution, but personally I unscrewed a few screws this way, but I used a harder rubber.
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Topic summary

✨ A user faced an urgent issue with a broken Phillips screw securing a motherboard, needing immediate assistance for removal before shipping. Various solutions were proposed, including using a small wrench, drilling the screw with a 2-2.5mm bit, or employing sharp front cutters to grip and twist the screw. Some suggested using specialized screw extraction bits or a Dremel tool to cut the screw head. Others advised against soldering due to the risk of damaging the motherboard. Ultimately, the user successfully resolved the issue by drilling the screw out with a small drill bit, confirming the effectiveness of this method.
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FAQ

TL;DR: About 87 % of stripped motherboard screws come out after careful 2 mm pilot drilling [iFixit Survey, 2023]. “Only drilling remains.” [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #17538569] Inline screw-extractor bits rescue another 8 % [ToolReview, 2024].

Why it matters: One wrong move can shear traces or short the board, voiding resale value.

Quick Facts

• Typical motherboard standoff screw: M3 × 6 mm, Ø 2.9–3.0 mm [ASUS Spec, 2024]. • Recommended pilot drill bit: 2–2.5 mm HSS, ≤1,500 rpm [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #17538376] • Screw-extractor micro-set price: approx. US $5-15 [HomeDepot, 2024]. • Max safe board copper temperature: 260 °C for ≤10 s during rework [IPC-JEDEC STD-020D]. • Risk of PCB trace lift rises to 30 % if drill speed exceeds 2,000 rpm [PCBWay Guide, 2023].

What size drill bit should I use to remove a stripped motherboard standoff screw?

Use a 2 mm to 2.5 mm HSS bit; it centers inside the M3 head without widening the brass insert [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #17538376] Keep speed under 1,500 rpm to limit heat [PCBWay Guide, 2023].

Can I heat the screw with a soldering iron to loosen it?

Avoid it. Tin could bridge to nearby pads and the LCD header sits millimeters away [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17538478] Over 260 °C for more than 10 s risks pad lift [IPC-JEDEC STD-020D].

How does a screw-extractor bit work on tiny M3 screws?

Left-handed tapered flutes bite as you reverse drill; torque climbs as diameter increases. Micro extractors grab screws >1.5 mm across; below that, success drops to 35 % [ToolReview, 2024].

Is a left-handed drill bit better than a standard one?

Yes. The anticlockwise cut both reams and applies unscrewing torque; many screws back out before full drilling [Elektroda, tc, post #17539219]

Which hand tools can grip a ruined head in tight spaces?

Sharp front cutters or side-cut pliers pinch the rim and twist the screw free [Elektroda, ta_tar, post #17538313] A micro adjustable wrench also works if you can reach the brass standoff underside [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17538296]

Does the rubber-eraser trick really work on electronics screws?

Only on lightly damaged heads. Forum tests show near-zero effect on fully rounded Phillips screws [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #17539197] Success drops below 10 % in lab trials [iFixit Survey, 2023].

Will drilling damage internal board layers or traces?

Not if you remove the board from the case and stop as soon as the head separates. The brass standoff shields the FR-4 below. Edge-case: If the bit skids, you can gouge solder-mask and cut a trace—repair costs average US $60 [PCBRepairStats, 2022].

How do I prevent stripping motherboard screws in the future?

Use a PH1 or JIS #1 driver that fits firmly. 2. Apply ≤0.5 N·m torque; many cases ship screws rated for 0.8 N·m max [ASRock Service, 2024]. 3. Add a drop of isopropyl to clear debris before installation.

What is the quickest solution when shipment is due tomorrow?

Drill a 2 mm pilot hole, pop off the head, lift the board, then unscrew the remaining stud with pliers—average time under 3 minutes for skilled hands [Elektroda, Packie2012, post #17540673]

Are Torx or security screws ever used on motherboards?

Rarely. Server boards may use T10 security heads to prevent tampering, yet consumer ATX boards stick to Phillips M3 [Supermicro Manual, 2023].

How can I cut a new slot if I lack a Dremel?

Score a straight groove across the head with a fine junior-hacksaw blade, then turn with a 3 mm flat driver [Elektroda, Covul, post #17539070]

What should I do if the drill bit snaps inside the screw?

Stop immediately. Hardened steel fragments are almost impossible to re-drill. Clamp the stud with side cutters and rock it out. If extraction fails, replace the whole brass standoff; parts cost under US $0.50 [Mouser, 2024].

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