Any ideas on how to remove this m.2 screw?

[techhamz7]

Hi, I got a laptop nvme SSD I wanted to replace. I thought it was just a simple philips screw but it ended up stripping.

I've tried the rubber band method with no success.

At this point the screw is circular so am looking for suggestions.

I've heard attaching another screw to the screw using superglue or solder, but would like your opinions.

[CommanderAlex]

Have you tried using pliers or vise grips to grip the head of the screw to turn counter-clockwise (CCW)? 

[minibois]

Check if you have a small flathead screwdriver that can still get a grip on the screw. Otherwise you might need to resort to using plyers to try and twist the screw out.

[techhamz7]

Just now, CommanderAlex said:

Have you tried using pliers or vise grips to grip the head of the screw to turn counter-clockwise (CCW)? 

I tried needle nose pliers, but could not get a grip on the screw, the clearance is pretty much non-existent

[CommanderAlex]

Just now, techhamz7 said:

I tried needle nose pliers, but could not get a grip on the screw, the clearance is pretty much non-existent

You'd need something that has teeth on the end to grab into the metal. You are pretty much going to need a replacement screw afterwards as this one will be destroyed in the process (already is with the stripped head, most likely was a Torx six-point head). Vise grips will really bite into the metal of the screw head. 

[techhamz7]

Just now, CommanderAlex said:

You'd need something that has teeth on the end to grab into the metal. You are pretty much going to need a replacement screw afterwards as this one will be destroyed in the process (already is with the stripped head, most likely was a Torx six-point head). Vise grips will really bite into the metal of the screw head. 

Could you link me what you're talking about, my pliers have teeth

[CommanderAlex]

1 minute ago, techhamz7 said:

Could you link me what you're talking about, my pliers have teeth

Something like this. 

[Moonzy]

i think soldering another thing onto it for grip is your best chance

 

unless if you dont care about the laptop, use the plier to snap the screw head off

[SpaceGhostC2C]

9 minutes ago, minibois said:

Check if you have a small flathead screwdriver that can still get a grip on the screw.

In general I've had luck with this method, or using star-shaped or hexagon screwdriver bits.

[jaslion]

2 minutes ago, Moonzy said:

i think soldering another thing onto it for grip is your best chance

 

unless if you dont care about the laptop, use the plier to snap the screw head off

Or a very strong glue works too

[techhamz7]

1 minute ago, Moonzy said:

i think soldering another thing onto it for grip is your best chance

 

unless if you dont care about the laptop, use the plier to snap the screw head off

Do you think superglue would have a similar effect

[jaslion]

1 minute ago, techhamz7 said:

Do you think superglue would have a similar effect

For normal screw that usually just snaps off but this is a small weak m.2 screw so possible that it will work. Basically just glue a screw or a screwdriver to the screw wait for it to dry and go for it.

[paddy-stone]

Looks like the rubber band method should still work to me, it doesn't look completely stripped. Also as suggested earlier by another, using a small flat head screwdriver should work. If those methods still don't work you could look at maybe soldering, or if you can be careful maybe lifting the screw head up from the M.2 ssd with a small flat head driver, then grip it with some pliers and twist it out. 

I can't stress this enough, be very careful or you could make it even worse.

 

In future make sure you have the correct size screwdriver head, stripping them as you've found out is a very bad idea.

[Vishera]

I use paper towel instead of a rubber band,it works well as well,

But if all fail use the glue method,just don't make a mess there.

[techhamz7]

1 hour ago, Vishera said:

I use paper towel instead of a rubber band,it works well as well,

But if all fail use the glue method,just don't make a mess there.

thanks ill try that

[techhamz7]

1 hour ago, paddy-stone said:

Looks like the rubber band method should still work to me, it doesn't look completely stripped. Also as suggested earlier by another, using a small flat head screwdriver should work. If those methods still don't work you could look at maybe soldering, or if you can be careful maybe lifting the screw head up from the M.2 ssd with a small flat head driver, then grip it with some pliers and twist it out. 

I can't stress this enough, be very careful or you could make it even worse.

 

In future make sure you have the correct size screwdriver head, stripping them as you've found out is a very bad idea.

yeah, i wish i took the screwdriver more seriously

 

[paddy-stone]

2 minutes ago, techhamz7 said:

yeah, i wish i took the screwdriver more seriously

 

We've all been there at some point in our lives most likely. In most people's case it's usually a combination of wanting something done quickly, with not checking it's the correct tool for the job at hand.... then regrets set in. Don't worry yourself too much, the good that comes from the above happening, is that people have found very ingenious ways of getting stuff fixed too