Stripped screw - front brake reservoir

[VladTepes]

Well i figured I'd bleed the front brakes on the weekend but didn't get far...

First screw on front brake reservoir came out no problem - second screw striped out as soon as I twisted the screwdriver. (It was the right size driver and everything).   

Tried application of an impact driver then but to no avail. (I was shitty by this point). 

The screw is very thin as we know so an easy out etc isn't really an option here.


Does anyone know the best approach I can take to get that stripped screw out?

Also should I just see if the dealer has a new set of screws?

If I was to want to buy a whole new reservoir (I think the existing one might have a leak anyway) where's the best place to do so?

In the interim I do need to fix this one though as i think im in need of some added brake juice.

[steve porter]

rotate it with a  small centrepunch  in the mangled slots

[grog]

Vlad, whole new cylinder is $256 genuine. Repair kit $35, screws $2 each. Mick Hone. If me, id get repair kit and match screws up at bolt shop, maybe countersunk allen type.

[Hooli]

I drilled the head off the screw & wound it out with pilers once the lid was off.

[Jeykey]

Screws are my everyday job, I'd try an  EZGrip solution. Something that'll hold the screwdriver in place, aluminium oxide is what we use on the planes (aka emery dust in common language, Portuguese is what we speak here). If the screw is too stripped for the driver to gain traction, I'd go for the drill next.

[Mick_J]

You could try a bit of grinding paste to help get purchase.

[SA14]

I just went through this a few weeks ago. The screw isn't in very tight so I think I had to drill a small hole or at least started to drill one and then just tried the easy ezy out (with a few taps of the hammer) to unscrew it - try a small ezy out, It'll screw it out. It comes out pretty easy. Then went to the hardware store and bought some new stainless screws for a few bucks. Job done. Not pretty but it gets you going again.

Tried the centre punch and chisel thing, wasn't enough room to get a good purchase.

[Snapey]

Bad advice Baz. My advice regarding easy outs is to leave them in your toolbox or just bin them never to be used again. They  break too easily and being hardened usually require spark eroding to remove. For proof of that just search any exhaust header  post and read the horror stories.

As Hooli said ... drilling is much safer whether countersunk or cheese head.

[SA14]

Bad advice Baz...

But it worked. I wasn't suggesting a theory. I actually did this as you can see. This isn't an exhaust or torqued on bolt. It's only screwed in and tightened lightly and a small easy out in this case will extract the small screw easily. It's probably the safest use of an extension out I can think of.

[VladTepes]

Thanks all. Maybe I will try drilling it if I can't find any suitable gripping aid though to be honest I think the screw head is beyond that solution.

So replacement screws of the same type (perhaps with allen head) should be available at any nut/bolt shop?
(as opposed to Bunnings).

@grog this has already had a kit through it and still appears to leak or at least weep.
(Having said that I'd still prefer to avoid the huge expense of a new one)

@SA14 and @Snapey  all good fellas I don't own any easy outs anyway so won't go buy them.

Portuguese is what we speak here

Well being in Portugal that makes sense   Obrigado.

[SA14]

So replacement screws of the same type (perhaps with allen head) should be available at any nut/bolt shop?
(as opposed to Bunnings).

Bunnings do have stainless allen bolts but not in M4. I think they start at M5 so yeah, it's a visit to the bolt shop.