Rounded set screws

Just Bill · #1 07-28-2011, 05:27 PM

I just tried to remove the volume & tone knobs from my bass and found that the allen head, of the set screws, are completely rounded.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks that I can use to get them out?

96tbird · #2 07-28-2011, 06:13 PM

Get a small set of 'easy out' screw extractors a hardware store. Take your Allen wrench with you to find the right size. Thread it onto the socket til it grabs, they go in lefty loosey, and turn the screws out.

Just Bill · #3 07-28-2011, 06:23 PM

Great, thanks for the help.

SurferJoe46 · #4 07-30-2011, 09:43 PM

If you really have Allens that are screwed up, once in a while a Torx will take care of it too.

Been there ---- done that.

Zooberwerx · #5 07-31-2011, 08:04 AM

If the screw extractor doesn't work, an electric drill set in reverse with properly sized bit will work. The bit's tip will offer just enough "grab" to back the set-screw out. A power drill is a bit awkward to handle so this should really be a four-handed affair: one pair to stabilize the bass & knob so you can keep two hands on the drill.

Riis

SurferJoe46 · #6 07-31-2011, 08:08 AM

Everybody should own a set of left handed drill bits.

But at the tiny size to get into an Allen screw on a knob - I'd chuck the bit into a tap handle for better control and not causing a broken drill bit to also be inside the bad Allen socket.

That'd be a real joy killer.

96tbird · #7 07-31-2011, 10:04 AM

Sure, that's all fun but I have a tiny set of easy outs that will go into an Allen socket no prob. No drilling. Got it at the Canadian version of Harbour Freight. Tiny screws like this won't be.in there that tight. Torx bit idea is a good one. Never thought of that before Joe. Worth a try as first kick at the cat!

Just Bill · #8 07-31-2011, 08:00 PM

Thanks for all the input.

The maintenance guy at work let me borrow an easy out and it worked like a charm.

I've completely disassembled my Roadstar II and am going to strip, repaint and do some pup & hardware upgrades. In almost 30 years of playing, this is my first project and I hope that, having trouble removing the knobs, was not an omen of impending doom.