A "Screwy" problem

[Skywalker22]

Hey all..
I just got a new pickguard for my bass and as I'm trying to unscrew the old one, the screws start stripping. Not the winding, but the part where you put the screwdriver in. Now the opening to the screw is too wide and the screw won't turn. Any suggestions,.. especially for the ones still all of the way in the body?

 

[Pilgrim]

If you can get at the screw heads with a cutting wheel in a Dremel tool, cut a slot across the screw - avoid cutting into the PG - and use that as a way to turn the screw out with a WELL-fitting slotted screwdriver. Hopefully the screws have pan heads that sit slightly above the PG.

This is a reminder to always use s screwdriver with a tip that is in good condition and fits the screw perfectly, and to press firmly so it won't slip. IME worn screwdriver tips and using the wrong size tip are usually responsible for this problem.

 

[Skywalker22]

yea, the 2nd tip i used was goood. the first... not so much. thanks for your help.
can you tell that I failed shop in high school?

 

[TJBass]

tiny drop of super glue, then quickly stick the screwdriver tip into it before it dries. Wait long enough for it to cure and then slowly back it out. I've had to do this a few times before and it worked about half the time!

 

[Snarf]

-10000 for the pun.

 

[Skywalker22]

i can't help it... i never punned before i met my girlfriend. Her whole family does it... it wore me out until I decided it was better to join the team

 

[Pilgrim]

yea, the 2nd tip i used was goood. the first... not so much. thanks for your help.
can you tell that I failed shop in high school?

I hear you - this is the kind of experience that teaches us to throw out the old screwdrivers and only use ones with good tips. You don't want to damage a bass worth hundreds of bucks over a $3 screwdriver. You also want to at least have good screwdrivers with both #1 and #2 tips around - check them in a hardware store - there IS a difference.

 

[Skywalker22]

Thanks for your help. Used the dremel wheel cutter today and worked like a charm. I'm out to the hardware store to buy some good new screwdrivers and such. Thanks!