GTX480 Stripped Screw

Well, got my GTX480 from step up the card is running great. Ran it for a couple of days and gamed hard with it. I'm very pleased with the performance of the card, but I ran in to a problem.
 
I purchased an EK waterblock for the GTX480 that I was planning to put on the card however to my surprise one of the 17 screws on the back of the card was completely stripped, but I mean stripped down to almost a round circle instead of the normal cross on the phillips screw.
 
I have no problems taking the stock heatsinks off as I've done it many times, but I've naver had to take out a stripped screw and I don't even want to try to be honest as I'm afraid of physically damaging the card.
 
Do I have any options? Is an RMA acceptable on a stripped screw? I got a pretty EK waterblock wating to cool the card down and I can't put it on because of this setback. :(  I'm at a lost and don't know what to do.
 
Can someone from EVGA tech advice on my options if any?
 
Thank you much in advance!

Would this help?
http://www.tooltopia.com/...mpaign=pricegrabber_r1

Have you tried unscrewing it at all? And NO, a screw extractor won't help. Those screws are VERY small. LimpKorn, you must have an extra screw somewhere if that one comes out. Have you called EVGA?

Chemceb

Would this help?
http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-1110.aspx?utm_source=pricegrabber&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=KDT1110&utm_campaign=pricegrabber_r1

Thanks chemceb, but I believe that's for bigger screws from the info listed it says 3/8" screws and the screw I'm talking about is much much smaller. I would also not be comforatable with drilling in to the screw while it's on the card.
 
Thank you though.

sgtharry

Have you tried unscrewing it at all? And NO, a screw extractor won't help. Those screws are VERY small. LimpKorn, you must have an extra screw somewhere if that one comes out. Have you called EVGA?

No dude, I didn't try it's stripped bad. The screw has absolutely no thread to grab on to. Yeah, I probably have lot's of screws that will fit in there and you're right is a very small screw the problem is taking it out.. I haven't called EVGA yet, but I figure I asked here on the boards before I called.

Well, if there is any X at all, I would try just pressing down hard while tirning it with the correct size screwdriver. Old mechanics trick is, put a dab of valve grinding compound (any machine shop would give you a drop) on the tip of the screwdriver. This will give it some "bite" when unscrewing. Those screws are not that tight to begin with, as I'm sure you already know.

Are you sure it came stripped . . . ;) or like many on the forums could not get the screw out due to the nasty locktite in it? If you searched you would find many threads. Most end up having to drill out the screw. If the screw at issue is visible from the other side of the heatsink (can see the bottom of the screw) you can use a tiny bit and slowly screw it out and eventually the bit will catch and turn the screw which will be now going in the right direction


alternative is use a tiny allen (very small) and tab a tiny bit of JB weld on the end, stick it in the screw where the driver normally goes. Let it sit 24 hours and then you should be able to turn it with the now JB welded allen

hombredelassrtas

Are you sure it came stripped . . . ;) or like many on the forums could not get the screw out due to the nasty locktite in it? If you searched you would find many threads. Most end up having to drill out the screw. If the screw at issue is visible from the other side of the heatsink (can see the bottom of the screw) you can use a tiny bit and slowly screw it out and eventually the bit will catch and turn the screw which will be now going in the right direction

 
Seriously dude, not trying to be a smart ass, but I have no reason to lie. The screw was definetely damage probably being forced in.
 
I have plenty of small screw drivers using the right tool makes all the difference and unfortunately I don't have a tool to take this stripped screw out nor the experience so I'm not goint to try it.

I was just curious. However my suggestions still apply if you do not or unable to do the RMA rout. Can you post any really close up pictures of the screw

hombredelassrtas

I was just curious. However my suggestions still apply if you do not or unable to do the RMA rout. Can you post any really close up pictures of the screw

Well, thanks for the suggestion, I've never heard of what you're talking about so I'm at a lost to be frank on the solution you offered. Can you kindly point me to a link of the materials you're referring to? 
 
Yeah,  I can post a pic, but not at the moment. I don't know if my camera is good enough to take close up shots of such a small screw, but I'll try.

An "Easy Out" kit is your best, safest bet IMHO.  Had to use these several times when modifying cars (especially when using used parts).

Here's an example of where you can buy easy outs and their sizes.  As long as there is any indentation in the screw (even if there's no X phillips pattern anymore) the easy out can grab it.

http://www.toolprice.com/...ractors.spiraleasyout/

Heck, just get an RMA. You are in Ca. correct? you would probably get one tomorrow, without stripped screws.

Limpkorn
 
I sent you a PM

diynoob
 An "Easy Out" kit is your best, safest bet IMHO.  Had to use these several times when modifying cars (especially when using used parts).
 Here's an example of where you can buy easy outs and their sizes.  As long as there is any indentation in the screw (even if there's no X phillips pattern anymore) the easy out can grab it.
http://www.toolprice.com/...ractors.spiraleasyout/

Pretty sure these are too small and too thin for those to really work. I too have used them for cars and they do work rather well but i think these are just too small.




as for what i was suggesting. JB weld is a paste you mix and turns very very solid and "welds" two things together. you can get it at auto stores or hardware stores: http://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-8265-S-Cold/dp/B0006O1ICE

An allen wrench is: 
http://sprocket.telab.artic.edu/ekac/new/allen-wrench.jpg


drill bits . . . well you know what those are 

i asked my manufacturer and i got replacement screws in the mail

Thanks Shannon!

All squared away?

sgtharry

All squared away?

Not sure yet, but I'm sure glad EVGA staff is quick to address the issues. I'll see how this turns out. I don't want to run my card with the stock cooler, but if EVGA won't help I might have to. :(
 
I don't really want to mess with any drills of any type on such a delicate piece of hardware so I doubt I'll be trying that.

Vato update ur sig rig..lol keep me posted what goin on loco

I'm sure they will take care of you. Best service in the buisness, IMO.Gets my a$$ when people post things about the service being bad.

I had to carefully use a pair of needle nose pliers. That way, you apply no excess pressure, drills, or other harmful things. Just get a pair with good leverage, and a fine point.

The proper screwdriver to remove those screws is a #0 phillips head which I posted in my thread about these cards.

ill-matic

Vato update ur sig rig..lol keep me posted what goin on loco

Stuntin?

yes

The way I've removed several small stripped phillips is to use a jewelers flat blade that just fits about half way down the rounded out area. After setting the blade in the rounded out area, take a small screw driver and used the handle to tap the end of the jewelers to cut a biting surface into the screw. Unless it's glued in, that should work.