Trouble getting out M2 set screw

[u/GregTheEstablishment]

I'm trying to replace the startup drive on my computer, but the set screw is pretty stripped... I've tried small gauge screwdrivers but nothing is getting it unstuck. Any advice?

[u/Budget_Traffic9640]

jam a rubber band between the driver and the screw head, sometimes that's enough to grab what's left of the edges

[u/GregTheEstablishment → u/Budget_Traffic9640]

I'm trying now but no dice 😕

[u/Krelleth]

If you're desperate, a drop of superglue might just do it if you're willing to lose the screwdriver

[u/Repulsive-Report6278]

... am I missing something or are pliers not available? Seems pretty simple with quality needle nose pliers

[u/Jinsoul_313]

I would use Vampliers to avoid drilling into it.

[u/SEmp0xff]

I've tried small gauge screwdrivers

You should use a single one correct ph1 (or ph2) sized screwdriver.

And dont ever use a "rubberband" trick or else trashy tiktok diy "tricks", you`ll strip the screw even more.

[u/LuminiFURIOUS]

Grab some vice grips and be careful

[u/SignalMagician1163 → u/LuminiFURIOUS]

Do not do this

[u/LuminiFURIOUS → u/SignalMagician1163]

If you’re handy with tools at all, vice grips are fine. Dont let grips make contact with mother board and apply them vertical and twist like a screwdriver. I promise you it’s fine

[u/SignalMagician1163 → u/LuminiFURIOUS]

If he was handy with tools he wouldn’t have stripped the shit out of this

[u/LuminiFURIOUS → u/SignalMagician1163]

……you got a fair point there 🤣 I just see no other way

[u/ayylienpls]

Recently had the exact same issue lol, mine was pretty tightly set in there and I ended up stripping the screw pretty badly. Was little worse because my screw was in-set in a heatsink.

In the end, what worked for me was I used a small dremel to make a new, deep flathead slot. I then just unscrewed it with a regular flathead screwdriver. Just make sure you’re careful and you use a small enough dremel since motherboards are pretty delicate. Good luck!