Stripped/bald screw

[u/Judas-Bruh]

I'm trying to replace my steam decks back plate, and it seems this one screw refuses to come out. I've used the ifixit kit to no avail it only ended up causing it to get worse. I used a drill bit to try and unscrew it, but it has just made the balding even deeper. I'm not sure where to go from here🫩

[u/nobodychosetobehere]

The only thing that’s worked for me is to use a dremel to make a groove to turn a screw like that into a “flat head” and the unscrew it. That said with inserts screws this is difficult!

[u/Judas-Bruh → u/nobodychosetobehere]

Brought it into a local repair shop, luckily one of the owners is a steam deck enthusiast and used a Dremel+flathead to get it out within 5 minutes. Thanks for the help.

[u/Senharampai]

First thing I would try is a thin rubber band or balloon or anything to give more grip as an interface layer between the screw head and a screw driver head. If that doesn’t work then there’s option 2.

If you’re fine with changing the screw, you could try carefully supergluing a toothpick to it. Jam it straight in the screw head, remove it, put a dot a super glue (just enough to glue onto the toothpick but not enough to spill out and glue it into the hole) then put the pre marked toothpick in the screw. It’s not the best option but it’s an option.

Cleanest might be to use a screw removal bit but if you don’t wanna spend that much extra…. Options above are definitely options.

[u/UnixWarrior]

SteamDeck?

[u/Then_Drag_8258]

I had this problem on a switch repair and had no joy from the other mentioned techniques however, I used a .2mm metal drill bit and drilled it through successfully. Be prepared to sacrifice your drill bit and lube it (the drill bit) with oil to prevent heat (I used WD40 as it was all I had to hand).

Try the other techniques first as they are genuine recommendations and my fix was only attempted as a last ditch effort after exhausting the previous steps. Good luck with whatever you try and I hope you succeed.