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Old 01-15-2021, 05:17 AM   #1
RMcNeal
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Dometic AC shroud screws stripped

I was on the roof yesterday and decided to do our AC cleaning for the first time. All of the screws holding the plastic shroud on top were so tight that I nearly stripped every single one of them. Well only one did get stripped and now I can't get it out. Any ideas on how to get it removed? I have limited tools with me and I really don't want to drill it out since I don't have a way to replace it.
I was thinking when I get home to use a Dremel and put a straight slot in it for a regular screw driver. But in the mean time....
 
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Old 01-15-2021, 06:07 AM   #2
JoeUSNRET
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first thing I would try would be small vice grip pliers to see if I could lock on with a good grip. Good luck. Joe
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Old 01-15-2021, 06:18 AM   #3
RMcNeal
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Thanks, Joe. The screws are a rounded head and recessed into the sides of the plastic. Nothing to grab onto. I tried the rubber band trick, but these things are way too tight. I think they put them in with an impact gun! Tried several straight slot bits and just broke them off or stripped the bit. I have screw extractors at home, so I may have to wait until I can get there to get it out.
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Old 01-15-2021, 07:59 AM   #4
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Rubber band trick??????
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Old 01-15-2021, 08:34 AM   #5
Option 65
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I too had the same issue with my Dometic covers. On each of my 2 units, I had to drill out one screw. I finished my cleaning and re-assembled leaving one screw out until I got replacements. I had no issues running down the road minus one screw on each unit.
Good luck.
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Old 01-15-2021, 11:38 AM   #6
Daryles
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Walmart or most hardware stores

https://www.walmart.com/ip/HART-5-Pi...Case/166778245

I have a set. I think I will add it to the on-board tool box.
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Old 01-15-2021, 01:27 PM   #7
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The rubber band trick is put a wide rubber band over the screw head the put bit in screw with hard pressure. Sometimes it will give enough bite to remove the screw.
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Old 01-15-2021, 01:28 PM   #8
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Walmart or most hardware stores

https://www.walmart.com/ip/HART-5-Pi...Case/166778245

I have a set. I think I will add it to the on-board tool box.
That's similar to the set I have at home. Wish I had them with me.
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Old 01-15-2021, 03:57 PM   #9
joe direnzi
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Try using valve grinding compound.Dip screwdriver in the can of compound.I have had good luck with this method.
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Old 01-15-2021, 04:34 PM   #10
432bartman
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Try pressing down on the top of the cover above where the screw is. That should take some of the tension off as you try to unscrew it. Why they use cheap plastic screws is silly.
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Old 01-16-2021, 04:17 AM   #11
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The screws are actually metal and screw into a metal clip on the back side that is threaded. The casing around the AC unit is plastic. I would have thought that screwing it that tight would have cracked the plastic housing, but it didn't.
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Old 01-24-2021, 02:35 PM   #12
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[QUOTE=RMcNeal;1210303]I was on the roof yesterday and decided to do our AC cleaning for the first time. All of the screws holding the plastic shroud on top were so tight that I nearly stripped every single one of them. Well only one did get stripped and now I can't get it out. Any ideas on how to get it removed? I have limited tools with me and I really don't want to drill it out since I don't have a way to replace it.
I was thinking when I get home to use a Dremel and put a straight slot in it for a regular screw driver. But in the mean time....[/QUO

EZ Out extractor on amazon or Home Depot.
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Old 01-24-2021, 03:15 PM   #13
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Bob-- Break down and stop at Wally World and pick up a set of the extractors for $10 or even at Harbor Freight and you'll have a set in the Monte when you need them. There's ALWAYS a Wally World somewhere close. I've never had a problem with the cover screws and this last summer had to get up there and replace the cover because of weathered and cracked. No problems! Good luck and as one of the comments here said you can leave a screw out and still travel with it gone with no problems.
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Old 01-25-2021, 04:32 AM   #14
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Thanks for all the great ideas. I've decided to wait until I get home and use the screw extractors I have there. I'll order another set to keep in the toolkit in the monty from now on. Now I just need to find where I can get a replacement screw. It's an odd size.
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Old 01-25-2021, 07:43 AM   #15
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I would go to Ace hardware or True Value something like that and get All new hex headed bolts and j clips. It wont happen again. I also Vaseline the treads before installation. Good Kuck
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Old 01-25-2021, 06:59 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RMcNeal View Post
I was on the roof yesterday and decided to do our AC cleaning for the first time. All of the screws holding the plastic shroud on top were so tight that I nearly stripped every single one of them. Well only one did get stripped and now I can't get it out. Any ideas on how to get it removed? I have limited tools with me and I really don't want to drill it out since I don't have a way to replace it.
I was thinking when I get home to use a Dremel and put a straight slot in it for a regular screw driver. But in the mean time....
All screwdrivers are not the same. Irwin 1948770 demolition screwdriver is the best. Its available on Amazon. I'm a retired professional mechanic (repaired the rides at Disney World). Believe me this is the best screwdriver I ever owned. Everyone should have this screwdriver in their tool kit.
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Old 01-26-2021, 08:01 PM   #17
Roy & Georgia
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In a real crunch I have been able to remove stuck screws With a stripped head buy making sure I have the correct size screwdriver, putting light counterclockwise pressure on it while tapping the handle end with a hammer.
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