ATS stripped screws

pinkanese · 11-13-2011, 01:59 AM

SO my ATS gave me a tad bit of trouble at the game I used it at. Got busy and didn't have time to deal with it. Went to clean it up and stripped the two flat head screws on the side of the body that hold everything together. Is there any easy way of getting them out? I was thinking cut a slot int eh top and use a flathead, but that strikes me as not a very elegant solution and I would rather not cut the body...

Raptor 10 · 11-13-2011, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkanese

SO my ATS gave me a tad bit of trouble at the game I used it at. Got busy and didn't have time to deal with it. Went to clean it up and stripped the two flat head screws on the side of the body that hold everything together. Is there any easy way of getting them out? I was thinking cut a slot int eh top and use a flathead, but that strikes me as not a very elegant solution and I would rather not cut the body...

Ok. Let me get this straight, do you mean the recess the allen key slots into has become damaged so when you put the key into it to turn the key keeps slipping?

If so I can offer some advice as I have encountered this problem a few times.

My first suggestion is what you do not want to do but it has work for me on numerous occasions, and if done correctly you will not damage your ATS body. Below is a picture of a marker I removed the damaged bolt from using this technique. There are two tiny marks either side of the cut, the other mark is from a previous scrape.

I used a dremmal type tool with a very fine cutting disc about 1mm thick. You can also use a hack saw, but a disc is better.

Before cutting into the bolt head in your marker get a similar style bolt and practice cutting into its head. Once you get your cut find a good fitting flat head screw driver, its important you get a very tight fit.

After this, you should be ready to do the same on your marker, don't cut too deep as you will weaken the screw head. Take you time and keep the line straight. Once finished cutting use a lot of WD 40 to help to loosen the bolt. After that you should be ready to go. Apply pressure will turning but keep the screw driver straight with the screw.

Another tactic you can try is to clean out the recess on the bolt, and then clean it with a solvent to remove any oil. In the same manner clean the closest fitting allen key, which you can also sand to give extra grip. Then place the allen key into the recess and add a tiny drop of supper glue, or if the gap is very big use chemical weld. Hold the allen key in place till the glue dries and then try and turn it out. This may work but you must be very careful not to get glue around the bolt head.

yetiking · 11-13-2011, 09:19 PM

i use star bits. if the appropriate sized one does not work, i find a bit that is very slightly larger then the screw, then gently tap it in, then remove with pressure downwards.

i actually only use star bits for mag screws, they strip far to easily if i don't.

good luck.

Gumby · 11-14-2011, 10:34 AM

I use EZ-out screw extractors for that problem. Sears has them in sets and if used properly there is no damage to the receiver.

Raptor 10 · 11-17-2011, 02:18 AM

pinkanese how did you get on?

pinkanese · 11-17-2011, 02:21 AM

Haven't had a chance to mess with it again, will let you know after the weekend.

ant · 11-17-2011, 07:18 AM

The other two options is to try the next size allen key in another sizeing (ie if its a metric screw, use and imperial key) sometimes that will work. The other is how I've removed hardened one way screws from locks, grab a small ball pien hammer and a sharp center punch. Place the punch close the the outside edge of the screw head, angled in the direction you want it to turn and gently tap it loose (remember lefty loosey, righty tighty

) get it loose and remove it with an allen key. If you're careful, you wont marr the body at all

pinkanese · 12-01-2011, 02:05 PM

I went with Raptor's method. There is only a small mark on one side, hardly noticeable...the dremel was right there and Sears is so far away..

What is the screw size? I was going to go to the hardware store and find some stainless steel screws to use, hopefully those won't strip out.

yetiking · 12-01-2011, 02:31 PM

i dont have my thread gages at the moment, but i used a caliper- looks like its a #6 40tpi.

Raptor 10 · 12-02-2011, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkanese

I went with Raptor's method. There is only a small mark on one side, hardly noticeable...the dremel was right there and Sears is so far away..

What is the screw size? I was going to go to the hardware store and find some stainless steel screws to use, hopefully those won't strip out.

I am happy to hear it worked out.

11-14-2011, 10:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
Gumby MCB Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: CR, MN	I use EZ-out screw extractors for that problem. Sears has them in sets and if used properly there is no damage to the receiver. __________________ I'm Gumby, Damnit! Damage Inc! Spring Pump Event - Best game ever Get Real Paintball website direct Official ATS Owner's manual online http://www.box.net/shared/dqgglm0bsx

11-17-2011, 07:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
ant Hell in a handbasket Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: the peoples republic of brisbane	The other two options is to try the next size allen key in another sizeing (ie if its a metric screw, use and imperial key) sometimes that will work. The other is how I've removed hardened one way screws from locks, grab a small ball pien hammer and a sharp center punch. Place the punch close the the outside edge of the screw head, angled in the direction you want it to turn and gently tap it loose (remember lefty loosey, righty tighty ) get it loose and remove it with an allen key. If you're careful, you wont marr the body at all __________________ Never trust a man; who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on When confused, when in doubt, Run in circles, scream and shout

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