Freeing a stubborn fastener.

[joer53]

I was trying to remove the rear muffler cover from my C-14 so I could paint it.  Two of the three 4mm hex head screws loosened easily, but the third rounded out.  I was thinking about cutting a slot in the hex head with a dremel tool and trying to turn it with a standard screwdriver.  Any other ideas?

 

[ljcorby]

That just might work.  Unfortunately with bolt extraction tools, you normally have to drill a deaper hole in the screw/bolt head to be able to grip it.  Let us know how that works out for you.

 

[richarddacat]

If the head isn't too buggered up you might try heating it and using some Kroil or other penetrating oil. Try your slot idea if so.

If it comes to drilling it out, drill the head off, this might relieve the tension and then use channellocks to unscrew.

Good luck.

Hope this works for you because this is my first post, 

 

[Loren]

After saying a few choice words, I have been lucky using shallow grip screw extractors in socket head type fasteners.

Like the ones shown in the middle of this page.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#screw-extractors/=ewjrgo

 

[norm9688]

IF you can access the outside edge of the screw head then a Turbo Socket will work very well.

http://www.harborfreight.com/merchandising-promotions/merchandising/hand-tools-sockets-and-ratchets/sockets/9-piece-38-drive-sae-bolt-extractor-sockets-67897.html

 

[joer53]

Well I chickened out on trying to cut a slot in the screw head.  I was afraid I would booger up the end cap with the cutting wheel.  I used a 3/16 drill bit and drilled out the screw head.  It popped right off and the rest was easy to remove with vice grips.