:angry: Can't remove HDD from case

[FXB]

The thread on my HDD seem to be stripped and I can't remove my HDD from my case. Anybody have suggestions as to what I can try to get the drives out?
:angry:

 

[wolfeking]

is it the thread (the part that goes into the HDD) or the head (the attaching point for the screwdriver)?

if its actually the thread, try using a flat screwdriver to wedge in between the case and the screw head, then try turning it again. This works sometimes in automotive applications, should work here too.

If its the head, sears has a tool to remove it. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...3&blockType=G13&prdNo=13&i_cntr=1325138682511

 

[FXB]

The head seems fine so it must be the thread Flat screwdriver is no help

 

[wolfeking]

hmm.... If its the thread, and the head is fine, it should do 1 of 2 things. Slide right out (total strip), or unscrew normally (partial strip).

If it doesnt, id be willing to bet the screw is bent. Does it turn at all?

 

[FXB]

Yes it does turn. I have two stripped thread on two separate drives.

 

[wolfeking]

Does the drive have metal threads encased in the plastic of the HDD itself? If so, Id be willing to bet the thread had dislodged and is just spinning.

 

[FXB]

Does the drive have metal threads encased in the plastic of the HDD itself? If so, Id be willing to bet the thread had dislodged and is just spinning.

alright so what would you recommend? can it be fixed?

 

[wolfeking]

I honestly wouldnt know how to and keep the drive usable. My normal coarse of action would be to heat it either with a torch or welding iron to keep the thread still. This would harm the platters inside the drive. You may have to just cut the thread out from the plastic and put a brace back in the case to reassemble.

 

[PohTayToez]

What wolfe first mentioned should work if you do it right. If you can get something under the screw head and use it to lever enough force as you turn the screw it should come out.

Last ditch option would be to take a drill or dremel to the screw head and completely remove the head of the screw.

 

[tremmor]

another thought. If the threads are stripped and the hex head or what ever it is there could ya use and grab with small needle nose pliers or 6" side cutters and pull it out?

 

[claptonman]

If it is spinning, try turning the case around so that gravity helps it out of there.

But if it is still threaded and you just can't turn it, find some old worthless screwdrivers or something similar, put a little dab of super glue at the end, and let it dry and then try turning it. Actually worked for me a couple times. Only really works on small screws.

 

[FXB]

another thought. If the threads are stripped and the hex head or what ever it is there could ya use and grab with small needle nose pliers or 6" side cutters and pull it out?

I'll give it a shot.

What wolfe first mentioned should work if you do it right. If you can get something under the screw head and use it to lever enough force as you turn the screw it should come out.

Last ditch option would be to take a drill or dremel to the screw head and completely remove the head of the screw.

I don't want to damage my case I am selling my pc.

If it is spinning, try turning the case around so that gravity helps it out of there.

But if it is still threaded and you just can't turn it, find some old worthless screwdrivers or something similar, put a little dab of super glue at the end, and let it dry and then try turning it. Actually worked for me a couple times. Only really works on small screws.

worth a shot.

 

[FXB]

I finally managed to remove the HDD. I had to pull the screw towards the outside of the case and turn simultaneously. Thanks a lot.

 

[TekMaster]

Yes sometimes it can be quite a tight fit and you have to wiggle them fairly good to free them. That's why my next case will have fully suspended HDD supports. That and because the airflow it receives, such as in the lanboy setup. Glad you figured it out