Help finding tool for limited clearance screw

[ryanscott6]

Hello all! I feel like I'm looking for the impossible I have an application where I need to be able to get at a 4-40 3/8" screw that has very limited access. Here's a pic of the location:

I'd like to get the screw into that channel to secure the white parts on the left of the picture. It'll be countersunk into the white part on the left. I have around .430 of clearance between the two white parts. Any ideas?

 

[Cruzan80]

pic not coming thru for me, anyone else?

 

[anurag1990]

yeah pic is not there.

 

[ryanscott6]

Here's a direct link:

http://imgur.com/GVvIlrD

 

[Cruzan80]

I am guessing the parts are not removable, relative to each other? If you want to put a screw in that is .375, only leaves .055 for a screwdriver. Not sure you are going to find something that teeny-tiny. Maybe spin it in by hand to start, and then take pliers to a hex-bit cut down?

 

[ryanscott6]

The white part on the right is removable but a major pain to do so. And the part on the left is removed often. Right now it's held on by a snap system on the other side of the left white part but it's not the most secure. My thought was to use a small hex head 4-40 screw but then it won't be able to be countersunk.

 

[rlitman]

You could use a socket head screw with wrench flats on the outside. Turn the flats when the screw is out, and use a shortened allen key for the countersinking.

Now have fun drilling, tapping and countersinking that hole. LMAO. You need a better plan. One that does not involve putting a countersunk screw into that slot.

Do you have access from the other side, or is this an impossible blind hole?

Perhaps something from this manufacturer would help:

 

[Inabox85]

sorry I couldn't find a picture of what I'm going to describe.

it's a very small pass through ratchet. it holds the small screw driver bits. would that be to big?

 

[ryanscott6]

sorry I couldn't find a picture of what I'm going to describe.

it's a very small pass through ratchet. it holds the small screw driver bits. would that be to big?

Yep, have one of those, too big

I do like the idea of a cut down allen key. I'll be able to drill and tap that hole with the right white part off so that'll be easy.

 

[2oolhound]

Bit driver is what others are describing. it's a 1/4" female hex drive ratchet or use a 1/4" ratcheting wrench to drive 1/4" hex bits.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Is the hole already drilled? Sound like the white piece on the right needs to be removed.

That or start the screw by hand or with needle noses till its all the way in, then tighten with a modified bit.

 

[ryanscott6]

Here's what it's being used for:

http://imgur.com/jo5dgUl

the skins on the droid are held on with plastic snaps, but it's hard to get the same position on them twice. I can remove the legs on him to drill and tap the holes, but it takes around an hour or two to remove them. The skins on the droid are removed often to work on the insides so I want to avoid having to remove the legs every time I remove the skins.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Why the need for screws, if the plastic covering is held in place with snaps? How secure does it need to be? Maybe some strong Velcro to hold the pieces on?

You still need to disassemble to drill, correct?

 

[ryanscott6]

Why the need for screws, if the plastic covering is held in place with snaps? How secure does it need to be? Maybe some strong Velcro to hold the pieces on?

You still need to disassemble to drill, correct?

Here's how the skin snaps work:

http://imgur.com/34ugLzH

Because of all the various things attached to the skins, it's hard to get them into the same position every time. I have tools that pop out from the body so I need the skins in the same place every time so they don't hit on the way out.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Index pins and magnets.
Index pins and dzus type.
Index pins and pin locks.
Studs and nuts instead of screws.

Over clamps or whatever the spring type latches, with the flesh tearing little flat stock hooks, are called.

Too many solutions.
I can't grasp the problem because the solutions are too easy and common.

+1

I agree, I don't understand the "real" problem... sounds more like indexing the piece than securing it.

 

[2oolhound]

My thought was to use a small hex head 4-40 screw but then it won't be able to be countersunk.

A hex head machine screw (regular bolt head) with a wrench.

or cut down a bit and turn it with a wrench. Ignition wrenches are super thin too.


sorry duck, I was thinking the screws were already in place deeper in past the shroud.

 

[ryanscott6]

Thanks all - I think between either cutting down a hex wrench or using something like an ignition wrench on a hex bolt, I'll be able to solve this.