Snap On F80 seized faceplate screws

[BM333]

Wondering if others have had issues removing Snap On faceplate screws. I received some repair kits from SO and could not get the faceplate screws out.

Tried T10 torx and slotted drive. Used some 3-in-1 oil. The screw heads are so soft they were falling apart.

I eventually got one out with a great deal of work, and it was covered in blue Loctite.

The other screw completely mushroomed and I can't get it out.

I've tried a bunch of tricks to get it started/loose but the screw head literally fell apart the more I tried.

Now I'm stuck with an expensive, useless ratchet.

I don't want to even try to get the faceplate screws out of my other SO ratchets, as I have repair kits for those as well.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

PS. I've taken good care of these ratchets. No rust contributing to the screw seizing issue. Just appears to be too much locktite and soft screw heads.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Heat to loosen the LT.

 

[ecotec]

When I first get any ratchet, I open it up and add a little more SuperLube. I use a Torx screwdriver, not a bit or bit socket. I have never had to use heat. I have never had any issues with brand new Snap-on ratchets.

A ratchet does not go into the “good ratchet” drawer until it has been opened up.

I even up cheapo ratchets like Pittsburgh Pro.

Occasionally, I will put too much lube in a ratchet, and I will have to go back and take some out. Some ratchets are sensitive to having too much lube.

 

[BM333]

Hey thanks for the feedback.
I started with a dedicated T10 torx screwdriver.
Good lesson regarding opening them up immediately.
I also tried heat to loosen/the melt the locktite.
I tried everything I could think of and spent some time looking for ideas online.

 

[Steve_P]

Are you not going to just drill out the screw head with a bit that's the same size, or slightly larger, as the screw diameter?

 

[mreisner]

I've had them be damn near seized had to hit them with a hammer of couple times then drill out the head get the plate off and grip them with small vise grips.

 

[GX460DIYguy]

Call snap on and tell them that you need a new faceplate since it had to be drilled out and you damaged it in the process. They’ll likely send it for free and once you get it drill out the screw heads on the old one and remove the rest of the screws with a pair of pliers after letting it soak a day or two in oil or try heating them.

 

[mreisner]

If you're careful drilling you won't damage the face plate.

 

[spyerx]

Its blue loctite is pretty soft. I just opened a new SO ratchet and it had quite a bit in there, was quite hard to break on those tiny 1/4 screws. This is where those PB Swiss bits really shine.

Use a soldering iron on the screw head to heat it up. Should soften it easily.

 

[BM333]

Are you not going to just drill out the screw head with a bit that's the same size, or slightly larger, as the screw diameter?

I tried drilling it out, then tried catching an edge with a small slotted drive and a hammer to break the Loctite bond. I stopped drilling because I was catching the faceplate. I didn't want to destroy my SO ratchet

 

[BM333]

Follow up: Snap On warrantied the ratchet for me!

 

[Jacobs976]

If you have the issue in the future on any screw, jumping a size up(or slightly larger hex) and using a hammer to stamp the screw into the new size bit works quite well. You can also use a manual impact once it's seated for the shock.

Haven't had an issue with modern snap on but on older ratchets I've had quite a few that needed the manual impact at least while maybe half a dozen required stamping up.

I've also destroyed two or three torx sockets trying the stamping method so there is some risk. One was a hydraulic compression fusion scenario on a vise(master mechanic previously owned, shop used)though so it isn't necessarily applicable unless you're actively trying to destroy your equipment.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap-on used to use a thread retaining compound instead of a thread locker. The little screws would have their threads pre-coated.

 

[BM333]

Its blue loctite is pretty soft. I just opened a new SO ratchet and it had quite a bit in there, was quite hard to break on those tiny 1/4 screws. This is where those PB Swiss bits really shine.

Use a soldering iron on the screw head to heat it up. Should soften it easily.

I did try heating it, but the soldering iron idea is great. I mean, we heat seized bolts all the time, I should have remembered that! Thanks!

 

[cherrybomb]

Follow up: Snap On warrantied the ratchet for me!

I would ask questions to my Snap On driver,to see if he has tips ,techniques or how often this happens.Very frustrating for sure,I try to be very careful with thread fasteners, the locktite,the fit of the tool and the torque.Sounds like that driver made your day