I'm trying to salvage some components from my old motherboard to install in my new setup. However, I've hit a major roadblock with the M2 SSD screw. It seems completely stripped, and no matter what I try, I just can't get it out. I've included an image showing there's some glue residue on it. I've experimented with using a rubber band, but it went right through the screw. I even tried using glue to secure a screwdriver bit in for around 12 hours, but the bit just spins without moving the screw. I'm hesitant to try soldering, as I'm worried I could damage the SSD in the process. Ideally, I want to find a solution that doesn't harm the motherboard, but I'm open to risking some damage if necessary. One thought I had was trying to wedge something under the SSD to lever it out, but I'm concerned about damaging the SSD itself since the area around the screw is also part of it. Any ideas on what I can do?
4 Answers
Another thing you could try is adding grip by using a rubber band or even some steel wool under your screwdriver. If that doesn’t do it, heating the screw gently may help expand it a bit and make it easier to remove. It’s a bit risky, but sometimes it helps to break that grip.
If I were you, I'd take the motherboard out of the case and place it on a flat surface with lots of space. Then you can try using needle-nose pliers to grip the screw head and twist it off. I know you mentioned your pliers might be too big, so if that's the case, it could be worth investing in a smaller pair. It's not the quickest fix, but it's one of the safest I can think of.
Great suggestion! Sometimes just having it out on the table can give you better access and perspective.
I've read about people stripping these screws before, and it makes no sense why they get torqued that tightly. Just a heads-up, if you do manage to get it out, you might want to be mindful that you don’t want to damage the silicon on the SSD itself when removing it. A pair of micro needle-nosed pliers can work wonders in these situations, too!
I've been in a similar situation before. One method you could try is using a Dremel tool to make a small slot in the screw head, allowing you to use a flathead screwdriver to turn it. Alternatively, if you want to remove the screw entirely, you could cut the head off completely and replace the stand-off later. If you have long-nose vice grip pliers, they can help grip the screw head tightly while you hold the stand-off with another pair of pliers.
Be careful with the Dremel, though! If the screw is really tight, cutting the head off might be your only option, but it could get messy.
Yeah, I wouldn't recommend getting the heat too close to anything else on the board, though! Always better to err on the side of caution.