THis is a screw that has a torx head, T-26, and I had a lousy T-26 that stripped the inside of the screw head. Now I have to get the screw out somehow. It is somewhat counter sunk to the primary cover so I can't vice grips locked onto it. Not sure if screw extractor will work or make it worse... Thanks for the help... this is a real bumber !! Steve '07 FXSTC

 

No, it's pretty easy. Just drill the head off, the screw part will back out easily.

Because of stuff like that, every screw on my bike now has an allen head on it.

 

Thanks very much. I just want to be sure I don't mess it up any more. The head of the screw is 3/8" diam. and the slot for the torx is 5/32". What drill size should I use?? I'm kinda concerned that when I drill out the head that I will drill somewhat into the shank of the screw causing it not to come out easily but I guess you've had luck this way without using a screw extrator for the shank? Thanks very much for the help, Steve

 

i use a bit that fits into the opening easily, a tad bit smaller, start with that, drill it in a but and than slowly increase in size keeping on eye on the head, i wiggle the bit around inside to slowly widen the opening until the head separates from the shaft!

once you take the cover off you can easily remove it. Good luck!

 

Thanks very much. Can you explain where you say "slowly increase the size", you mean watch the expansion size as I drill in (due to the drill bit taper) or do you mean to start with a small drill and increase the size of the drill? The head is 3/8" diam. so should I start with a 3/8 or possible a 1/2" drill bit?? Thanks again, Steve

 

NO! It's the other "slowly increase the size!"

It's a 1/4" thread. Take the head off with a 5/16" drill bit.

You'll probably be able to take the threaded part out with just your fingers.

 

thanks again Stiggy, much appreciated, Steve

 

use left handed drill bits. As soon as the bit gets a good bite it will spin it out for you.

 

Should be T-27 torx & I swapped mine w/chrome hex-head bolts fm Ace HW...no more snapped screws.

 

First grab your sae and metric allen wrench sets, see if any will fit good enough to remove bolt, may have to tap on the wrench a little to get it to fit.