I have a new Lionel operating box car, Mount Saint Helens Hot Sauce, and I need to gain access to the inside by removing the shell. Unfortunately, the screw just rotates and does not back out at all.
I am aware of the screw extractor kits but was wondering of anyone has found a simpler way of getting the bugger out without damaging the shell. It is too small and recessed to grap with pliers.
Thanks
Sam
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Crazy-glue a small machine screw to it. Wait a day. Turn them both out in a "lash up."
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
If the screw is loose enough, you may be able to wrap a piece if thin wire under the head. Gently pull on the wire while you unscrew. Option 2, use a dremel tool and grind the head off the screw. Either way, I'd mask it as best I could with some painter's tape to keep from buggering the finish.
If its rotating but not moving then the plastic shell threads have stripped out, why not just remove all the rest of the screws and try gently wiggling the shell off. If you can get it to move a little bit and then re-seat the shell, then you should be able to grab the screw head with pliers and get the stripped screw out.
Is there a way to repair it, afterwards, so the screw will hold?
In cases like that, I put a tiny bit of gel-type super glue in the hole with a toothpick, then wait till it's thoroughly dry. I can usually get the screw back in tightly.
January 2011 Classic Toy Trains - Questions and Answers describes repairing broken screw posts using tape and two-tube epoxy. It sounds like it would work.
Thanks everyone. I had not thought about putting it back together.
Art Bloom, what a great suggestion!
I use JB-Weld for stripped screws, it's great for the task. Some epoxy products are difficult to get a good repair with.
I use JB-Weld for stripped screws, it's great for the task. Some epoxy products are difficult to get a good repair with.
Lionel has cut costs by elimaniting the 2nd screw on the opposite end. The metal frame has 2 tabs that slide though the end of the shell on one end. A screw (stripped !) holds the other. Thus my dilema.
Out of the box the smoke and lights work intermittenly (barely at all actually) so I suspect a loose wire inside.
If you can slip a knife or something flat between the body and frame, twist it a little bit while turning the screw. Sometimes this action will apply enough pressure to what little threads are left and help get the screw out. At least it's worked for me a few times. Good Luck
You can buy a Permatex thread repair kit at a local auto store. You fill the opening with the threads with a type of 2 part epoxy. You then apply a release agent to the screw and put it in loosely. When the epoxy dries around the screw the threads are repaired. You can then tighten the screw on on the repaired threads or unscrew it as necessary.
I normally slide a thin blade under the head and help the screw out as I turn it with a power screwdriver. I've never had one I couldn't get out that way.
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