Opening an nes with a damaged screw without harming the nes

[ulera]

I need to install a new 72 pin connector... but the head of the screw in one corner is completely worn away and the screw driver gets no grip.. Any tips for opening it without damaging the system? Will leaving a screw out when putting it back together hurt anything in the long run?

[133MHz]

There are several methods for removing stripped screws depending on your skill and the tools at your disposal. I usually try to grind two notches on opposite ends of the screw head so that it can be gripped with a large flat-blade screwdriver, or I just try to force it out with a large enough Torx bit. I'm sure people around here can recommend easier and better methods.

It won't hurt to leave an empty screw hole since the NES has 6 screw points which is more than enough for proper structural support. Instead of not putting a screw on one of the corners, leave one of the middle front or back screw holes empty.

[ulera]

It's gonna be hard to grind notches though considering the screw resides in a hole. I'd have to dremel away the corner of the case to do that and I'd like to avoid that if I could.

[untinip]

If the screw isn't perfectly smooth and round then maybe you could use the same method as some use to make their own gamebit-screwdrivers, like this one:
http://www.gcisozone.com/tutorial/13/create-your-own-gamebit-screwdriver!.html

The pen should form into the perfect screwdriver for the job!

[ulera]

As much as I'd hate to do that I think it's my best option short of dremeling the corner off. Thanks.

[GohanX]

The screw extractor bits at Sears are expensive, but work extremely well, I just had to buy a set for a stripped OG Gameboy screw and it was worth every penny. The recessed hole could be a problem though, but using a electric screwdriver with the screw extractor bit may work as you're supposed to use a drill at 50 rpms anyway.

Another idea I just had, if the screw isn't totally stripped, there is this goop you can put on the end of a screwdriver or screw to increase grip. I can't remember what it's called but it's usually 6 bucks a tube.

[80sFREAK]

You also propably can find special glue "liquid screwdriver" or something like that. GohanX, hivemind he-he-he

[garyptaszek]

why not just drill the screw head off and remove the rest of the screw (once youve opened the NES) with some pliers by winding it out.

[GohanX]

The screw in an NES is in a hole that's a few inches deep. Can't get the pliars or dremel in there.

[80sFREAK]

I think NES was kinda joke or very thin trolling. Look - no sound extensions, screws in a deep holes etc etc etc

[ericj]

The screw in an NES is in a hole that's a few inches deep. Can't get the pliars or dremel in there.

Use a long drill bit to drill off the head (wider than the stem of the screw), pull open the case, then remove the threaded part of the screw with pliars, . 

[The Uninvited Gremlin]

I'd just pull and snap the plastic screw insert piece off, unscrew it by hand and super glue the piece back on but I don't have much patience.

Edit - it wouldn't be very noticeable at all if you do it right.

[ulera]

The idea is to not damage the system lol.

[HokusaiXL]

Try using a thin soldering tip to heat up the screw enough so it melts the threads?  Should allow you to pull the case apart.  You'll just have to replace the screw with a larger shafted one.