Motherboard screw not unscrewing

souwerpower

Honorable
May 30, 2012
12
0
10,510
So I need to remove my mobo from my case but upon unscrewing each screw, one of them is stuck. The screw can tighten up, but whatever it's seated on rotates with it after a certain point when unscrewing. I opened up the opposite side of the case but it doesn't seem the be much help. The brass seat is not far enough out for me to secure it with a plier. Any help would be appreciated. I'll try to upload some pictures so you guys have an idea.
 
Solution
The screw turns into a standoff, usually of the same thread pitch. If the standoff is turning, it will eventually come out. If fact, it may already be out. Try to take the board out after removing the rest of the screws. If it still won't come out, then the standoff is not turning. The screw may be stripped and just turning in the standoff. If so, see if there is any way you can place the blade of a flat screwdriver under the srew head while turning it. It may catch a thread and start back out.
The screw turns into a standoff, usually of the same thread pitch. If the standoff is turning, it will eventually come out. If fact, it may already be out. Try to take the board out after removing the rest of the screws. If it still won't come out, then the standoff is not turning. The screw may be stripped and just turning in the standoff. If so, see if there is any way you can place the blade of a flat screwdriver under the srew head while turning it. It may catch a thread and start back out.
 
Solution
The piece that the screw threads into is called a "standoff" because it holds the bottom of the motherboard off the case.
From the back side put pressure on either the end of the screw or the standoff (which ever you can get to) and push it against the bottom of the motherboard. You'll probably need to be quite firm with it but you can't slip off and scratch the traces on the mobo or you might ruin it. Then simultaneously unscrew from the other side.

Or you might be able to grip the standoff with a small pair of hemostats or tweezers if you have them.

If you're not comfortable with that, take it to a shop.