[SOLVED] Screw Stuck

[SidRock]

I'm trying to remove a screw from a drive cage and it just keeps spinning in place and won't come out. There is no nut on the other side. The screw is not out far enough to fit a phillips head or even box cutter blade between the screwhead and the metal case. I have also tried pushing down on the thread part while I unscrew the head to no avail. I don't have enough room to fit a hammer. I put some graphite spray on the back which didn't help either. Help! Thanks

 

[Ralston18]

Are you able to see the end of the screw from the "nut side"? Push the end of the screw using a tooth pick.

If the screw is just spinning and threads are not engaged - try a magnet to lift out the screw. ( Be careful with the magnet and surrounding electronics....)

Or a piece of really sticky tape to adhere to the screw head.

Also, a clear, strategically angled photograph or two may help solicit additional ideas.

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2173703/post-images-tomshardware-guide.html

 

[geofelt]

Can you grip the screw with a vice-grip and pull/twist on it?

 

[SidRock]

I thought the toothpick idea was pretty clever but the toothpick just rotates around the back of the screw and no matter how hard I push it doesn't budge. I don't have a strong magnet. Not enough of the screw is exposed to get anything around it the head - it is flush with the case. I've attached images (yes I know my case is dusty). As you can see, I can see both sides of the screw head and its threads well; the drive cage prevents me from taking a hammer to it. I need this cage out or I can't fit one of the 30 series graphics cards should one ever become available. Thanks for that link and your guys time!!!

 

[SidRock]

Just to clarify, the screw threads to the screw I'm trying to remove are closer to the bottom of the image on the last 2 images posted. The thing closer to the left side of the image is part of the drive cage. I realize it's not centered - apologies.

The screw is stuck in there so tape or pushing hard from the back haven't been working.

 

[geofelt]

Can you just drill through the screw head?

 

[SidRock]

Can you point me to what I need to do that?

 

[geofelt]

Can you point me to what I need to do that?

You will need something like a 1/4" electrical drill and a 1/8" metal drill bit.
Drill straight threw the + slot on the screw.
You may need to hold the back side with a vice grip pliers to keep the screw from turning.
If you do not have such tools available, look for an alternative.
I might add that if you do not have a vice grip pliers, that is one of the most useful tools ever.
One should cost about $10.
I think with such pliers, you should be able to grip the head of the screw and pull it out with force.

See if you can't take the case to a shop where they can remove the screw for you.
A metal or auto body shop would likely be able to.

 

[SidRock]

I ended up getting a 3/8" electrical drill and bought screw extractor drill bits and together these got it out. They were really stuck in there - was very odd. Thanks so much everyone!