trim sender screws screwed

[5string]

I got the sender and bought a new tap and bit, 10 24 size and i carefully dimpled the center and started to drill, the bit atarted fine then went off center. so I tried the other side only I tried a smaller bit thinking I could drill the center smaller. Damn that's a hard screw to drill, same result. I'm stumped as how to drill this, the bit just won't drill the screw. It is too hard, but the metal around the screw is softer. Anyone have a fix for this, I might take it to the shop and see if they can fix it. That's how it goes, a simple fix allways turns out to be a pain.

5string in NC

 

[ddennis]

Re: trim sender screws screwed

i have had a similar situation. Here's how I solved it. I used my dremel to make the top of the busted screw smooth. Then I used a small punch to dimple the center of the busted screw so the bit would not walk. Use a small bit and very slowly drill a hole in the center, careful not to go all the way through. Then use an "EZ OUT" to back out the busted screw. You can get ez out at sears.

-=Drew

 

[5string]

Re: trim sender screws screwed

Talked to a friend that was a machinist for years and he told me that it probably can't be drilled. He said that the housing is more than likely cast aluminum and the screws are steel. That causes a reaction between the metals which is why the screws seized up in the hole in the first place. I'll call the local boat repair guy and see what he says but I'm done with it.

5string in NC

 

[jimg984]

Re: trim sender screws screwed

maybe able to relocte holes in the metal plate and drill and tap new holes
just a thought would have to counter sink holes in the plate

jimg984
ronda nc