How to get this screw out that holds the Handle Nut Retainer?

[jeb]

So was out bottom fishing a couple weeks ago. And hooked up to something that felt like a log...well, low and behold it was a reel at the bottom of the reef.

The reel was an Okuma Coldwater 303. It was full of sand but after disassembly of 'most' of the body and cleaning out, its mostly in good shape. The issue I have is dissembling the reel handle from the handle side plate. The set screw (circled) is pretty hard to remove. I think sitting in the salt, we got a little electrolysis that welded the SS screw to the Aluminum handle.

Any suggestions of getting this out, other than drilling the screw out?

Thanks,

-J

[Bill B]

I would heat it with a torch after soaking in PB Blaster. 

A trick I've seen but never tried was automotive technicians heating a stuck/rusted bolt red hot and dabbing a crayon or candle on it.

I can't tell if your handle is painted or anodized.  If anodized you can get it really hot.  If painted maybe try a soldering iron.

Basically you are trying to get the metal to expand and contract to break the corrosion bond.

Last resort is drill the screw out and tap the hole for the next larger size.

Bill

[foakes]

For me, first I would try a large handle screwdriver and a plain straight lot bit.  Might need to file down the bit somewhat. 

Second would be a good pair of extractor pliers.  There appears to be enough "meat" standing proud on that screw head to get a good grip and remove it.

Then just get another screw.  That one is likely going to be ruined anyway.

These two techniques have saved me many, many times.  Quick & effective.

Best, Fred

[Lunker Larry]

I've had luck putting a reel in the freezer. Give the screw a turn to the right and then it screws out easily.

[jeb]

Thanks Gentlemen. I'll give those suggestions a shot.

[MarkT]

For me, first I would try a large handle screwdriver and a plain straight lot bit.  Might need to file down the bit somewhat. 

Second would be a good pair of extractor pliers.  There appears to be enough "meat" standing proud on that screw head to get a good grip and remove it.

Then just get another screw.  That one is likely going to be ruined anyway.

These two techniques have saved me many, many times.  Quick & effective.

Best, Fred

Knipex now makes 150 and 250 size Twin Grip pliers too!

[sabaman1]

Nice looking reel you did a great job cleaning it up from being on ocean floor for who knows how long. With the different suggestions I believe you will soon have a nice functioning rockfish or halibut reel that will catch you many uh fish.

[Keta]

The screws slots appear to be damaged, if so a screwdriver most likely will make it worse.  If the above suggestions do not work drill the screw out with a drill slightly smaller than the major diameter of the screw  but only through the handle.  The friction of drilling often heats the screw enough to be able to back it out with pliers. 

Worse case would be replace the handle and screw.

[jtwill98]

Agree, the Philip's screw slots appear to be damaged.

You might be able to cut a straight slot with a rotary tool or hobbyist hacksaw blade across the screw head and use a tight fitting straight screwdriver and while applying strong inward force twist the screwdriver first counter-clockwise and then clockwise to see if there's any movement. If so, keep going one way then the other to gain on the screw. Heat or impact might help. 

If not, try pliers and the last resort drilling with left-handed (counter-clockwise) drill bits might assist you as the drill bit turning counter-clockwise heats the screw and sometimes catches and the screw pops out. Good luck.

[Jimmer]

Might try heating it with a clean tipedd soldering iron. Less chance for damage than a torch, but get the tiniest bit osolder in there and you're headed in the wrong direction.  -  Jimmer

[Keta]

Much better than a flame Jimmer.

[oc1]

There's enough shoulder on the screw and just enough space to grab it with a 5-inch pair of vice grips.