Hi guys, been awhile since I was on the site, couldn't even remember what my old username was. Anyway I just acquired a Okuma Metaloid 5Nii and was working on Alan proofing the reel. When I went to remove the four screws on the reel seat, two broke off due to corrosion. When I removed the reel seat the screws are flush with the reel frame so I can't get ahold of anything. I used a punch and began to try and drill out a screw but my drill press is too big to do precise work like that, don't want to drill through the frame.
Anyone willing to help out?
Thanks,
Mike
I have had good luck with stripped screw removers. For stripped drives like Phillips or hex. Gra-bit is one type. I have some tiny ones from craftsman I got years ago that work great too. Small left hand drill bits can work too at times.
Drill it out and then, if necessary, tap it for one size larger screw. Find some new screws that will work first.
Hi Mike,
One of the most miserable things in reel repair.
If it's stainless I would recommend a plunge cut end mill instead of a drill bit.
I posted some time ago about my problems removing a broken stainless reel base screw from an aluminum Penn 50 body. The end mills (are expensive!) but cut through the stainless easily. If I remember correctly I used a 3/32 end mill to remove a 1/8" screw then used a tap to clean the remaining material out of the threads.
There might be something there would help you.
Good luck!
josa1
mike, i'm sorry about missing this. those screws have blue loctite and it's very common for them to snap. the only way i've found to get them out is to strip the frame of anything plastic, then heat the screws with a propane torch. that will soften up the studs so that they might just back out. otherwise, they will never budge. once they are out, find a metric stainless steel machine screw from amazon that is just a bit longer and you should be good.
If you bought one of these, could the seat bolts be removed first thing, cleaned-off, reinserted with grease for future service, or should they just be left alone?