Cleaning up screw holes in Penn International

[Whit]

Friends:

Working on a bar model 50,  FINALLY got the sideplate screws all out with a combination of penetrating fluid, a screwdriver I have nicknamed "the persuader", and some righteous body English and cussing.   The steel to aluminum metal to metal contact had corroded the screws in place inside the threaded sideplates.   

Question:  How to best clean up the sideplate holes - they are threaded for a reason which I fully appreciate, so I am loathe to just drill them out.

Thanks in advance!

Oh yeah, when I get the new screws they are going to be the star or torx ones!!!!!

[alantani]

this little guy was torched and still took 20 minutes.  just add grease to the screw and a little to the screw hole.  no need to clean it out.  grease alone will work fine. 

[UKChris]

'swat I've learned here - grease is your friend, my friend. I now open up every new reel and grease all screw holes before that reel gets to see the sea for the first time. I have a Ti 50wLRS awaiting the grease treatment as you can't rely on anyone at any factory to do it for you.