Stuborn phillips head screws

[granda0101]

I tried to remove the clutch cover case on my 1981 GS650G and found I could not keep the screwdriver inside the screw head when I turned hard. I am afraid I will strip the screw head and blow any chance of ever getting them out again. I will replace the screws with cap screws when I reassemble. How do you guys loosen the phillips head screws without stripping them? Thanks.

[Billy Ricks]

Impact driver or use the tip found in the Tips and Tricks section if you don't have an impact driver.

[matticus66]

I tried to get mine off too, but rust had it's way with them and a few of them are half stripped. I'm gonna try the impact screwdriver from HF

[Steve]

Mind you, you don't have to use the IMPACT part of the driver! Usually they just have a better bit and a little more leverage on the handle so you can twist the screws out easier. Only use impact as a last resort. Then, if possible, have someone hold a large hammer on the bottom side to make it more solid, instead of torquing the handlebars.


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[bmac]

Granda, I found using 1/4 inch set , use 1/4 inch socket with PHILLIPS tip
tap rachet with small hammer and turn to remove, this is the method I used. Good luck.


bmac

[UncleMike]

Impact driver is one of the best tools I've ever purchased.

First day I got it, I wanted to take it to bed with me.

[dsw1953]

Impact wrench and WD40

[cfcubed]

Maybe a friends air impact wrench w/phillips bits..

Mind you, you don't have to use the IMPACT part of the driver! Usually they just have a better bit and a little more leverage on the handle so you can twist the screws out easier..

I bought a cheap impact set (from JCW I think) & didn't find the process of wacking the thing w/a hammer while against the screw in the bike successful or comforting... BUT, as above, it did have a nice variety of bits. It turns out the various bits & adapter work perfectly w/my $15 (HarborF) air impact wrench. Liked that you could apply alot of pressure on the gun & feather the screw out. You can apply just the pressure you need & watch the screw as it loosens.

P.S. The $80 Pepboys 2-tank air compressor was one of my favorite purchases (better than my other cheapo non-tank compressors, not as good as pro & certainly not for high-vol jobs like painting). Got the accessories from JCW or HarborF (hose, adapter kit, wrench, sockets, etc.) & came out < $150 for the whole getup.