Stripped fairing screw

[satchmo]

Alright, I need to remove my fairing on the 1150ef in order to fix the headlight mount, and to reattach my speedo/odo cable (it came off at the end of last season) -- unfortunately, one screw on the fairing has it's head stripped. I'm just wondering what's the best way of removing it?

I would like to be able to do it without using any substance that would wreck the paint or plastic on the fairing.

Cheers,

Satchmo

[Boondocks]

One way is to drill it out. Use a Spring Loaded Center Punch to make an indentation in the exact center of the stripped screw. Use a Left Hand Drill Bit to make a channel in the screw. You will need a reversing drill to use the left hand drill bit. Frequently, it will unscrew the screw by itself without the need for a screw extractor. You can use a Screw Extractor if required.

[Planecrazy]

Many people have had nightmares with screw extractors, because if they break you'll never be able to drill them out -- they're VERY hard ... so if you go this route be VERY VERY careful!

My preference, if you have enough good screw head left, is to use a dremel and cutting wheel (fiberglass cutting wheel preferred to eliminate shattering) to create a slot you can put a flat bladed bit into ... then use an impact screwdriver to "break free" the screw and remove it (this will help to prevent re-stripping the screw versus just using a screwdriver).

I would also use a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster on the screw at least several hours before you try to remove it. You'll have to check the can, but I THINK it's safe on your fairing paint.

As a last resort you could drill it out, but I'd save that step until after you've tried the above options...

Good luck, Buddy!!

[jpaul]

Ditto what Steve said. I've never gotten a screw out without losing at least one extractor.

[crag antler]

I have had the best of luck with this:arrow: http://www.aldn.com/grabit/
And the other good news is, you can still get the fairing screws thru Bike Bandit.
I just did for my 1150 fairing\\/

[Mike_H]

This is what I have...





They work good, From Craftsman. See link here

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00952157000?rgn=0,0,640,640&scl=2.56&fmt=jpeg

[satchmo]

Thanks guys -- I'm going to try some PB blaster and an impact driver and see where I get.