Screws stuck! Please help!

[Anna_Bishop]

I hope somebody can help me! I am not technical at all, so repairing my FP3+ is a challenge for me!
I am trying to replace the display module, but three of the screws are damaged so I can’t remove the old display module. The screw heads are damaged so the screwdriver doesn’t get any grip and can’t turn them. (I think the technical term might me that the screws are ‘stripped’?)
Can anybody tell me how I can remove the screws, please?

[OldRoutard]

Have a look at some of these. You will find that this does sometimes happen unfortunately.

You can also enlist help, maybe there’s a Fairphone angel near you who might be able to assist, or a good repair shop.

[blf]

May or may not help, and this is based on the FP3 not the FP3+, but I strongly suggest not using the screwdriver which comes with the FP3(+?). It’s very clunky, and based solely on the one and only time I tried to use it, might result in something like you have apparently observed.

Instead, I suggest investing in a specialist electronics-repair screwdriver.

I myself use iFixit’s Moray Driver Kit, as included in their Pro Tech Toolkit. That Toolkit has also been useful in servicing my Linux laptop, which is the main reason I went for a kit rather than individual tools.

Tip 1: Their Magnetic Pad, also included in the Toolkit, is an excellent way of helping to ensure you don’t loose the screws.
Tip 2: Their Opening Picks, also included in the Toolkit, are great at prying open the FP3(+?)'s bumper and case; I carry one with me in my Anna Treurniet FP3 case.

In the meantime, assuming the screw is stripped, DO NOT try to unscrew it with the FP3(+?) screwdriver. It is unsuited to the job.The iFixit may or may not work, but DO NOT force the issue. Gentle is important!

(I am not associated with iFixit, Fairphone, or Anna Treurniet in any way, other than as satisfied customer.)

[peci1]

There are three ways I already used some time in my life. In the order of complexity, they are:

1. Use a superglue and glue a piece of metal to the screw head. Give the glue enough time to dry. Then try slowly turning the screw. It is super important to use only a drop of the glue so that it doesn’t spill around the screw. If that happens, you’re screwed

2. Get a hold of a miniature milling cutter and cut a new straight “drive” into the head. Then use a straight screwdriver to remove the screw. It’s usually enough to cut a few mm.

3. Drill through the screw until you either get all the way through or until it starts being “screwable” by something you put into the drilled hole. Always choose a drill bit smaller than the diameter of the screw and make sure you drill exactly at the center of the head. Please note this is a super-fine mechanical work with high possibility of things going haywire. This is only a last resort.

[Mixigodo]

Well, this method is a bit more simple, but it worked with my FP3 screws once. Hope it helps someone else

@opatut

A trick to loosen screws with damaged heads is to place rubber band across it, then push the screwdriver into it. The rubber helps it grip, and prevents further damage. However, this does usually require a bit of force, to push the screwdriver into the rubber and screw. I don’t know if that would exert too much force on the delicate electronics in this case, I’ve only used this in situations where that wouldn’t have been an issue. Be careful with this.

[compvter]

was about to suggest rubber band idea as that has worked for me in the past with my laptop screws. Good to hear that it works on phones as well Would try that before using peci1:ns 2 and 3 suggestions. Maybe even before 1 as that might get bit messy and you dont really loose anything by trying that out first and if that doesn’t work then go to messy and bit more dangerous path. Also using screwdriver that is one size too large could work if you haven’t completely stripped the screw. Usually screws are stripped because of using screwdriver that is too small and the more you try the more you damage the screw.