Those blasted screws!

[Prontow]

Who else has stripped the head out of those self tapping screws on the frame? I started putting dielectric grease(100% silicone) on the threads before trying to screw them in and it helped a lot. But I have some screws that I am unhappy with, so I ordered a stainless screw set from RC Screwz. Anyone tried these stainless screws yet??

[LoveMyTrex]

sounds like a very bad Idea to lubricate screws unless you want them to come out in flight.

[beeflyer2]

I thought the hardware on the 500 was great! Do you have some quality drivers?

[aaron07]

I've had problems stripping multiple heads, from self tappers to jesus bolts. I also use the Align hex tools, which have had alot of use between the 450 and 500, and those tools are very worn and in my opinion are the problem. Another problem that caused me to strip heads was using a cheap no name superglue which was to strong and it held the screws in so tight I would strip the head, so now I use medium strength CA which does the job. If you have already used a worn out hex on your screws, chances are you will have a problem even if you have new tools. Something I have learnt the hard way :(

[mk1spitfire]

I started putting dielectric grease(100% silicone) on the threads before trying to screw them in and it helped a lot.

And should help them to work loose in flight!

[Prontow]

They still went in plenty tight, the drivers were the Bondhus allen drivers. They do have a ball end on them maybe they were not getting enough contact on the screw. I will be sure to check them from time to time but don't forsee a problem with them working loose. I think I will still swap them out for the new stainless to avoid any issues in the future.

[Finless]

Bottom line if your using cheap allen tools your gonna strip stuff. Especially those L shaped cheapos! WHat happens is the wrench starts getting rounded corners because fo the soft metal used and then in turn starts stripping the hex head on the screws.

Additionally several of us have noted that allen screws from China, etc tend to be a tiny bit larger hex OD. We have mic'ed the Align allan tools and found them a tiny bit larger on the hex head than the same tool made in the US. This is why I have always reccomended the Align tool set as I have yet to strip a screw hex using them.

[robmoney]

I found the wrench doesn't really matter.

I spent about 20 bux and bought dubro screws that were the same 2.5mm size, but use the larger,blue/Align, wrench. They have a standard allen head on them and they will not strip out.

I replaced the ones in the metal tail box as well.

This was worth every penny as I stripped about 4 of the stock screws, even being very careful...

FYI!

[beeflyer2]

They do have a ball end on them maybe they were not getting enough contact on the screw.

There's your problem.

[TGibe]

Doh! I just stripped 3 of the frame self tappers myself. :mad: One of them was almost all the way in and took me quite a while to drill out and remove... Fortunately, I had extra specialty washers from the metal bearing blocks as I had to destroy two of the washers to get the stripped screws out.

In my case my tools are just the slightest bit worn and I'm sure that's the problem :thumbdown:

No, I don't have Align tools, but will be buying some asap.

Unfortunately, this one is all my fault...

[psindrup]

I use glue (CA) to make the screws sit tight and you lube yours to get them in?
(And perhaps out in flight)

I have used the Align tools throughout, and have had no problems whatsoever.

Peter

[lodi]

I'm just building my 500! Don't give up yet. I too though the screws for the frame sides were crap, however, I took an older hex wrench and ground the ball off of it so it had a very flat end. A kiss with the wire brush to de-burr it and it works GREAT. It even works on screws that I thought were stripped. I started with a brand new hex wrench but I think the metal on many of them is softer than the Align screws. Although I think a larger hex size would be nice, I now think the Align screws are quite good. Now, if I notice my wrench slipping I go hit it with the grinder and its good to go for some time.

Also, If you strip a screw, DON'T drill it out. You chance messing something up. Instead, cut a slot across the top of the screw with a Dremel and a thin cutting blade and remove the screw with a flat screwdriver. Works like a charm.

Good luck,

Dave

[jared_of_atlanta]

I just bought some of this stuff from mcmaster.com and it seems to really help! It's basically very fine sand or metal bits (I can't tell) suspended in a liquid. I had a bit of slip with the align screws but when I put this stuff on my driver, NO slip. I don't know how well it would work on stripped screws but this stuff will keep you from stripping. The only downside is that you probably wouldn't want to get this stuff in your bearings.

Antislip Fluid - part # 53795A21
Put slipping screwdrivers, hex keys, and pliers in their place. A single drop of this nontoxic, nonstaining, noncorrosive fluid increases the grip between screw and tool by as much as 700%.
1/2-oz. Tube $4.86

[TGibe]

Also, If you strip a screw, DON'T drill it out. You chance messing something up. Instead, cut a slot across the top of the screw with a Dremel and a thin cutting blade and remove the screw with a flat screwdriver. Works like a charm.

Good luck,

Dave

Thanks Dave,

Yeah, I should've used my dremel, but there was no damage done. However, I could have probably saved about 15 minute worth of work had I used the dremel (which was sitting on my bench the whole time :P)

Cheers :cheers

Allen

[roterhead20b]

IM having the exact same problem with screws,just had my second crash on my 500 and now im stuck having to cut slit into the heads to get them out with a flat head screw driver.How did you get yours out?

[lodi]

rotorhead20b, Have you tried a good driver or cleaning up the end of the one you have? I thought I had several that were stripped and it was the driver, not the screws. Good luck!

[rdlohr]

Treat yourselves to the Align drivers. They work well.
Rick

[Cliff Barnes]

Hi,

Instead of waiting for new tools I bought a standard 1,58mm driver and grinded it slightly on each side. Cost me only 1,5EUR and it's perfect now for the "1,5" self tappers. Also "stripped" 3 screws but was able to get them in good with my new supertool!

[kegerator]

I could no longer stand the poor-quality Chinese steel screws that came with the Trex 500, so I went to the local True Value hardware store and upgraded everything to high-quality, A2 Stainless Steel socket head cap screws. I couldn't be happier and the stainless steel looks killer on this helicopter - 100% worth the upgrade for flyers out there as frustrated as I was. I've attached a few images of the setup and the associated "Bling" factor...

[HeliBurns]

I treated myself to Align drivers...and immediately re-treated.....

Try using RDLogics titanium tipped drivers and your problem is solved.....

You can even see the difference if your LHS has them.....

[HeliBurns]

problem solved as far as a true quality hex driver...cheap screws are a different issue

[marchambault]

I'm glad I'm not the only having problems with these screws. So far, I've only had problems with the ones going into the plastic frame. I use a high quality micro screw driver set (about $20) with chrome-vanadium bits, but I guess I'll give the Align tools a try.

Can you replace just the tool tip on the Align drivers?

[robmoney]

I am telling you guys, spend 9-10 bux and just replace the screws with a 2 mm head and ANY wrench will work at that point..... I bought Dubros at LHS....

[jared_of_atlanta]

I am telling you guys, spend 9-10 bux and just replace the screws with a 2 mm head and ANY wrench will work at that point..... I bought Dubros at LHS....

Machine screws or self tappers?

[Jetleaf]

It seems to be just the button head screws that I tend to strip, especially the ones that come with the metal tail unit. No problem though, Ready Heli has socket heads that work great.:YeaBaby: