Removing stuck needle set screw
 

I tried using a wheel collar set screw to replace a needle set screw I lost. Well obviously it doesnt work too well since now I cant get the screw out. Would anybody be able to tell me how I can remove the jammed set screw. I tried heating the needle a little, yet didnt work.

Lesson learned: never assume it will fit - check when you have specs available to you. Grrrrrr!

HELP!

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Any picture?

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Here is the pic

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

That set screw on OS for example and many others is a metric thread and the set screw of a similar size for the Dubro wheel collors is a SAE thread size and that probably is what happened.

As far as removing maybe you just might be able to drill sufficiently for a small easy out but that involves buying or borrowing the easy out may be easier just to replace. The other option, one I have done many times is to solder your extension. I know it won,t go in all the way with the set screw in there but it will go far enough to securely solder.

John

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

I just dont understand, It went in easy enough - I didnt really crank it....But yet it wouldnt come out as easy. I many just order a new one for $10 on tower.

Thanks

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

try a small drill bit that will fit snug, then use a power drill in reverse. SOmetimes it wil spin out.
ED

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Ill give it a shot. Thanks

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

I have ground a slot in the set screw and then used a flat screw driver.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

I tried that. Didnt work out. Broke the head of my mini screw driver. But they again, I did use a cheapo. I should try it with my better SD.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Is the hex for the allen damaged?
Try a new allen wrench.

If it went in easy, it seems to be barely stuck.
I would remove the o-ring, put it in auto transmission fluid for few hours, and heat it up over the stove.

When trying to unscrew it, put some pressure on the bolt from the botom up thru the hole for the extension.

Best luck!

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Get some heat on it.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

How long has it been there?
It's hard to tell but it looks like there could be rust or crud in the threads. You might need to put some penetrating oil (such as Liquid Wrench http://www.gunk.com/lubricants.asp) on it before trying to turn it.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Ummm it was there less than a minute. LOL! The gunk was me trying to cut a slot with a dremel to try and unscrew.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

A "screw extractor" bit will do the trick, you just need a small one.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

If you can't find an extractor bit small enough, maybe you can drill through the center of the screw with a 1/16 to 3/32 drill bit, then drill all the way through the screw and needle with the bit in this set http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXE220&P=0 and retap the hole.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

I just went through a similar problem on a set of retracts. I used Carrell's suggestion above and drilled progressively larger holes into the set screw. (Use a drill vise or a set of vice grips to hold the part secure) When the side wall of the set screw was paper thin, I just used a small punch/screwdriver to break out the remaining metal. Worked great and did not damage the receiver threads. Oh yea, I had to do everything under a magnifying glass to see what I was doing. Good luck.

Paul

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Guys
I'm surprised that you have success drilling a set screw. Properly made set screws are produced from hardened steel, and take a drill bit poorly. I think the small easy-out is the best approach.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Actually unless you really have to put an extension on the needle valve you can dremel a slot on the end of the needle valve and put some large fuel tubing or shrink tubing on it as a guide and use a small screwdriver to adjust the needle. I hope you counted the turns out before removing the needle valve!
Actually it's not a good idea to use long wire extensions on the needle valve as it causes premature wear on the o-ring. I can also cause the spring to lose it's tension and the needle can turn with vibration.

Tom

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

I thought about this one. The extension would only have to be about 2 inches max. I just figured having to use a screwdriver every time to tune the engine would be a pain at some point; But might not be a bad idea if I cant get it out.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

You can always drill and tap a new hole from a different direction.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

These types of needles are easily soldered since there is ample hole left off the end to insert the extension before it hits the set screw. What will solder the easiest is stranded cable and this will provide an excellent and flexible extension.

Use soft wire for the extension rather than an allen key when soldering but preferably stranded cable.

If you are lacking soldering skills its a perfect chance to start learning. Failing that using a puddle of JB weld off the end of the needle with the stranded wire extension push through to the hole and the set screw.

Stranded wire extensions are the best and offer no vibration problems on the needle and its O ring(s).

All the newer OS AX's now come with this stranded wire extention which is fantastic.

John

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Just drill it out and retap with the closest size SAE tap. It ain't rocket sceince.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Heat on the NV. I use a small torch like the crack heads use. Heat will expand the NV and allow the set screw to come out. Heat is your friend.

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

I didnt know crack heads had RC modeling skills!

Well I guess our planes are like crack in a way! Or Plane porn!

RE: Removing stuck needle set screw
 

Use a thin cut off wheel in a Dremel and cut a serious clot in the screw. Then as mentioned earlier use a common screw driver to get it out.

Frank Baity
AMA 38026