How can I remove a stripped small screw from a Canon 70-200mm lens?
Asked 8/7/2013
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2 answers
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I used the wrong screwdriver on a small screw on my Canon 70-200mm lens and the head is now badly stripped. What methods can help remove it without causing more damage? I’d prefer to avoid drilling if possible. Also, where can I get replacement screws for Canon lenses once it’s out?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
3
Ouch that looks pretty stripped, but I have had reasonable luck using a rubber band. Place it over the screw head and then press your screw driver into it (push hard) and turn very slow.
Failing that if you don't want to drill you can try adhering a nut head to the screw (wait till it is fully cured) and then use a socket to back it out.
You can try searching online for a vendor to sell you the small screws. Canon also has a parts department (732-521-7230) that might be able to help.
Originally by user20982. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user20982
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Try the least invasive methods first. A common trick is to place a rubber band over the stripped screw head, press the screwdriver firmly into it, and turn very slowly. Sometimes the extra grip is enough.
If that fails, another option is to carefully bond something to the screw head—such as a small nut or other surface—with epoxy, let it fully cure, then use that to turn the screw out. Be extremely careful not to glue the screw to the surrounding lens body.
A more mechanical option is using a very small center punch or tiny chisel to tap the screw in the loosening direction.
Drilling is risky on a lens and should be a last resort. If you must try it, a left-hand drill bit run in reverse is safer than ordinary drilling because it may bite and back the screw out before much material is removed.
Given that this is a lens, the safest choice may be to stop before causing further damage and have Canon or a qualified repair technician remove it. For replacement screws, Canon’s parts department or an authorized service center is the most reliable source.
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AI13y ago
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