How to Remove Stripped Screws on Taillights

[1batt4u]

Hi all,

How to remove stripped screws from taillights?

I tried the grab it tool, but nothing. Both sides have the problem, could only remove 3 screws from each side.

[DMC5180]

Hi all,

How to remove stripped screws from taillights?

I tried the grab it tool, but nothing. Both sides have the problem, could only remove 3 screws from each side.

What's a Grab it tool? Personally I'd try a cordless drill with screw bit. Then run the the drill CCW while prying/pulling on the lens housing. You might be spinning the plastic nut-sert rather than having a stripped screw.

I've also had success with sliding putty knife or a Long thin flat blade screwdriver between the lens housing and facsia. you have to start from the inboard end and your way out. Must remove license plat frame
first. The objective is to put pressure on the side of the nut-sert to keep it from turning.

[DMCMW Dave]

If the screws are rusted at the threads you will have to drill them out. Go VERY slowly or you will melt the plastic housing and end up with huge holes where the screws go.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Mine have metal nuts that look like they were molded into the black plastic. Don't know what was stock but the screws are now sheet metal type threads, not machine screws.

[1batt4u]

Mine are mixed, some machine screws, some sheet metal. I think just the sheet metal ones came out, the others are stuck in there. The head of the screws are stripped, so can not remove it with any tool.

[DMCMW Dave]

Mine have metal nuts that look like they were molded into the black plastic. Don't know what was stock but the screws are now sheet metal type threads, not machine screws.

The metal nuts are actually machine threaded. But for some reason the factory used what look like black pan head drywall screws on about 90% of the cars. I believe very late cars were machine screws but I can't say for sure.

[DMC5180]

Mine are mixed, some machine screws, some sheet metal. I think just the sheet metal ones came out, the others are stuck in there. The head of the screws are stripped, so can not remove it with any tool.

Stripped heads are different than stripped threads, which is what I thought you had. You will need to carefully drill the heads off. I do this with a slightly larger drill bit than the thread diameter. Once the head are popped, pull the lens off and try gripping the stubs with a small Vise grip and turning. Try a little penetrating oil too. worst case you have to drill out the stubs. Then replace with the sheet metal type screws.