Tripod Mount screw removal...

I had a handstrap screw break inside the tripod mount...and attempted to take it out with no luck.

I've opened up a ticket with Canon...do I just send it in, or attempt to use a screw extractor? I'm fairly well acquainted with a drill/drill bits, so, using it shouldn't be an issue. I figure it's a 1/4" thread (1/4-20) on the 5D. I'd probably use one size smaller, to perform the extraction.

Here's the 'real' dilemma, though (aside from the stuck piece). I have a $100 repair voucher with Canon, which expires in October. So, if I were to extract it out myself, I would really have no other reason to send the camera in, except for maybe a cleaning, which I am sure wouldn't cost $100. Or, I can just send it in, let them repair and clean it, and then use the voucher...which will basically take care of everything, including the shipping back to me.

Of course, I feel the latter makes total logical sense. However, I don't want them to do something that will cause the lenses to be out of alignment, whereby I'd have to have everything recalibrated. Or something 'moves' during shipping, that causes damage, etc. That would be a major pain. I do have the original box, that my cam. came in, so it's going to go back in there, if it's shipped, and then into another box, with styrofoam chips, and whatever other lightweight padding I can find.

Any ideas? I've already got a ticket open with Canon.

1) Send it in, and use the $100 voucher?
or
2) Attempt to perform the extraction myself, and don't send it in.

Do you have a Dremel? A small slitting blade works great to cut a screwdriver slot if you are slow and methodical.

Go gently if using the drill/screw extractor method!!!!

Can you get it to wiggle or move at all? Sometimes you can get it to move with a pick if you can catch an edge. Drill bits will wander so you would need to make sure everything is very stable before drilling.

Nope, no dremel. Which is why I was going to pick up the extractor. I have other tiny drill bits at home, to start a pilot hole...so that's not an issue. I just don't know if I want to send it in...that's my 'major' concern.

FuryMe wrote in post #6027937
Can you get it to wiggle or move at all? Sometimes you can get it to move with a pick if you can catch an edge. Drill bits will wander so you would need to make sure everything is very stable before drilling.

Nope...tried that too. And I WILL NOT use any kind of solvents (wd-40, etc.), to try and 'loosen' it. I believe that will be a huge mistake. So, no go there.

Did it cross thread? Or was it just inserted to deep? A 1/4-20 thread should not be very easy to break. Penetrates won't really help unless you have contaminants in the thread so I agree with no solvents.

No, no cross threading. It just was tightened a bit too much, and was a clean break from the knob that attached the plate to the tripod mount, for the strap.

Meanwhile, I've checked out the Sears website, for screw extractors, and they seem to have a few bits that would take it out.

inthedeck wrote in post #6028018
No, no cross threading. It just was tightened a bit too much, and was a clean break from the knob that attached the plate to the tripod mount, for the strap.

Meanwhile, I've checked out the Sears website, for screw extractors, and they seem to have a few bits that would take it out.

I would send it in. Apart from removing the stuck thread, all they would probably then do is give it a clean. Why risk screwing up the extraction AND you have a voucher....no brainer to me

jamie

shosone...that's what I was thinking too. At least they'll clean the sensor, and possibly the VF and Focusing screen area. I just don't want to have to resend it, in case the lenses need to be recalibrated.

Why would the lenses need to be recaled?? Cleaning a sensor and removing a screw wouldn't cause the AF to be off. Just send her in.

I can't see a Canon service center touching anything other than the 'obvious' problem other than a clean...maybe I'm wrong about this.

Recently I was able to take my 1D3 into the center for the sub mirror fix and had hoped to pick it up again but due to delays because all the pro togs had sent in their gear for a wash & brush up ahead of the olympics, they had to ship it back.

Lots of air bags in a considerably larger box than the original body came in should see it OK

Jamie

Yeap, thinking that that's the way to go. I thought shipping it might cause some bumps and bruises to the box, which may/may not cause some issues. Of course, I'll put the 5D box in another box, and add some styrofoam chips, and plastic air bags (which I have at home from previous shipments). So, I should be OK there.

I figure I've got a ticket open with Canon...off it goes, tomorrow morning. Just have to call them, and ask them 'when' to send the voucher. Otherwise, the cam. is already in it's box...just waiting to be sent.

If it's a clean break and you can still see the end from the tripod mount hole, how about using a small screw and with a touch of super glue or gorilla glue and glue them together just enough to unscrew it?

I thought of that also. But if super glue gets in the thread they would probably have to replace the mount. We've all used super glue where that little drop spreads out more then you would think.

Do you have a cheap hardware place like Harbor Freight near you? You can get a dremel knock off from 10-15 bucks and they're handy to have around anyways. I'd try that method to make a slit for a flathead screwdriver...just because I wouldn't want to be without my camera.