Z axis set screws are stripped

I attempted to install a new spindle on my elite and all the set screws strripped with one turn.
I am not sure how to fix or where to bu6y new screws if i can have someone remove the screws
can someone help us out with info>

Here is a post of common screw sizes for the Onefinity machines, not sure exactly which screws you’re referring to.

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if you have a local machine shop in your area, they can do what you want but it would probably be costly. Or if you have a community college with a machining dept they would probably do it for free. I would do it by drilling it out and putting in a press fit piece and re tapping it. just remember to use anti seize when you put it back together

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Did the hex side of the screw strip or the thread side? I had the hex side on one of mine get messed up from a poorly fitting hex wrench. to work around it i had to use a dremel tool with a cutting disc to convert the stripped hex head into a thin slotted head that i could then gently remove with a flathead screwdriver.

You can see the slot in this photo.

Hope this helps!

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Throwing my penny in the fountain with this.
Screw extractor to get the old one out, helicoil to re-thread.
Re-tapping is even better but if you cant do it, the helicoils require nothing special.

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if a hex screw is stuck in hard enough that the hex breaks out or strips. I doubt that making a slot is going to result in it being stronger than a hex socket and the tiny flat head screwdriver needed is unlikely to have the strength or torque to do any better. Just saying it is possible but unlikely.

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Hey Richard,

Usually this only happens when you don’t use a metric keys set. In the USA, the Onefinity should be sold with one. Like we buy a inch key set when we import a Harley-Davidson.

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I’m guessing what stripped is the hex head itself. Those alloy steel machine screws tend to be bound pretty tight in the aluminum plate. IMO a quality, correct sized hex key that fully engages with the hex head is essential; in other words, do not use a ball-head hex wrench, and absolutely do not attempt to break them loose with a non-metric wrench. I use this set of of wrenches, which seems to work well, and makes it easy to put downward pressure on the screw head to keep the bit fully engaged.:

If the heads are completely stripped out it’s going to be complicated. The low-profile heads make it tricky to clamp on to the outside of the head with a Vise-Grip. Maybe wedging in a Torx bit might work. If they need to be drilled out, a set of left-hand drill bits come in handy and can often break them loose by themselves.

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This is a good topic for those expecting machines soon. 1F is notorious for over-tightening some of the pre-assembled parts. I would highly recommend that you go through and check EVERYTHING before assembly. Get some anti-seize in there and re-torque to a reasonable spec, NOT like an assembly worker with a power tool. Make a habit of checking all your set screws, bolts, nuts, EVERYthing, during cleaning and maintenance. Especially in the beginning after the machine has had a chance to jiggle around and settle in.

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we got the issue resolved. thank you for the advice everyone!

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we all want to know how you got it resolved.

I had a friend come over who has an elite forman also and he fixed it.
Said he emailed support and got the info he needed. and he installed the new spindle that I was trying to install.
We have had so many things go wrong with this machine its all become a blur.
sorry for the lack of info.
but we did check all the screws and connections today because of WC customs advice.
we have a few stripped hex bolts though so i think its just common

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I had issues stripping bolts on other tools too, so finally bought a torque wrench.
LEXIVON Bike Torque Wrench 1/4-Inch Dr. 15-Piece Kit | 72-Tooth Gear, Dual-Direction Click Type 2~26 Nm / 17.7~230.1 in-lb (LX-191) - Amazon.com

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