Chrysler Repair: 96 Chrysler Concord headlight mounting screws wont come out, torx screwdrivers, chrysler concord

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question - Hi Roland

I did use a Torx screwdriver...however the screw just turns and turns and never loosens. I actually used my dremel on the stripped screw head and made a slit to use a flathead screwdriver on the stripped screw...but it won't loosen either, just turns. Maybe I should just try the drill suggestion you gave me for both?

Thank you,
Paige

Hi,

I have to change the bulb in my headlight of a 1996 Chrysler Concord LXi and I cannot remove the mounting screws to separate the headlight from the module. When I unscrew them they turn but don't loosen. Also, I stripped one of them. Can you help me?

Thank you,
Paige
Answer -
Hi Paige,
The only thing that is unusual about those screws is that the head fitting is called Torx, and there are Torx screwdrivers that fit the opening. You can go to a hardware and get them individually or in a set. That way you could try to find the one that fits the screw head exactly. I suspect you may be using a phillips head driver and that is why it is slipping. If the hole shape has been damaged, you may have to use a drill and a bit that is the same diameter as the screw shaft and drill right in the middle to destroy the screw and yet still have the theads preserved for use with a new screw.
Good luck.
Roland
Sorry for the slow response but the server for the web site war a mess yesterday and today.

Answer
Yes, drilling out the screw shafts might work. Or if the threads were as stripped as it sounds like they are I wonder if you could get a grip on the head (mechanics "fingers" tool or magnet, or even epoxy a nail head to the head of the screw) you might be able to just lift and turn them out. I assume they are countersunk so that gives you no "purchase" on the screw. Any chance that the tip of the screw is accessible from underneath and you could push up on it (again assuming threads are stripped)? I am unfamiliar with the exact layout but these approaches come to mind.