Is there a way to remove screw blanks from light switch?

[devs]

Hi guys, an age old problem of mine. It’s over way to remove the screw blanks without destroying them?

Thanks

 

[pete01]

Insulation tape or blue tack sometimes works but not every time

 

[devs]

Cheers Pete, I’ll give those a try

 

[Taylortwocities]

Carefully with a Stanley knife blade.

 

[devs]

Yea that’s been my goto but it tends to kill the edges. Bluetac seems like the way to go.

 

[Sureitsoff?]

If that is a click scolmore switch, give scolmore a ring and they will send you new covers for free. I hoook them out with the tip of a corkscrew and then fit new covers.

 

[morqthana]

Insulation tape or blue tack sometimes works but not every time

Good sticky gaffer tape would surely work.

PLAN B - stop being so precious and accept visible screwheads. Buy some on AliExpress in vibrant colours and make a feature of them.

 

[Taylortwocities]

There should be some spares inside the switch plate, if the person doing second fix has any consideration.

 

[ebee]

Take them out and throw them in the bin - cheap tacky rubbish

 

[securespark]

I think they make the accessories look cheap and nasty.
I first saw them in the 80s when they were supplied with cheap nasty imported stuff and Clipsal branded stuff.

Now they're back...

Get rid and dress the screws nicely.

 

[morqthana]

Get rid and dress the screws nicely.

Or just not bother with that level of obsessiveness

But if you must then buy Torx or hex head screws - far fewer dressing problems.

 

[johnny2007]

If nothing else works, a little silicone on a nail head and leave overnight.
Then pull.
Although a good go with gaffa tape works 99% of the times.

 

[devs]

Thanks Gaffa, worked great.

 

[JBR]

Or just not bother with that level of obsessiveness

But if you must then buy Torx or hex head screws - far fewer dressing problems.

My preference is Torx screws without a doubt, especially if you want to keep a reliable connection for your screwdriver.

 

[morqthana]

The sort of torque applied to screws holding on switches and sockets isn't going to bother any screwdriver/head design.

I just suggested Torx or hex head for the anally retentive, to make it easier for them to get all the heads lined up than it would be with slotted ones.