Hi everyone. I bought 2x 48v lifepower4 LL batteries from signature solar and I have run into an issue that has totally put my entire project on hold. On the side part of the batteries where you have to attach the mounts that hold the batteries in the server rack, the screws are already mounted in the holes for shipping purposes. My problem is four of the six screws will not come out of the holes. They are starting to strip and I have used multiple different size screwdrivers. I have not used a drill because I don’t want to strip them anymore. I have called signature solar and left 3 messages with customer service (they don’t answer the phone). Still haven’t heard back. I cannot put it in my rack until I can attach the mount. The other battery had the same issue but I was able to finally get them out and reattach with the mount. I don’t know what to do. Please advise. Wills video makes it look so easy.
EG4 batteries screw issue.
- Thread starter 8-ball
- Start date
400bird
Solar Wizard
Make sure you are using the correct screw driver, one that fills the entire opening. From the he picture it looks like a #2 Phillips, but I couldn't say for sure.
Grab the outside of the screw head with pliers and put some rotational force there while also turning the screw driver.
A better option is probably an impact screw driver, like this:
Grab the outside of the screw head with pliers and put some rotational force there while also turning the screw driver.
A better option is probably an impact screw driver, like this:
I will try to order one of those
Don B. Cilly
Energetic energy padawan
While an impact driver is a good thing to have, and not expensive, those really look easy enough to grab with locking (vise-grip) pliers.
Which if you don't have (you should ;·) are sold at any hardware store.
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Which if you don't have (you should ;·) are sold at any hardware store.
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Bluedog225
Texas
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2019
- Messages
- 2,892
Those are easy. Don’t hit it. Don’t use and impact.
Get a decent pair of vice grips. Not harbor freight.
Grab it tightly, turn it out.
Match the thread pattern AND length on the replacements.
Please change your thread title or delete this thread. Your issues here are not related to quality control.
Good luck.
Get a decent pair of vice grips. Not harbor freight.
Grab it tightly, turn it out.
Match the thread pattern AND length on the replacements.
Please change your thread title or delete this thread. Your issues here are not related to quality control.
Good luck.
Can you post a picture of your screwdriver tips?
I’ve never seen a server rack screw use anything but hex head, or #2 Phillips. I WISH they used Robertson drive, or combo tip…
Koldsimer
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2021
- Messages
- 604
Well, #2 is pretty much the standard... thank Henry Ford and camout.
Before I change the thread title, I want to see the OP’s screwdriver tips… most likely his tools are damaged, or he used the incorrect size to begin with.
I see SOOOOO many screws damaged by using the wrong tool.
I see SOOOOO many screws damaged by using the wrong tool.
Koldsimer
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2021
- Messages
- 604
Or just a worn out #2. I'm about to have to replace my Klein #2 for just that reason. Got at least 10 years out of it!
Bluedog225
Texas
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2019
- Messages
- 2,892
Or OP (no offense) isn’t used to using tools correctly.
May be a little out of their depth building a 48 volt system.
May be a little out of their depth building a 48 volt system.
You clogging up the tech support line at SS. They can't help you turn a screw!!!
I tried vice grips I can’t quite get hold of them. I feel like they seized up somehow.
Attachments
42OhmsPA
What's in a title?
Do you have an impact driver with a good bit?
You're certain your turning the screwdriver the correct direction and have good pressure, not angled ? (had to ask)
You try putting a wrench on the husky bit and using that to turn while applying pressure to the driver?
Good vise grips would grab them no problem.
Can't see how this is so difficult, if they somehow got painted and froze the impact should take care of that.
You're certain your turning the screwdriver the correct direction and have good pressure, not angled ? (had to ask)
You try putting a wrench on the husky bit and using that to turn while applying pressure to the driver?
Good vise grips would grab them no problem.
Can't see how this is so difficult, if they somehow got painted and froze the impact should take care of that.
Xhumeka
Off-Grid'er
As others have said, invest in an impact driver - will come in useful for years to come. If you have totally fubar'd the head of the screw you can dremel a slot into it, and use a flat-head on your impact driver to remove it.
I still find it hard to believe a nice thick vice-grip can't turn it out though... make sure you're putting the vice grips on as TIGHT as they can go... you should barely be able to close the vice grips. You could try grinding two sides of the head of the screw to make it "flatter", and that should allow your vice grips to grab it without it slipping. Be careful not to grind too much off though, you want to leave enough meat there to actually turn it out.
If that all fails, try some PB Blaster or other penetrating oils. I have a soft-spot for 80's trikes and bikes, so I've had to remove my fair share of TRULY seized bolts. This should be an easy removal if you take your time and work carefully.
I still find it hard to believe a nice thick vice-grip can't turn it out though... make sure you're putting the vice grips on as TIGHT as they can go... you should barely be able to close the vice grips. You could try grinding two sides of the head of the screw to make it "flatter", and that should allow your vice grips to grab it without it slipping. Be careful not to grind too much off though, you want to leave enough meat there to actually turn it out.
If that all fails, try some PB Blaster or other penetrating oils. I have a soft-spot for 80's trikes and bikes, so I've had to remove my fair share of TRULY seized bolts. This should be an easy removal if you take your time and work carefully.
42OhmsPA
What's in a title?
Most of this tips on your screwdrivers look pretty beat up.
The bottom screw in your pic appears it was turned with the driver at angle, maybe because the surface it's sitting on was in the way...
The bottom screw in your pic appears it was turned with the driver at angle, maybe because the surface it's sitting on was in the way...
