Probably a lot of people out there have had THIS experience. You try to remove the side-rod screw on an old Lionel engine and the screw head breaks off. On larger screws or bolts, you can drill down through the remnant shaft and insert a reverse-thread removal tool, which then can be hand-turned to remove the broken screw shaft without damaging the female threads. Does anyone know of a similar tool SMALL enough to work with the screw sizes applicable to Lionel steamers, motorized units, etc.?
If there is any of the old screw still sticking up above the wheel surface you may be able to cut a small groove in it and use a small screw driver. A dremmel tool with cut off wheel has saved me a couple times.
George
One trick for removing screws or bolts that are corroded is to hit them with a hammer before trying to remove them. This will loosen the corrosion. However, on a small screw like a side rod screw, you must use caution not to hit the screw too hard or you will break it.
If the screw is already broken, use a small drift punch to hit the screw, and then use a Dremel cut off disc to put a small slot in it. You need a very narrow slot.
Bruce Baker
If you have no luck getting it out you might try a local machine shop. Many have a "EDM" machine now that can electronically burn out the screw without damaging the threads.
Roger
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