DIY - but please with feeling...:-)

Problem: Overtightened or rounded screw

Solution: Possibly drill out and rethread

Time required: 60 minutes

Tools required: Include a drill press

Experience: 4/5

Some repairs aren't a big challenge for a skilled craftsman. With a well-stocked assortment of tools and a certain amount of time, almost any repair or optimization of an individual setup is successful. However, not every amateur astronomer is blessed with manual dexterity. And these results come to us for repair from time to time. A small highlight was rounded screws on the Skywatcher Star Discovery.

What do the two screws actually do? These two screws press the motor and its gear against the drive.
See also the first image in the "More Images" section.

The customer's problem was a faulty motor with play in the drive. The solution of increasing the contact pressure may seem logical to some, but it is definitely not the solution. And certainly not with maximum physical strength.
The result can be seen in the second image.

We were able to "salvage" the right screw, loosening it again and replacing it with a new one. However, the left screw was lost, and salvaging it is a laborious process. Drill out the defective screw and cut a new thread (see the last image).

So a little tip: Please feel free to call us before resorting to rustic methods. We're happy to help you with our experience.

Thank you for your attention and always CLEAR SKIES!