Removing a PSP's worn-down/stripped screws?

[neilencio]

I searched the forum and I found no threads dealing with the topic, but if there is and I was just too sloppy to find it, I apologize and please just delete this thread.

But anyways, any suggestions on how to remove a stripped screw?

Backstory: I bought a supposedly defective/modified PSP phat with 4gb of mem for 1,000 pesos (roughly 22 USD?). It was being sold as defective because, aside from the ugly scratches all over the casing (screen is fine, as it has a screen protector), the analog nub doesn't work.

I found out the analog nub doesn't work because there is a plugin installed that disables the damn nub. And upon disabling the plugin, I found out that it was installed because the analog nub tends to stick to the left side if you push it sometimes (that way your character will keep on walking). Everything else about the handheld is fine, i've been playing Tekken DR and Bleach heat the soul 6 on it (both can use the D-pad instead of the analog) for a while with no problems.

...long story short, the reason why I want to open is because I did some googling and found out that the common cause of the analog sticking is a broken or uneven faceplate and I will just replace the faceplate (at worst, I would replace the analog nub itself), which I think is true because the characters tend to stop walking on their own when I put pressure on the right side of the faceplate. UNFORTUNATELY, one of the screws is stripped. I was able to remove all the other screws but the one on the lower right side is worn down and would not hold the phillips head in place.

I'm thinking of cutting the faceplate itself with something so I can get to the screw with a long nose, but I'm not sure it will work and I may even nick some part of the motherboard.

[dedalusdedalus]

on a complete tangent, based on the exchange rate--are those philippine pesos that you paid?

[Niode]

This may be of use.

[neilencio]

Thanks Niode, I'm going to try some of the easier ones (particularly the rubber band trick), but I guess I really need to cut/break the faceplate itself, as I won't be able to access the screwhead itself with it on.

And yup, it's philippine pesos.

[dedalusdedalus]

ah, always glad to see other filipinos. i'm an expat.