The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The problem with removing the broken off screw end, is that it will still be stuck just as much as it was to allow the head to twist off. It needs to be carefully drilled out. Correct: not easy! I have never tried it myself, but someone in the past used a specific kind of acid, that ate away the steel screw, but did not damage the brass. Just be extremely careful if you try that route!

Potassium aluminum sulfate, or alum.
Never tried it, so I have no idea how well it works.

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-alum-608508

The #2 has four screws and three are good. For the time being, I will leave it as it is. Maybe later I will try to get it out.

Thanks

Dale H

Our late friend Ron Sitko shared a trick with me for such sheared off reproducer screws. Once you get the other screws out and the back plate off, there is still a small piece of screw sticking out, which is unfortunately impossible to grip with regular pliers. He told me that these "Reproducer Diaphragm Link Looping Pliers" are great for removing these. I tried it and was successful - still using the freeze, Kroil, etc of course. Best $15.50 I ever invested.

Andreas