Here's an illustration. {{corrected}}. Cutting the bevel this way may work loosen the screw. Keep in mind this is only theory. And you may have to apply considerable force down onto the screw head.

 

On a number of occasions I have discovered that the screwdriver is a bit worn, and so it slips. so a different screwdriver can be useful. In other instances the threads in the plastic are stripped, in that case gently prying the case open while turning the screw can work. And in at least one case the part that the screw was threaded into was broken off and so the screw turned but never backed out. And on a few instances using a sharp flat blade screw driver that just barely fit into the star opening was able to grab the ends of the opening and back the screw out.. Is the device a cell phone or a cordless phone, or just a wired phone?Amazingly, that affects the approach to use.

Its a good way to encourage the screw to stay in the groove while you wind it out - plastic threads can be bodged with a thin strip of PVC from insulated wire. If you get it right - it forms as you wind the screw back in without bursting the mounting post.

 

On a number of occasions I have discovered that the screwdriver is a bit worn, and so it slips. so a different screwdriver can be useful. In other instances the threads in the plastic are stripped, in that case gently prying the case open while turning the screw can work. And in at least one case the part that the screw was threaded into was broken off and so the screw turned but never backed out. And on a few instances using a sharp flat blade screw driver that just barely fit into the star opening was able to grab the ends of the opening and back the screw out.. Is the device a cell phone or a cordless phone, or just a wired phone?Amazingly, that affects the approach to use.

Yeah bad screwdrivers...Just bought a new one that works

 

Yeah bad screwdrivers...Just bought a new one that works

The crosspoint ones can be a PITA too - most Asian manufacturers use shallower screw head recess so the point of US/EU screwdrivers stops the blades from fully engaging. On motorcycles; I gave the screwdriver a healthy smack with a lump hammer to form the screw head - on plastic stuff, its much safer to give the pointy end of the screwdriver a few strokes with a file.

 

Also keep in mind that there is also a "Reed & Pierce" screw pattern that looks very similar to Philips. And there is undoubtedly some demented security pattern that looks close but does not work. It is good that the new driver turned the trick to get the screw out. My next suggestions were going to be a lot more aggressive and possibly destructive.

 

Everyone seems to be ignoring my earlier post in regards to using a JIS screwdriver. All the items made in the far east use these screw heads, and there is just enough difference between a JIS and a Phillips to cause the Phillips to often strip out the screw head.

 

Everyone seems to be ignoring my earlier post in regards to using a JIS screwdriver. All the items made in the far east use these screw heads, and there is just enough difference between a JIS and a Phillips to cause the Phillips to often strip out the screw head.

Thanks for reminding us about that. I had not been aware of the existence of a third kind of star screw. I had presumed, just like one of the posts mentioned, that those were poorly made screws that simply were not deep enough.
Thanks very much for the education.

 

Hello,

There are many types of screwheads.
Have a look at this page:
https://homequicks.com/different-types-of-screw-heads

Bertus

 

Two things: Whatever the screw head was before - it isn't anymore. And the TS said he got new screwdrivers that worked. So I assume he got the screw out.