Anyone have any ideas on how to remove a live broken screw from a meter

[alex34482]

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Anyone got any ideas on how to get a live broken screw out of a meter?

 

[westward10]

Is that a DNO or private meter.

 

[freddo]

There can't be many private meters with safety collars fitted to the incoming conductors...

 

[Wilko]

First step is to make it safe.
We shouldn’t work live and just my opinion but to attempt to address a mechanical defect live is tempting fate.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Why do you want to remove it?

 

[Matthewd29]

Why do you want to remove it?

I'm interested to know also ¹

 

[Vortigern]

The DNO main fuse will need removing and the meter replaced

 

[snowhead]

AS above, contact the energy supplier to report the issue.

 

[pc1966]

You can get screw extractors like this:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/screw-extractors/7798842/
However, aside from the obvious aspect of safe isolation before working on it, in practice it is hard to get out a screw that has been over-tightened to the point of breaking the head without breaking the extractor.

If I simply had to get the screw out then I would remove the meter, cut the tail that can't be removed, drill the cable to release some of the pressure, and then try a screw extractor on the head. Assuming it is successful, then try to source the correct replacement screw.

In reality a replacement meter is a much better and safer route, so speak to the DNO/electricity supplier about that as it is not the client's property to change.

 

[freddo]

To get a screw extractor in there you would first have to use an end mill to flatten the remaining half of the screw, spot it with a centre drill, bore a hole in the centre, a left hand drill bit is best for this when trying to remove broken screws, then try the screw extractor. The meter would need to be clamped down in a drill press or mill to have any chance of success.

 

[ruston]

As above. Attempting to tackle that on property that may not belong to you will probably lead you to a lot of explaining to do when you end up with an unusable meter.

 

[littlespark]

It’s not live, it’s neutral.

either way, not an easy thing to fix.

Trainee? Should ask @Dan or another admin for access to the trainees section..
Might find some handy tips