Stripped fan screws on ATI Powermodule :(

[Trueflo]

Hello. I have a 6 bulb 36" ATI Powermodule, which has 3 fans. I wanted to remove the fans to clean them and clean inside the housing. Both retaining screws on each fan mounting plate, stripped when I tried removing them. Even when I attempted it with a manual screwdriver. I did make sure that I had the proper size Phillips for this crew. Those screws just seem soft and stuck inside of the housing. Has this happened to anyone else? And do you know a trick to get them out? I am assuming it is because of corrosion obviously. The only other thing I can think of besides drilling them out is to cut a Groove in to the head and attempt to use a large flat head screwdriver with more grip and torque

 

[Sabellafella]

Hello. I have a 6 bulb 36" ATI Powermodule, which has 3 fans. I wanted to remove the fans to clean them and clean inside the housing. Both retaining screws on each fan mounting plate, stripped when I tried removing them. Even when I attempted it with a manual screwdriver. I did make sure that I had the proper size Phillips for this crew. Those screws just seem soft and stuck inside of the housing. Has this happened to anyone else? And do you know a trick to get them out? I am assuming it is because of corrosion obviously. The only other thing I can think of besides drilling them out is to cut a Groove in to the head and attempt to use a large flat head screwdriver with more grip and torque

Happened to me, but im still able to get them out from a tiny "groove" i stripped into them. For some reason all the screws are delicate

 

[SandJ]

Depending on the size of the screw head, they make a tool set that you drill the head of the screw with then use another tool as the bit to remove the screw.
It was a great investment. I don't use it often, but when the need arises I am very glad to have it on hand.

Also, some kind of penetrating oil (wd-40) may help the screw come out easier.