Who has some ideas for removing a stripped screw in light underwater 1/2" recessed?

[callmedpit]

Who has some ideas for removing a stripped screw in light underwater 1/2" recessed?

My pool light looks a lot like this:

Unfortunately the top screw is badly stripped and I can't get it out. I am trying to remove it to find any signs of algae that is sucking up my chlorine. I don't want to drain the pool as I literally just did that to lower my CYA, refilled and have used almost $100 worth of chlorine SLAMing. The screw is recessed into the plastic about 1/2" so I can't get vice grips inside to try and grab the screw head.

Any ideas on what I can do?

 

[jblizzle]

Re: Who has some ideas for removing a stripped screw in light underwater 1/2" recesse

Someone recently used a pneumatic driver under the water to do something similar .....

 

[gwegan]

Re: Who has some ideas for removing a stripped screw in light underwater 1/2" recesse

Get a "screw extractor" at home depot or Lowes. They often work. Never used one on a pool light screw.

 

[Butterfly]

Re: Who has some ideas for removing a stripped screw in light underwater 1/2" recesse

Google it. You will get lots of ideas. One is to try stretching a rubber band over he screwdriver tip. Another is simply use a different type screwdriver. An easy-out/screw extractor was DH's first thought.