WGB 

I am trying to remove a drop out screw. First the screw was badly bent as they often are and it snapped off as I tried to straighten it to unscrew. Also the phillips head is stripped and I was only able to get it part way back out before it stopped turning on the screw driver. The dropout is too narrow to fit in a pair of vise grips. I don't have a small easy out (do they even make an easy out this small???). Was thinking of a small metal file and trying to cut a slot for a screw driver.

Does anyone have any idea for a proper tool that might work?

Andrew R Stewart 

First question is does this screw really need to be removed, really needed to be out. If not then the first thing is to step away from the bike and leave this alone. If you absolutely MUST try removing the screw I would file down the broken off end flush with the drop out. This end's mangled threads will only increase the effort to unthread the screw. Then I would soak with either Kroll or an ATF/acetone mix, for a few days at least and periodically tapping on the screw's end lightly to induce some shock and vibration. I would remove the spring by unwinding it/pulling it off. This will make any further efforts easier. If the screw head has a thin slotted driver in it I would thru that tool next. These tiny and sloppy fitting screw heads take real focus as to how to press the tool into the screw while also trying to get the slight initial turning to start. The head can have two flats cut onto it's outer surface and a needle nose pliers can be employed.

Patience, a penetrant and focus are your best friends. If all else fails then find a good welder who can weld a bit of rod to the screw's end. Sometimes the application of heat can help. But in the end these drop out screws are like the appendix. Nice to have is still but not really needed. Andy

dedhed

All those things Andy said and a dremel with cutoff wheel to cut a new slot for a screw driver

fietsbob

I just broke them off, 'Dremel' the stub flush..

I don't need race speed fast wheel changes ..

obrentharris 

Needle nose vice grips are very handy in this case.
Brent

robertorolfo

Can't you just use needle -nose pliers (and a good lubricant) to turn the screw in tiny increments, over and over until it's out? Sounds therapeutic and satisfying to me.

AnkleWork

Maybe turn the screw clockwise (from the head end) to free it up. Then file off the stub completely. Then remove the screw in the usual way.

WGB 

Couldn't get my cheap needle nose pliers to hold without slipping. Couldn't get my too large vise grips inside. Tried using a magnetic screw driver but not enough bite as head stripped.

Wimped out and am getting help from a more capable fellow. This one me 0, bike 1.

WGB