Has anyone replaced their screws with something better? I am noticing a couple of mine stripped really easy. Trying to get the machine trammed and striped them trying to loosen to move stuff.
How many are you stripping? I switched to stainless for the sake of being "rust proof", but they aren't any stronger. Instead of looking at the screws, you should look at your tools and technique. You can use a ball head allen key for the loose portion, but to torque it, you need a good sharp squared edge key. Don't pu side pressure when you torque it. Screws don't strip themselves.
Stripping? none. Blowing out the hex socket? several, all when unscrewing. I do think the OB low profile screws are weak. Probably because there isn't much metal there in the first place. I'm slowly replacing with button heads with larger hex sockets. More contact area and a little longer moment arm in the hex socket for lower stress (not sure it actually matters but sounds good!).
That's exactly what stripping is. Did you keep using the same worn out key? Did you make sure to have the key fully engaged in the socket? Did you make sure to avoid any angled pressure to the key?
Yes the heads are what is stripping. I am sure there was some level of user error. Regardless I will need to replace them so was looking for recommendations on what others have went with.
I use button heads because of their deeper hex sockets but anything can be used, even hex bolts if need be. The only consideration is making sure the fasteners do not interfere with anything.
stripping usually means the threads. But anyway, user error? well, maybe but these low profiles are more prone this so you can't lay it all on the user. In my shop, a tool that requires exceedingly precise use to avoid permanent damage gets tossed in the trash.
If you want to be bulletproof, go with socket cap screws (SCS). The heads are much deeper and they use a key that is a size up at the same thread diameter. The downside is that you may need to use them with washers in some areas due to a reduced head diameter. The other downside is that you can't use them in recessed holes that are made for the low profile screws.
