I have a Shimano Citica and i am taking it apart to clean it i got the handle off and all the screws holding down the sideplate but one screw is stuck, i have tried numerous screw driver sizes and am afraid i might strip the screw, if i cant get the screw out i cant take tge side plate of and clean the reel, any ideas?

You mentioned trying numerous screw driver sizes but you didn't mention if you've tried both phillips and flat head screw drivers. If you haven't yet try a flat head screw driver, the screw head should accept both phillips and flat head drivers.

 

Worst comes to worst you could drill out the screw and get a replacement from Shimano.

 

Good luck!

Do you have a solder gun? You can try a little (*I stress "a little"!*) heat to loosen the threads.

A small slotted screwdriver with a thick enough handle to get a grip should be all you need. Be sure to hold it straight and bear down so as not to slip and strip the head.

A small slotted screwdriver with a thick enough handle to get a grip should be all you need. Be sure to hold it straight and bear down so as not to slip and strip the head.

Exactly!

But as I put pressure on the head and turn, I only turn until the head snaps lose then finish with the proper size driver...

 

Good Luck ..

Do you have a solder gun? You can try a little (*I stress "a little"!*) heat to loosen the threads.

This is what has given me the best results with the most stubborn screw, I also suport the reel so I can use one hand for pressure, and tap on the end of the screw driver with a small brass hammer. Be sure you have the reel supported well while doing this, and as J Francho said, a little!  

I cleaned a Shimano Sahara a few weeks ago that had a stubborn screw. I just used a flathead to break it loose, then finished it with the correct sized phillips head.

I haven't done this on a reel but i have on other stubborn small screws....instead of heating the screw directly i would heat the screwdriver itself.  Usualy it was enough heat to break it free without potential damaging of nearby components.

I've have ran into this problem before several times with other hobbies. What I've found was regardless of the size screwdriver, the shape of the heads differ with brands so it's important to start off with a good head shape that doesn't slip when turning. After that you can push down on the screw, apply torque and turn the driver slowly.

Have you tried swearing at it?  It hasn't worked for me but...just a suggestion.

If none of the above has worked how about sticking it in the oven. Heat the reel a little. Also stress a little here! As I have tried drying jerky in many different ovens and most will not come on until 175 to 200. Toss it in for a couple of mins and just get it hot to the touch.

Also as mentioned taping the end while you turn it, has always worked for me. But I get the wife to tap it for me. Just make sure she is happy before hand.

Tap it for me. Lmao. Did I just typ that.

I would not put any reel in the oven.