I'm trying to install new Carbontex drag washers for all my reels and on 1 of my Curado E, I can't remove the top and bottom screw for the side plate. I've pretty much messed up the top of them trying to get them out. Now, I can't even get a grip with the screwdriver. I have no idea what happened to them because the last time I put them back on, I was very careful not to put them on too tight.

Help? Driving me crazy!

A little late for this, but did you use a good quality screwdriver ? Phillips screwdrivers all look pretty much the same, but there are subtle differences in the tips that separate good ones from Chinese made junk. A good one will fit into the screw head without any play whatsoever.

On to your problem. I've never taken a Curado apart, but is it possible the screws have some kind of thread locking compound on them ? If so, a soldering iron with a skinny tip held onto the screw head for a while will transfer the heat down the screw and break the bond of the thread lock. You may want to get a better screwdriver and hopefully still be able to get a bite. If not, you (or DVT) may have to drill out the screw heads with a dremel type tool and small drill bits. Once the heads are off, you might be able to lift the plate off and have enough screw exposed that you can grab them with serrated needle nose pliers and get them out. Of course you will have to get new screws from Shimano. Based on my experience with them in the past with tiny parts, they may send them to you free of charge, although I don't know if they'll send them to Canada free.

Good luck.

This stinks! I'll continue to use the reel without the upgrade. I won't bother doing any maintenance to it. Next time, I'll make sure I put a drop of oil on my other reels to prevent this from happening again, along with your advices.

Side Plate screws are normaly fairly easy to remove. They may have some corrosion or contamination. You can try a drop of Break Free or WD-40 if they don't come right out. Now that the heads are stripped, you may be out of options besides a drill or Easy Out. I wouldn't neglect the reel over this. It can be fixed for way less than the $150 to replace it.

Sounds like the screw was cross threaded when installed and has set that way for awhile (and locked). We have seen some like this.

Side plate screws are easily cross threaded when placed in a hurry.

Properly when the screw is placed it takes at least a half/full turn in reverse to seat it properly then tightened down (you can feel it seat).

If the screw head has been bunged up to the point that neither a slot or Philips will bite, as posted by Mike it will take an easy out or drill out to get it out.

I would contact Shimano direct to see if they can do the job for you, or, find a good shop with someone who is really good at removing cross threaded screws...

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!