Issues with Strobe Arm screw to Strobe

I leave for my trip on Wednesday and today (Saturday) I am packing my rig. I just recently replaced my G9 camera with a 5D MKII. I wanted to use my existing strobes (160, 125) so I ordered new strobe arms which requires me to remove the existing arms that are attached by a small phillips head screw at the bottom of the strobe.

Back in the spring I had my 125 toggle replaced and I asked ikelite to also seat the screw correctly. I attempted to remove the strobe arm prior to shipping to reduce ship weight, but the screw immediately stripped. No issues, ikelite replaced the screw. I successfully removed that screw this morning with a special small phillips head screwdriver I bought today.

On to the 160 and IMMEDIATELY with one turn of the screwdriver the screw stripped - just like the 125 back in the spring. I tried everything, save using a drill as instructed on the internet, to remove that screw and it is not budging. I had no recourse but to order a brand new 160 in the event that ikelite can't help me on Monday morning.

I'm guessing that perhaps there haven't been many instances of this happening because people generally don't have to remove their strobe arms. I am curious if this has happened to anyone else and what was done to fix it.

The screw is stainless and mount is Aluminum. It is hard to drill out the broken screw. I usually remove screw after every trip and use lube on it. Best bet is to order new ball mount on monday.

Scubabasics - unfortunately it is mounted onto the strobe, so a new ball mount won't help me out.

I also had this happen...I just left it But the the battery compartment flooded so I will have to send it in soon...

Here is a product that was shared with me at a photo class. I have purchased this and it seems to be working well and very little product is required. I have no connections with this company.

TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page

Bill