Source of replacement headlight screw stripped when replacing bracket?

[_totallyconfused]

Hi all – first post from a total newbie.

I’m looking for a replacement for a headlight mounting screw with captive washer. I used a kit to fix the snapped brackets on the passenger headlight, but when I tried to put it back on, the screw won’t take. Looking at it, it appears to have been stripped a bit – not sure how.

I’ve tried googling “headlight screw vw polo 2014”, and variations of it, and tried eBay – but no luck.

Anyone know where I can get one? Or a suitable replacement? Any help much appreciated!

Here’s a photo of the screw itself – the threads at the bottom look like they’re stripped:

[iichel]

Any old M5x30 with a washer will do?

[amer6R]

Use something to smooth the sharpen edge on a first thread

[peter_dk25]

Part number N90683306
I am sure that VW can help.......

[RUM4MO]

Has repairing the headlamp brackets meant that you now need a longer screw, and that is why that one is a bit damaged now?

If so, look on the internet for someone that is selling that size of Torx cap head machine screw in the next length, if necessary you could cut down the new longer screws before you spray paint them and use the original captive washer probably drilled out to make it free running - the captive aspect of the original will only be to suit factory assembly.

Edit:- if I'm wrong about the bracket meaning that you need a longer screw, then you need to buy the correct size of tap and clean out the captive nut it screws into - check the thread pitch as well as the diameter.

[_totallyconfused]

Thanks very much for the quick and thorough replies, everyone!

Part number N90683306
I am sure that VW can help.......

I ended up buying some of these from Deutscheparts.

[RUM4MO]

You really do need to get the nut/retained device that that screw fixes into checked as if it is left as it has become, it will do the same damage and effect on your new screws.

I've never looked down into what that nut/retained fixing device is, so I can't add anything more than just that initial suggestion.

Having a reasonable set of taps and dies is always a handy thing to have, my one was bought as a distress purchase when first working on a Polo, I bought it from Screwfix, not machine shop quality but easily good enough to clean up any damaged fixings - and it has a good selection of fine and coarse versions of thread sizes.