spanner screw removal

I just got ahold of an ST-70A, and it has the spanner screws holding the bottom plate on. Is there an easy way to get these out without having to buy a bit - seems the bits are available in several sizes and I'd hate to make the drive to find one then find it's the wrong size. I suppose I could just drill it out.

Thanks, Bob. Kinda pricey for two screws though.

Its a PITA but you can use two steel dowels, Pins or drill bits and a crescent wrench to remove them IF you have the room to maneuver or just send the 11 bucks and be done with it

Do you plan to reuse the screws? If not... I use a Dremel with two carborundum cutting wheels stacked to cut a screwdriver slot. Surround the area with blue tape to avoid nicks in case the cutting wheel breaks or bucks.

Alternative: Harbor Freight sells a pin wrench for removing watch covers for a couple dollars--not sure it if closes down enough for that screw though. HF also sells snap ring pliers that will work. Again, blue tape to avoid damage when the pliers "de-slot".

I have been able to improvise. Using steel wire in the correct diameter to fit the holes, I bend a U-shape. I can use pliers to grip the curved part of the "U" so that the ends stick out and can be used to turn the screw.

I learned this from repairing cameras for a hobby. They sometimes use this kind of screw rather than slotted types, for appearance reasons.