Barrythetech

Arctic silver is a great thermal paste, but in my experience the swapping of the fans does not require any thermal paste. Thermal paste is usually used in between the connections of the computer's processor heat sink(s) and the processor, as well as the graphics card and the heat sinks.

I just had success using standard pliers to remove the longer screw posts, and then I used standard needle nose pliers to press down and grip the tiny screws. Please note that this method may/will cause scrapping of the aluminium cover.