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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
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    Leicester UK
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    Default Getting the small hinges screws (broken) out of the timber

    I made the mistake of using the screws that came with the small hinges for a box that I am making. The hinge itself is only 1" (25mm) in width so you can imagine how small the screws are. Anyway the slots went and when I tried to get the screws out, the shafts broke. Any of you experienced chaps know the best way to get the screws out without messing up the box. The timber width is 3/8" (9mm approx)?
    Many thanks
    Paul

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  3. #2
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    Default

    You could try "Grabbit" type screw extractors, or digging around with a Dremmel until you can get a pair of long nosed pliers on the screw.

    To be frank I'd be expecting to be drilling a big hole where the screw used to be and gluing in a dowel. The hinge sh.ould cover the repair

  4. #3
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    Thanks to the crappy brass screws that are around these days I am intimately familiar with the problem.
    The way I worked around it was to drill a 3 or 4 of small holes next to the screw shank, then wobble it with a pair of needle nosed pliers until it could be pulled or unscrewed out. Then I drilled out to 1/4" and cut a tapered plug to go in. This is stronger than using a dowel, but if you don't have a plug cutter you will have to use a dowel.
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  5. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Leicester UK
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    Default Screws breaking off

    Many thanks for the help. I tried your way Alex and it worked. The dowels are all glued in and with some new screws, hopefully I can fit the hinges tomorrow

    Regards and again thanks
    Paul

  6. #5
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    Hi,
    You should always find some matching steel screws and use those to fit and line up the hinges, then last thing after all the on and off and finishing is done replace the screws one at a time with the fancy brass jobies. This also makes sure the slots or what ever head they have are still pristine.
    Regards
    Hugh

    Enough is enough, more than enough is too much.

  7. #6
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    Mar 2008
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    You need to check too that the pilot hole you are drilling is not too small in diameter. and that you use some soap or skin oil to lubricate the crew before screwing it in.
    I have used the same method as Alex with success.

    Yes, use steel screws where you can, but in my particular case, it was the steel screw that sheared off
    regards,

    Dengy

  8. #7
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Canberra
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    1,820

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dengue View Post
    You need to check too that the pilot hole you are drilling is not too small in diameter. and that you use some soap or skin oil to lubricate the crew before screwing it in.
    I have used the same method as Alex with success.

    Yes, use steel screws where you can, but in my particular case, it was the steel screw that sheared off

    hahahahaha! God, that made me laugh. Felt good to laugh like that. One must always soap or oil their screw lest it snaps off.

    On a more serious note, I found a little pack of steel screws that are brass plated that have worked well for me. Many different sizes. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/500-p...216860362.html

  9. #8
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    One must always soap or oil their screw lest it snaps off.
    That is not what I wrote, Evan. I said to lubricate the screw, an old tradies trick that I found works well with both nails and screws. It minimises the friction, and helps drive the screw in more easily and minimises the possibility of the screw shearing off too.

    Try it in the correct sized pilot hole , with and without lubrication and you will definitely notice the difference
    regards,

    Dengy

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
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    Sydney
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    One way I have used to remove headless screws is to tightly grip the remains of the screw with the chuck of a cordless drill and with the drill in reverse, slowly wind the screw out.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
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    Default FAO Hugh

    I do like the tip about the steel screws and it has been working perfectly following that method.
    Many thanks
    Paul

  12. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by paulloseby View Post
    I do like the tip about the steel screws and it has been working perfectly following that method.
    Many thanks
    Paul
    Likewise. Dengue kindly sent me some that match the ones in the SmartHinge. Fortunately, I haven't had one snap off....yet.

    I also endorse the use of candle wax as a lube on the screw.
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  13. #12
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    For screw lube use candle wax, cheese wax (yes) or the wax on waxed paper which is much the same as cheese wax. Or one of the commercial lubes. Do not use soap or sweat as they are both hygroscopic - attract water out of the air - and will promote corrosion of the screws over the years & the corrosion products will enlarge the hole too.

    I am in the process of having to replace all the hinge screws in my home which I inherited as both my father and grandfather (who did all the original timber work) both used soap - now the screws have no threads left (so are a b@5t@rd to get out) and I now need to use bigger screws or plug the screw holes and start again - some doors are on their 2nd or 3rd set of screws as I remember helping my father replace them when I was still in school - yes with soap on the screws.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
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    Default Waxing screws

    Many thanks for that - I will definitely do that from now on

    Kindest regards

    Paul

    Quote Originally Posted by bsrlee View Post
    For screw lube use candle wax, cheese wax (yes) or the wax on waxed paper which is much the same as cheese wax. Or one of the commercial lubes. Do not use soap or sweat as they are both hygroscopic - attract water out of the air - and will promote corrosion of the screws over the years & the corrosion products will enlarge the hole too.

    I am in the process of having to replace all the hinge screws in my home which I inherited as both my father and grandfather (who did all the original timber work) both used soap - now the screws have no threads left (so are a b@5t@rd to get out) and I now need to use bigger screws or plug the screw holes and start again - some doors are on their 2nd or 3rd set of screws as I remember helping my father replace them when I was still in school - yes with soap on the screws.

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