Thread: One Way Screws

One way screws by their very name a not designed to be removed, however you may be able to extract them depending on the circumstance.

If the heads are exposed, by using a thin cutting disc you can cut a slot in them and then use a flat bladed screwdriver to remove them. I practised this first before doing it on the door where I had fitted one way screws.
Also remember that when using a cutting disc sparks are thrown and any item which may easily burn such as carpet needs to be protected. (Can be useful to have an extinguisher handy, yes it is messy but causes less damage than a fire.)

Thanks HandyJack unfortunately the heads are recessed so a plug can be fitted.

Originally Posted by nrb

Thanks HandyJack unfortunately the heads are recessed so a plug can be fitted.

Take a very sharp center punch.
Try to make an indentation in the edge of the screw head.
Lean the punch over at about 45 degrees while keeping the tip in the indentation.
Gently tap the screw head in an anti-clockwise direction.
I know, tedious and time consuming but it often works.
--
Allan_P

Another method is:

* Take a very sharp center punch and punch an indentation in the centre of the screw.
* Carefully drill a vertical hole into that screw.
* Insert an 'easy-out' and unscrew the screw.

Difficulty may be the hardness of the metal in the one-way screws.

Fair Winds

Graeme

Originally Posted by nrb

Thanks HandyJack unfortunately the heads are recessed so a plug can be fitted.

You may be able to use a 'Dremel' or similar tool to cut a groove depending on the depth of the recess.

Plan D - Find another way to fit draught seal without taking off deadbolts.
Plan E - Sacrifice the deadbolts to cut the one way screws heads off so they can be removed. After fitting the seals replace the deadbolts.

If one way screws are properly installed they are extremely difficult to remove.
Have you tried using an impact hammer - manual version? It may work, but then again it may not.

Best way I've found is to keep screwing it in till it either snaps or strips the thread, usually causes the least amount of damage.

I used those one way screws once then realized after we had been burgled by someone entering through a smashed window that the one way screw thing was designed to purely and only cause grief to the owner not the thief.

What burglar is going to smash and grab then take the time to carefully remove some screws without causing any further damage so he can open another window? What thief is even going stop and remove screws even if they are simple philips heads?

I can't quite recall, but I think I either bought a real cobalt drill bit (not the spick looking gold plated sets at bunnies) to dill a start for a screw extractor, or I might have used the centre punch approach. I didn't have a powerful battery screwdriver at the time, but with an impact driver now at hand I'd like to give DJ's idea a try.

You could always grind the heads right off with a Dremel or similar and then use multi-grips on the remaining screw shaft.
--
Allan.P.

Originally Posted by nrb

I have used those one way screws when fitting deadbolts to my sliding wooden doors,now I want to take the deadbolts off so I can take the doors off to fit a draft seal.
How can I unscrew them?? Have tried to drill and then use a screw remover but the screws are made of hardend steel and my drills won't touch them.
Help!!

I've successfully removed one-way screws using a flat balded screw driver with a very square and sharp blade.
the sharp edges bite into the tiny ridge between the slot and slope

Thanks to you all,I'll try each suggestion till I get them off.Tried to drill,metal too hard,the dremmel may be the way.
Thanks again.