Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Stubborn screws

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Goulburn NSW
    Posts
    3

    Default Stubborn screws

    Have a lattice fence with 90mm treated pine posts. Wish to retain posts and remove screws holding lattice frame. Current bugle screws, hex head will not move despite reverse drill, whack and try again, allen key and extension handle. Any hints on loosening screws? Only guess left is hack saw blade between timber post and frame. 60 screws. Not likely! Would a bigger heavier drill work?

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,757

    Default

    See if you can borrow an impact driver. In reverse of course.

    Also try alternating between briefly fwd and then reverse.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Campbelltown NSW
    Age
    77
    Posts
    335

    Default

    BobL’s suggestion is probably the way to go and if they don’t want to screw out they may shear off below the surface of the post. Otherwise if it comes down to hacksawing use a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Nsw
    Age
    64
    Posts
    1,357

    Default

    There is a good chance they have corroded themselves in and may need cutting. A standard pistol drill will not have the torque to remove them if they are stubborn. You can try a impact driver or 18v battery drill on low gear as they have more grunt than a driver

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Foot of the Dandenong Ranges
    Posts
    270

    Default Screw removal

    When I had a screw in my thicknesser that I couldn't remove I ended up filing two sides flat and I used a spanner to unscrew it. You can get much more torque that way. It works.

    Lyndon

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,757

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BEM View Post
    When I had a screw in my thicknesser that I couldn't remove I ended up filing two sides flat and I used a spanner to unscrew it. You can get much more torque that way. It works.
    Works for a few but the OP has 60 to extract so I think he will need something a little quicker.

    If the OP decides to go via the reciprocating saw method it might need more than a metal cutting blade (usually bimetal) as some of these bulge screws can be as hard as Hardened Tek screws - it that case you might need a carbide tipped blade.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Riverhills, Brisbane
    Age
    64
    Posts
    1,216

    Default

    Have you looked at Easy Outs...I have a couple in my shed.
    Here is a link to Super Auto Set of 5
    SCA Screw Extractor Set 5 Piece | Supercheap Auto
    1) Drill a hole in top of stuck screw at a diameter that match the Easy Out
    2) Use a chorded drill which has plenty of torque. These are designed to pull and undo the screw anti clockwise while you have your drill on forward.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Helensburgh
    Posts
    7,696

    Default

    If you have access to a compressor use a pneumatic rattle gun, they will either come out or break. You could hire the gun and compressor if you wanted to go that way. Whatever way you go make sure the bit is in very good condition because it is easy to spin it in the head then nothing gets it out. I have done a lot of these into treated pine and I always use air tools.
    CHRIS

  10. #9
    Mobyturns's Avatar
    Mobyturns is offline In An Instant Your Life Can Change Forever
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    "Brownsville" Nth QLD
    Age
    66
    Posts
    4,414

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobc View Post
    Have a lattice fence with 90mm treated pine posts. Wish to retain posts and remove screws holding lattice frame. Current bugle screws, hex head will not move despite reverse drill, whack and try again, allen key and extension handle. Any hints on loosening screws? Only guess left is hack saw blade between timber post and frame. 60 screws. Not likely! Would a bigger heavier drill work?
    Its surprising the hex socket is holding up.

    Try tightening them first using a high torque driver/drill or rattle gun, then unscrew. If that doesn't work brute force to shear the screw shaft.

    IF you are not saving the lattice frame, cut either side of the post then split the remaining portion of the frame with a chisel. Once the bugle head screw shaft is accessible use some stilsons or heavy mulit-grips to grip the shaft and apply brute force.
    Mobyturns

    In An Instant Your Life CanChange Forever

  11. #10
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Goulburn NSW
    Posts
    3

    Default Stubborn screws.

    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    See if you can borrow an impact driver. In reverse of course.

    Also try alternating between briefly fwd and then reverse.
    Used an impact driver in reverse. (Kennards hire do great job) Managed to remove 60/64 and hacksawed the rest. Thanks all for your advice.

Similar Threads

  1. Loosening a stubborn hex bolt
    By groeneaj in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 19th May 2016, 12:09 PM
  2. Stubborn and silly old woodworker
    By chook in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 18th August 2014, 10:58 AM
  3. Removing Stubborn Hinge Pin ??
    By Reno RSS Feed in forum DOORS, WINDOWS, ARCHITRAVES & SKIRTS ETC
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 6th October 2012, 07:40 AM
  4. stubborn belt pulley
    By tom41 in forum WOODTURNING - GENERAL
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 31st October 2009, 11:33 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •