charliemyers
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Post by charliemyers on Apr 12, 2018 4:31:08 GMT -8
I'm getting closer to getting started with disassembly of my '61 Compact. Most (maybe all?) of the exterior screws are phillips heads screws, and although a little rusty, they appear to be in very good shape. I've seen a number of videos where people try removing those things with a regular cordless drill, and often you can hear that familiar sound of the bit slipping on the head which means that it's getting closer & closer to stripping out the screw head.
So I've been planning to attack these screws with a 1/4" impact driver which I've found to almost never slip if the bit fits the screw head well. But I don't recall having seen anyone using an impact driver on their campers. Is there a reason that one should not be used? I can't think of any reasons, but thought it would be good to ask just in case there was something that I'm not considering.
I'm not opposed to giving each screw a rap with a hammer & screwdriver to help loosen them up before getting out the impact driver if that helps reduce the chance of shearing off the head.
Thanks!
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Apr 12, 2018 5:37:09 GMT -8
I use my little Hitachi cordless impact driver all the time for removing and setting all types of screws. As I'm sure you are well aware, be certain the bit size/type is the correct fit for the screw head. Pre-setting the screw head with hammer and screwdriver as you suggest is a good practice. A hand type impact driver that you rap with a hammer is even better for those stubborn fasteners.
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Bob92057
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1955 Pleasurecraft - 13'
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Post by Bob92057 on Apr 12, 2018 6:48:44 GMT -8
Hammer worked for me. Light tap. Screws are into wood so not rusted tight.
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Apr 12, 2018 8:17:38 GMT -8
Impact is good. If You can find the these phillips bits they grip the screws even better. They have little ridges along one or both sides of the bit to help grip the screws. Those things really bite and hold. Some have the ridges on both sides and some have the ridges on either side, depending if You use them for removing or installing screws. I usually try to find the ones with grips on both side. Be sure to buy plenty of them, they grip so tight that I have had them break off inside of the screw head. Click the link. link
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DaytonaGTS
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Post by DaytonaGTS on Apr 12, 2018 8:50:35 GMT -8
I used an impact driver to disassemble most of my trailer really helped getting out those won't budge screws. You just have to be patient and make sure you are using the correct size bit. Double check the Phillips slots with your bit because this will make a huge difference between turning it out and stripping it. The other helpful hint is the more pressure you place on the screw head from the driver the better it will work on stubborn screws. I tend to lean a bit (sometimes a lot) into the driver while using it.
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charliemyers
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Post by charliemyers on Apr 12, 2018 9:39:30 GMT -8
Thanks! I'd planned all along to use the impact driver, but wondered why I never saw someone using one in all of the pictures & videos. I'll look into some of those ridged bits mrmarty51. Aside from that I already have pretty much every shape, size, & length bit that I'll need.
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Apr 12, 2018 9:45:14 GMT -8
Thanks! I'd planned all along to use the impact driver, but wondered why I never saw someone using one in all of the pictures & videos. I'll look into some of those ridged bits mrmarty51 . Aside from that I already have pretty much every shape, size, & length bit that I'll need. I have removed phillips screws that a regular driver would not, screws with the heads stripped almost totally out. another little known secret, get some automotive valve lapping compound and apply a dab of that to the screw driver bit. amazing how much that will improve the gripping strength of the bit.
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Post by bigbill on Apr 13, 2018 6:16:20 GMT -8
Another tip, for hex head screws buy a socket that fits then carefully grind the taper off of it where it is made to allow it to start over a bolt or nut easier this allows more gripping surface on a rusty/corroded screw head. This will help you remove most hex screws with little effort.
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DaytonaGTS
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Post by DaytonaGTS on Apr 13, 2018 7:37:02 GMT -8
Another tip, for hex head screws buy a socket that fits then carefully grind the taper off of it where it is made to allow it to start over a bolt or nut easier this allows more gripping surface on a rusty/corroded screw head. This will help you remove most hex screws with little effort. That is a really good tip
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charliemyers
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Post by charliemyers on Apr 13, 2018 8:25:57 GMT -8
Yep, some really good tips in this thread! I almost never even asked because I thought that it was such a simple idea, but I'm glad that I did now!
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