nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jul 30, 2018 3:41:00 GMT -8
This is sort of a shared knowledge tutorial.
I've been having a lot of trouble with rusted screws on my latest project camper. I know of only two ways to remove stripped screws that are rusted in place. Each of these suggestions came from other members. If you have other ideas, please share them.
1. Vampire pliers
Tough on the hands.
2. grind a grove for a flat-head screwdriver using a Drimel.
Easier but loud.
Any other thoughts?
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charliemyers
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Post by charliemyers on Jul 30, 2018 5:56:54 GMT -8
My definition of "stubborn" means that I've already tried & failed with the "hammer the screwdriver" technique as well as trying to back the screw out using an impact driver that has a hammering type action.
Vampliers are my first choice for stubborn screws. Always.
I've tried the "cut a slot with a Dremel" hack before, but no matter how thin of a cutting wheel I used, it never seemed to leave enough meat to twist the screw out without torquing off the remainder of the screw head.
If you can reach the back side of the screw (where the threads protrude the other side) then nothing beats a good set of Vice Grips. Clamp the threads and screw it "in" (it will go "out" the other side). Ditto if the screw head is backed out far enough to get a grip on it with Vice Grips.
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Jul 30, 2018 19:03:09 GMT -8
It’s a lot more fun when they are filled with paint. I had some that I would put the screw driver in and hit the end with a hammer while trying to screw them out at the same time. It worked on a couple to get them wiggling Back and forth to get them started out.
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Post by vikx on Jul 30, 2018 20:48:43 GMT -8
I've had really good luck with the Dremel slice. Works for me...
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jul 31, 2018 3:22:01 GMT -8
I've had really good luck with the Dremel slice. Works for me... The disk works better for me on the Dremel than the cutting bit. Which bit do you get the best results with?
I've tried every screw extractor I can buy without good results.
It's amazing that rusted, painted screws are so hard to move even in soft wood.
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Jul 31, 2018 19:08:04 GMT -8
Rusty screws are the worst bane of any mechanic's or hobbiest's existence.
I've not owned a pair of them there vampliers, but intend to get some of them in my "must-have" kit.
I've had decent luck using a hammer and NEW Phillips screwdriver for getting into the heads of painted panheads. But a word of caution, the million and six screws that are around the front dinette windows in a Shasta Airflyte will not only hang on stubbornly, they also get dangerously close to the edge of the glass as soon as you pick up your hammer. Enough of a tap to cut into the paint is also enough to shatter the 50+ year old glass. Go ahead, ask me how I know....
My favored technique is using a 4" ViceGrip and a few well chosen adult words that elude to the nature of the screw's heritage. at times, a thin blade flathead screwdriver and a little tapping under the screw head can produce just enough daylight for the Vicegrips to get their grip without too much risk of damage to the surrounding area. But the real secret is choosing the exact appropriate name for the screw at exactly the right moment....
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Post by vikx on Jul 31, 2018 20:30:38 GMT -8
I use thin cut cutting wheels and a Milwaukee rotary tool. It seems to move faster, last longer is easier for me to manage. It's larger, maybe that's the reason...
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Post by bigbill on Aug 2, 2018 12:38:12 GMT -8
I agree with ten. When all else fails I use a small pair of Vise-grip brand vise-grips clamped on as tight as possible. Many of the other brands of locking pliers flex to much allowing them to twist off the screw. A plier that requires constant grip to turn is difficult for many people to turn as they squeeze the handles.
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mobiltec
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I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 14, 2018 11:02:08 GMT -8
Funny this is up now.... I just made a video on stubborn rusty pan head screws as I am working on the worst case of gooped up trailer and rusty stubborn screws I have ever laid hands on. The video should be finished this weekend and I will try to remember to put a post up here with the URL. There are one or two tricks in there that I haven't revealed as of yet that you may find interesting and they work.... Every time.......
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retropixie
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1950 Airfloat, 1963 Hi-Lo
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Post by retropixie on Aug 24, 2018 17:19:25 GMT -8
Vampliers are a lifesaver for rusty screws....and screw nails (rusty or not)!
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