gryffendorfen
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1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by gryffendorfen on Jul 31, 2014 5:30:18 GMT -8
Greetings! I started taking the skins off my 1962 Shasta Airflyte, and I've run into several problem screws that I can't get out with screw pliers alone. Has anyone used screw extractors and drill bits to remove problem screws? If so, any advice?
Thanks!
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Post by bigbill on Jul 31, 2014 5:39:20 GMT -8
What type screws are you trying to remove?Phillips, clutch head, Hex head, or.
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gryffendorfen
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1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by gryffendorfen on Jul 31, 2014 5:46:39 GMT -8
Phillips screws that hold on the skins.
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Post by bigbill on Jul 31, 2014 5:59:56 GMT -8
Sometimes giving them a sharp wrap with a hammer will help loosen them and will also seat the screwdriver better. Some people have had to take a dremel wheel and cut a slot for a straight screw driver. They make all kinds of tools to remove screws, but I have had the best luck with a pair of vise grips (new not worn out) putting them on gripping the screw with the ends of the jaws then twisting it out if you don't have a lot of arm strength use something to turn the vise grips with out pulling them off.
I have seem all different types of screws heads holding skins on. My current trailer had all hex heads except where someone had put phillips heads.
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gryffendorfen
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1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by gryffendorfen on Jul 31, 2014 6:14:58 GMT -8
Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, I saw Mobiltec tapping with the hammer, and it worked perfectly.
I like the dremel wheel idea too - sounds fun!
However, I'm stumped by one problem screw holding on the Shasta emblem. The screw head has deteriorated to a nub, and since the head is flush with the emblem, I can't get at it with screw pliers or a dremel wheel. On YouTube, I watched a guy remove a screw by drilling into a screw head and then using an extractor in reverse. It looked simple enough, but wasn't sure if I was missing something.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jul 31, 2014 7:33:01 GMT -8
It's just plain "hard work". You will need to use many different tools in you arsenal to get the screws, twisty nails, rusted and corroded nuts apart. Everything you need is likely already in your tool box.
The "late night TV" Gimmick Tool ads, might work 1 out of a 100 times. Stay with the basic's, and trudge ahead.
My favorite "remover tool" is rusty, maybe fifty years old, and was purchased at a yard sale. It's just a "end nipper" pliers. It's a type of wire cutter, but it's turned so it cuts from the end, and not the side. I use it every day, but never in the way it was originally designed. You need to sometimes think outside the box.
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gryffendorfen
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1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by gryffendorfen on Aug 2, 2014 8:31:34 GMT -8
It's just plain "hard work". You will need to use many different tools in you arsenal to get the screws, twisty nails, rusted and corroded nuts apart. Everything you need is likely already in your tool box. The "late night TV" Gimmick Tool ads, might work 1 out of a 100 times. Stay with the basic's, and trudge ahead. My favorite "remover tool" is rusty, maybe fifty years old, and was purchased at a yard sale. It's just a "end nipper" pliers. It's a type of wire cutter, but it's turned so it cuts from the end, and not the side. I use it every day, but never in the way it was originally designed. You need to sometimes think outside the box. Thanks John for the candid response. Truth is, before I got my trailer, the only thing in my tool box was a wrench to attach a bike rack to my car. All of this is new to me - tools, framing, trailer mechanics - so I'm learning everything as I go. After removing all but a dozen reluctant screws from the skins, I can now appreciate the wisdom in your comment. |
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Post by bigbill on Aug 2, 2014 19:45:24 GMT -8
the good news is after you do this for forty or fifty years you will find out what works best for you.  |
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gryffendorfen
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1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by gryffendorfen on Aug 6, 2014 4:31:06 GMT -8
Thanks for the encouragement bigbill! I just bought a Dremel to cut the nail heads and remove them with a flat-head. I'm hoping it'll be my saving grace.
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Post by sixtyoneshastagal on Aug 6, 2014 9:37:41 GMT -8
I too am new to this trailer restore stuff and one of my favorite tools is an exacto knife and another is a busted small saw blade. Between the two of them I am able to chip away at the old paint, gue, and putty that may be surrounding the screw or definately in the screw grove to extract the small paint particles, then use a very short handled screw driver pushing down constantly and whalla it makes a turn. Once I get one or two turns I can now catch the edge with the small vice grips, as explained by someone above. Great doing this isn't it?  Such satisfaction when you do get one. I am selling all kinds of parts I do not need for the 59 I took apart so if you know someone who needs windows door, etc. get back to me. I am not able to figure out how to post pictures yet on this site but have plenty I can e-mail or text to someone. Shasta newbie.... |
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Post by vikx on Aug 6, 2014 21:58:03 GMT -8
I've had the best luck with the Dremel EZ lock system. The cutting wheels take a little more abuse, as the EZ lock is slightly flexible.
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gryffendorfen
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1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by gryffendorfen on Aug 7, 2014 9:45:24 GMT -8
The Dremel tool worked amazingly! I cut a straight line into the head, and then used a flat head screwdriver. I'm down $100, but it was definitely worth it to get those last few screws out.
Thanks again for the suggestions!
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Such satisfaction when you do get one. I am selling all kinds of parts I do not need for the 59 I took apart so if you know someone who needs windows door, etc. get back to me. I am not able to figure out how to post pictures yet on this site but have plenty I can e-mail or text to someone. Shasta newbie....
