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tech: removing phillips screws

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 48fordnut, Nov 26, 2007.

  1. 48fordnut
    Joined: Nov 4, 2005
    Posts: 4,215

    48fordnut
    Member Emeritus

    I learned about removing rusty screws from working on crop dusters. I was taught to use valve grinding compound on the phillips bit because it gives a grip. I have removed hundreds of rusty screws with this method.
     
  2. Frank
    Joined: Jul 30, 2004
    Posts: 2,325

    Frank
    Member

    I always had a hard time believing it worked until I tried it myself, now its one of the first things I do to a really rusty screw instead of chewing it up first. It really works.
     
  3. Fresh469
    Joined: Jun 12, 2005
    Posts: 343

    Fresh469
    Member
    from Benton, KY

    what i usually do if i dso not plan on saving the screw is cut a slot in it with a dremel so that i can use a flathead that is wider than the screw so that it cannot slip unless the head breaks.....
     
  4. HemiRambler
    Joined: Aug 26, 2005
    Posts: 4,208

    HemiRambler
    Member


  5. I try the screw if it is clean or only slightly rusty but use the following process otherwise. I use the phillips head as a center guide and drill them out. I drill them the with the recommended tap drill size and re-tap to clean the threads. I spend less time that way than if I tried to fight them out.
     
  6. TurboRay
    Joined: Feb 12, 2007
    Posts: 148

    TurboRay
    Member

    DITTO on the impact driver, as mentioned by HemiRambler! If the cross-slots on the screw head aren't boogered already from previous removal attempts, an impact driver will almost ALWAYS back the screw out, as long as it isn't stuck so bad that the shank breaks. It's also a good idea to "shoot" the screw with PB Blaster, or some other good penetrating oil, and allow it to soak in for a few minutes prior to the removal attempt. [​IMG]

    C'ya - RAY
     
  7. heat the screw head with a small welding tip on your torch until it;s just orange, they will come loose 99% of the time...
     
  8. lewislynn
    Joined: Apr 29, 2006
    Posts: 2,279

    lewislynn
    Member

    Use a left hand bit slightly smaller than tap size and the screw will often twist right out at some point...I've done that with exhaust manifold bolts with some success.
     
  9. lewislynn
    Joined: Apr 29, 2006
    Posts: 2,279

    lewislynn
    Member

    Another way for any screw, bolt or nut is to tap a sacrificial flat blade screw driver, punch, or chisel at an angle in the direction of rotationon with a hammer on the outside edge.
     
  10. oktr6r
    Joined: Feb 14, 2006
    Posts: 724

    oktr6r
    Member
    from Tulsa

    Try that with a left hand drill bit. Some will back right out when the bit really starts biting into the metal.
     
  11. junk yard kid
    Joined: Nov 11, 2007
    Posts: 2,718

    junk yard kid
    Member

    i use a die grinder and cut a slot for a big flathead the heat and vibration seem to help too
     
  12. skajaquada
    Joined: Sep 14, 2004
    Posts: 1,642

    skajaquada
    Member
    from SLC Utard

    hell, i've been wondering what to do with the valve lapping compound i have until i start on the new engine. thanks for the tip!!
     
  13. 21stud
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 313

    21stud
    Member
    from California

    I've had very good luck with needle nose vise grips on the head of the screw ( if possible) turn with the vise grips and the screw driver at the same time. Sometimes I've found it justs needs alittle help.
     
  14. Don Lyon
    Joined: Jan 18, 2007
    Posts: 275

    Don Lyon
    Member

    I have used all the methods described and all WILL work. But the EASIEST WAY I HAVE FOUND is to spray / soak with Aerokroil, let it / them sit for a while. Use a 1/2 inch speed handle / apex bit, they will back right out.If you dont have room for the speed handle, use a ratchet.
     
  15. wfopossum
    Joined: Jan 3, 2006
    Posts: 275

    wfopossum
    Member

    In the aviation biz we use what's called an"old man" it's just a handle for leverage used with an air hammer,I'm sure there's a more technical term for it,maybe someone on the board might know. Works very well.
     
  16. nexxussian
    Joined: Mar 14, 2007
    Posts: 3,240

    nexxussian
    Member

    'Old Man' 'Screw Knocker' '#%!!*&$##' (if your a dumbass like me and let the web of skin between your fingers get between the bulge on the shank and the nose of the air hammer, without a guard on it)

    [​IMG]

    I have been wanting to try the one you take a screw out next to it and anchor the tool so you can lever the apex bit harder into the stubborn screw. Can't seem to find a pic though.
     
  17. speedway
    Joined: Feb 7, 2005
    Posts: 400

    speedway
    Member
    from wichita ks

    these work great, way better than a impact driver. they are easy to make with an air hammer punch, an all thread nut and 3/8 socket extension to hold a socket w the screwdriver bit. slip on a ratcheting end wrench and hammer away. a soaking w gibbs also helps
     
  18. greasel
    Joined: Jan 24, 2007
    Posts: 325

    greasel
    Member
    from Fresno, CA

    works unbelievably well. breaking the flush-head screws loose in the fuel tank inspection covers I use the compound and hammer the screwdriver in with an impact, using a wrench on the screwdriver(on my snap-ons, there's a hex right at the base of the handle). when that doesn't work, we have a bunch of the Craftsman bolt/screw extractors that are amazing.

    btw, rusty screws tells me you worked on either ag-cats or thrushes, correct? I'm an A&P and work full time mostly with AirTractors.
     
  19. I use the ball peen hammer trick. Take a ball peen hammer and hit the head of the screw and colapse the phillips groves some. Then take your phillips screw driver and stick it on the screw aligned with the crushed in slots. Give it a wack on the handle with a leather or dead blow hammer. This will seat the screw driver (or impact driver bit) into the screw for a custom fit. The shock also helps break the rust. Turn while pressing down on the hammer. Gets most of them out.
     
  20. wc chopper
    Joined: Nov 12, 2006
    Posts: 139

    wc chopper
    Member

    when that doesn't work, we have a bunch of the Craftsman bolt/screw extractors that are amazing.

    btw, rusty screws tells me you worked on either ag-cats or thrushes, correct? I'm an A&P and work full time mostly with AirTractors.[/quote]

    I have loads of those screw extractors I used to make em when I was a machinist and would drop em in my pocket everyonce in a while. For research of course.
     
  21. Yeah, and if the head breaks?
     
  22. flatheadgary
    Joined: Jul 17, 2007
    Posts: 1,012

    flatheadgary
    Member
    from boron,ca

    have any of you guys used that screw extractor drill bit they advertise on tv lately?
     
  23. 48fordnut
    Joined: Nov 4, 2005
    Posts: 4,215

    48fordnut
    Member Emeritus

    there are some good ideas here ,if you have air or the tools to do the job with. when you are working on old airplanes on a dirt maintence area you use the simplist item at hand. I learned this back in the 50s . it still works, because some company has put it in solution and its available in a squeeze bottle.It does work. oh yeah I used to get a new bit or screwdriver about once every 6 mos. 1.15 an hr then.;)
     
  24. 61 chevy
    Joined: Apr 11, 2007
    Posts: 891

    61 chevy
    Member

  25. joeelutz
    Joined: Jul 18, 2006
    Posts: 104

    joeelutz
    Member

    Just take a scrap piece of steel and tack weld it to the head of the screw and use the steel to turn it out.
     
  26. Ranunculous
    Joined: Nov 30, 2007
    Posts: 2,465

    Ranunculous
    Member

    Sometimes dipping the head of the screwdriver with blue Loctite gives it a little grip too.
    Too much of an advantage is never a problem!
     

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