Removing stuck screws and bolts

oldncapilot · Post by **oldncapilot** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:00 pm

I'm looking for ideas to try for removing phillips head screws that have been untouched since the bike left the factory 40 some odd years ago. I think the issue is dis-similar metals (aluminum engine and steel screws rather than corrosion. Anyway, I've tried soaking with WD40, tapping with a hammer before using the screwdriver, and using an impact wrench. I haven't been too aggressive with the imact wrench yet because it is slightly buggering up the phillips head, and obviously I'd like to preserve the cosmetics if possible. Hopefully someone has some creative techniques to try.....

flyin_ · Post by **flyin_** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:40 pm

I would get a better impact driver. The right sized tip for the impact driver should not damage the pan head screws at all. I just got a new Lisle impact driver from amazon for $30. Looks like a good solid tool and its made in the USA. The only other option I know is to drill off the heads and replace the screws. Good luck.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:54 am

A good idea I've seen here is to put some valve grinding paste in the head of the screw before you insert the impact screwdriver. This helps lock the driver bit into the screw and reduces slippage.

I also like to give the screw a quick tweak to tighten it before trying to loosen it. Strange but it seems to get it moving. If possible I like to use a well-fitting T-handle screwdriver so I can feel what's happening.

Good luck!

G

Mike Mullins · Post by **Mike Mullins** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:17 am

This is something that works quite well a lot of the time. Its an old gunsmith trick. Heat the area and apply beeswax ( candle wax is supposed to work also) to the screw heads. It must be warm enough to melt the wax and let it flow easily. May take a couple of applications to get it to migrate to the threads. Then give it a try. I've used it to unstick some pretty resistant threads, and it wont hurt anything.
Mikeyrx

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 9:21 am

Put only the impact bit in the screw head, and give it a sharp blow with a hammer. Then use the impact driver. This works almost every time, with all bolts!

Davo

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 9:57 am

Drill the heads off. Use 2 bits, one smaller than the diameter of the threaded portion of the screw and one about the same. Drill down through the head with the smaller bit. Chuck up the larger one, run it in the hole on the heads pop right off. Takes 30-60 seconds a screw. Once the heads are off you can usually unscrew what is left in the hole with your fingers once you remove the cover.

LOUD MOUSE · Post by **LOUD MOUSE** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:11 am

Didn't he want to save the original screws?????????????. .....lm

Hahnda wrote:Drill the heads off. Use 2 bits, one smaller than the diameter of the threaded portion of the screw and one about the same. Drill down through the head with the smaller bit. Chuck up the larger one, run it in the hole on the heads pop right off. Takes 30-60 seconds a screw. Once the heads are off you can usually unscrew what is left in the hole with your fingers once you remove the cover.