Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Interior Home Improvement (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=171)
-   -   How do you undo old screws that are stuck? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=299620)

  • Jan 7, 2009, 06:12 AM
    Clough

    You've successfully posted some images on another thread of this site, frangipanis.

    Would it be possible for you to post some images of what you're currently dealing with concerning your kitchen cupboards on this thread?

    Thanks!
  • Jan 8, 2009, 03:21 PM
    frangipanis
    2 Attachment(s)

    Here are some photos, Clough :)

    My boyfriend has since tried undoing the screws with no more luck than I had. He's asked me to wait to use his drill as the one we have wouldn't do the job properly. I might leave it with him for now, although I don't mind hearing other suggestions and will look for the kit if necessary.
  • Jan 8, 2009, 06:46 PM
    ballengerb1

    That screw is beyound extraction with a standard screw driver. You could try to cut a new slot cross wise with a hacksaw but that's a pain for each screw. I would still consider using s drill bit smaller than the head but near the size of the threads and just drill out the head.
  • Jan 8, 2009, 10:56 PM
    Clough

    Hi, frangipanis!

    In your second image of what I think you mean in the head of screw, it doesn't look like a regular head of a screw. I'm guessing that it might be a locking fastener for the end of a small rod that goes through the cupboard door or a head that isn't designed for a screwdriver in order to remove it.

    As such, you may need to turn or break it in order to get the knobs off. Based upon what I'm seeing, if it were me, I would try a pair of needle nose pliers and turn or hold the knob at the same time while I tried to turn it or break it.

    Thanks!
  • Jan 8, 2009, 11:04 PM
    Clough
    1 Attachment(s)
    Here is a close-up of the second image that you posted.

    Thanks!
  • Jan 9, 2009, 05:44 AM
    massplumber2008
    1 Attachment(s)
    Hi all..

    Frangi... go purchase a large hardened steel NAIL SET and while you hold the doors firmly have your boyfriend CENTER PUNCH each screw head so it leaves a divit... or you could use a small drill bit to start a divit into the head of the each screw.

    Then can step up a size or two drill bit (1/4" drill bit should do it if centered on screw head) and drill the head off... really is quite fast and simple once you get drill so it will not wobble on screw...see picture below.

    Simply drill deep enough to drill through head, but not into wood door. Once you get the idea, will take 30 seconds on each screw... ;)

    Last idea would be to use a die grinder with a small grinding wheel and simply grind heads off... ;) But be careful and wear safety goggles if go this route.

    Good luck...

    MARK
  • Jan 11, 2009, 04:58 PM
    frangipanis

    Many thanks for all the suggestions.. I'm amazed at how intricate home handyman work is... more - or at least as detailed - as embroidery work. With your ideas in mind, we'll be having another go at it this evening.

    By the way, it's just a straight forward (yet immovable) screw with a washer Clough.
  • Jan 11, 2009, 05:52 PM
    ballengerb1

    OK you could always buy the Billy Mays gadget advertised on TV and also sold at Walgreens. For $19.95 you get 4 screw extractors with 4 drill tips to drill your pilot hole, its called the Grabit. Grabit Pro Screw Extractor 4 Piece - Grab It GrabIt Damaged Bolt Screw Remover Extractor
  • Jan 11, 2009, 06:06 PM
    frangipanis

    That's handy to know... thanks ballenger.
  • Jan 11, 2009, 07:46 PM
    Clough
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frangipanis View Post
    By the way, it's just a straight forward (yet immovable) screw with a washer Clough.

    Thanks for the clarification, frangipanis! That wasn't clear to me, at least not on my computer monitor.
  • Jan 11, 2009, 07:51 PM
    frangipanis
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    Thanks for the clarification, frangipanis! That wasn't clear to me, at least not on my computer monitor.

    No problem, Clough :) Photos can be a bit misleading.
  • Jan 17, 2009, 03:09 PM
    frangipanis

    Finally done.. My boyfriend said to pass on he 'did the blokey thing and used a hammer' (but didn't get his beer).

    I saw the screw removal kit that we kept in mind in case we couldn't get it sorted otherwise... it might be a handy option some other time. Helpful to know these things.
  • Jan 17, 2009, 06:54 PM
    Clough

    So, now that you've finally got them removed, can you see what the problem might have been?

    Thanks!
  • Jan 17, 2009, 08:00 PM
    frangipanis

    Not really, Clough. The handles and screw thread had to be broken off, if that makes sense.

    However, I'm about to change the kitchen sink tap... the handle fell apart yesterday and is leaking a bit. I got a replacement tape and washer a little while ago and will be trying to fix it this afternoon. As well as preparing the dining room walls for painting. It's all good fun :)
  • Jan 18, 2009, 12:43 AM
    Clough

    It does make sense that they had to be broken off if every other attempt failed. But, I'd still like to try to solve the mystery as to what was happening there. Just pure curiosity and a handyman's desire to learn here! :)

    Do you have any images of the now, broken parts? Also, do you also now have holes in the doors where new screws can go?

    I'm looking forward on the other thread for you posting images of what's happening further with your painting!

    Thanks!
  • Jan 18, 2009, 03:03 AM
    frangipanis

    Oohh... I think I threw them away, Clough lol. To satisfy your curiosity, you may have been right earlier on... the screw fitted in to a metal thingy that also had to be broken off. Gosh, that's a terrible explanation, I know. Hope you get the picture.

    On the tap front... someone kindly turned the water off at the main and put a new washer but the new taps I bought don't fit :( :( :( Whyyyyyy is this happening?? I now have a collection of ill-fitting taps, since I had also bought a set for the bathroom that can't be used and a silly little set of taps that look pretty, but are useless :( The taps I bought today for the kitchen sink sit on top of the gadgetry and work the tap; they can easily come off in your hand though as they aren't screwed down into anything. I would start a new thread, only I think I'll take them back along with the old tap and find the right ones!

    Thanks for listening to my household woes lol.

    I've painted the ceiling of the dining room and have been sanding and puttying. I might ask for ideas on decorating... and yes, I'll start a new thread for that. I've taken 'before' photos. My loungeroom is a cluttered mess at the moment... the Christmas tree is still up, amongst the entire contents of the dining room having been transferred to the living room temporarily.

    Oh, and if you're still interested, I bought new door handles for the hallway rooms that look beautiful, but some aren't fitting properly. I've been told to try using detergent on the thread... (big sigh) lol.
  • Jan 18, 2009, 03:10 AM
    frangipanis
    Should have mentioned I did get all the handles fitted on to the kitchen cupboards, mostly using existing screws or new screws trimmed to fit... a few aren't fitting flat against the wood though.. they probably just need to be jiggled or something.
  • Jan 18, 2009, 03:23 AM
    Clough

    What the screws fit into may even have been a type of rivet. Breaking them may have been the only way to get them apart. But, you got them out, and that is the important thing.

    You do know that we have some great folks on this site who are excellent with just about anything in plumbing. So, if you have a question about anything that concerns plumbing, I would suggest posting the question over in the Plumbing forum topic area. I've learned a lot in that forum topic area just by reading some of the threads.

    I'll look forward to before photos from you! Would love to discuss decorating with you!

    Using a lubricant on threads is good! You can also try backing a thread out just a bit to make sure that it's centered.

    Thanks!

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:15 AM.