I am replacing my interior doors (12) with new ones including the brass hinges. They are the original ones in an 18 year old house. The doors are removed, but the hinges on the house frame side are stubborn to remove. That is, the wood screws are stuck in there. I believe they are brass and are soft metal-wise. As I try to remove them with the proper size screw driver, the heads start to round off. I stopped then because if I kept trying with more pressure on the screw, the head could be totally rounded off. Or they may break off. How might I remove them without damaging the door frames? Any techniques or tricks of the trade would be appreciated. Some come off easily, but the remainder of them are @@@@%@%*^#!
Thanks:confused:

There is a tool made for removing screws with bad heads. It is called ''easy out''.

U will find it in most hardware stores and tool section of big box stores.

Good luck

Chuck

Bet those screws are filled with paint. Clean out the slots of the screw head before you attempt to remove. If you just put you screwdriver in the screw then tap it lightly with a hammer you usually get enough bite to turn it. But you have to do that before you try to turn it. The screws may be brass but more likely there are brass-plated steel. Brass is just to soft for this application.
The ones you have already mucked up, drill out the heads with a small drill bit then try to remove the shank with a small pair of vise grip pliers. If you can't get the shank out with pliers drill a couple of small holes (1/16") along the side of the screw and remove. Then fill the hole with a plastic anchor or a wooden plug and glue.

Do not attempt to remove with power screwdriver. You could try cutting a new slot in the screw head with a 1/4" chisel then use a flat bladed screwdriver.

Sometimes it's simpler to replace doors with a prehung unit instead of just the door slabs. It can be difficult to line up the hinge mortise of the old jambs and new door.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fixitguy52

I am replacing my interior doors (12) with new ones including the brass hinges. They are the original ones in an 18 year old house. The doors are removed, but the hinges on the house frame side are stubborn to remove. That is, the wood screws are stuck in there. I believe they are brass and are soft metal-wise. As I try to remove them with the proper size screw driver, the heads start to round off. I stopped then because if I kept trying with more pressure on the screw, the head could be totaly rounded off. Or they may break off. How might I remove them without damaging the door frames? Any techniques or tricks of the trade would be appreciated. Some come off easily, but the remainder of them are @@@@%@%*^#!!
Thanks:confused:

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Sorry just noticed the post date

You could try putting a thin flat screwdriver behind the hinge and applying pressure while trying to remove the screws.

Proper door hinge upkeep is important to ensure a pleasant, functional home environment. Additionally, State Farm Insurance even indicates that proper hinges are a vital part of door security and stability, keeping your home safe. Unfortunately, even the best door hinges will need replacement eventually. Removing a door hinge appears complicated at first glance, but the process is not very difficult with two people and some simple tools. Despite being relatively simple, following the proper steps is crucial, because improper hinge removal can cause damage.
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