Impossible screw. Help!!

[Alfredo]

Now it seems to be resolved, but for next time, something like this in a Dremel(copy) might be useful.

 

[Hammare&Spik]

I have 8 more windows, 12 screws in each, so I'll probably need to get one of the suggestions above. Either a dremel as someone suggested or the impact thing seems convenient.

 

[mikethebik]

Removed the hinges from the front door on Sunday, old slotted screws that had been there for 42 years, first tried with a screwdriver but fetched the impact screwdriver after 30 seconds and all the screws came loose immediately. You only need to get them to release the first turn, then it's "just" a matter of unscrewing...

It's important that you have a bit for the impact screwdriver that fits well.

 

[cpalm]

Absolutely fundamental to removing a troublesome track screw is to clean the track of paint residues all the way to the bottom, especially the edges at the bottom of the track. Otherwise, you'll just tear up the track. The level in TS's pictures generally isn't sufficient.

I usually use a screwdriver/bits that ideally fill the entire width of the slot and have a high-quality blade with sharp edges and use it as a "chisel" together with a hammer to clear out the slot. Even the back edge of a Mora knife can be useful. Also, a heat gun is good for softening the paint.

An impact driver or an impact screwdriver is then perfect for loosening the screw. If you manage to refrain from trying to pull it out before the slot is completely cleared, it's often possible to save the screw with the slot intact so that it can be reused.

 

[Hammare&Spik]

Removed hinges from the front door on Sunday, old slotted screws that had been there for 42 years, first tried with a screwdriver but fetched the impact screwdriver after 30 seconds and all the screws came loose immediately.
You just need to get them to release the first turn, then it's "just" a matter of unscrewing...

Absolutely, easy to hit against a strong object. But my old cultural windows? With hand glass? Then you don't dare to be too forceful, unfortunately?
Or have I misunderstood, is it enough with light tapping (impact screwdriver)?

Important to have a bit for the impact screwdriver that fits well.

Removed hinges from the front door on Sunday, old slotted screws that had been there for 42 years, first tried with a screwdriver but fetched the impact screwdriver after 30 seconds and all the screws came loose immediately.
You just need to get them to release the first turn, then it's "just" a matter of unscrewing...

Important to have a bit for the impact screwdriver that fits well.

Impact screwdriver with bit holder, has three possible outcomes according to my experience... Available at Biltema
1. The screw comes loose
2. The screw breaks
3. The slot gets damaged

It has quite an ingenious mechanism, I found a little explanation here [media]

 

[Hammare&Spik]

A bit off topic.. I thought I would restore my beautiful cultural windows. Read up and watched some YouTube videos about puttying, painting, repairing, polishing, etc. Thinking okay, it's quite a bit of work
BANG = 3 hours in and I haven't even gotten the damn screw out of 1 window

 

[Nissens]

I have 8 more windows, 12 screws in each, so I'll probably need to get something from the suggestions above. Either dremel as someone suggested or the impact tool seems convenient

A good tip is to drill a hole in the middle of the screw, maybe about 5mm deep.
The diameter of the hole should be such that an appropriate torx bit has to be hammered in to fit the hole. Maybe T25 or T30 in this case.

Tap in the bit and then unscrew the screw easily.

 

[Hammare&Spik]

A good tip is to drill a hole in the middle of the screw, perhaps about 5mm deep.
The diameter of the hole should be such that a suitable torx bit must be hammered in to fit the hole. Maybe T25 or T30 in this case.


Tap in the bit and then easily unscrew the screw.

Thanks. Never heard of this method before

 

[Nissens]

Thank you. Never heard of this method before

It is really good, can also work on broken screws sometimes.

 

[cpalm]

A good tip is to drill a hole in the center of the screw, maybe about 5mm deep.

It is a great method in many contexts, but with the dimensions of the screw relevant here, you will have drilled away the entire head if you drill 5 mm deep.

 

[Nissens]

It's a super good method in many contexts, but with the dimensions of the screw in question here, you would have drilled away the entire head if you drill 5 mm deep.

No, then you've used a drill that's too coarse.

The drill should not be thicker than the screw...

 

[cpalm]

No, then you have used too coarse a drill.
The drill should not be thicker than the screw, after all…

Exactly, and it gets a bit tricky with the current screw dimensions, i.e. about 5 mm.
Then I would at most drill with 3 mm and it becomes a bit fiddly.

 

[Nissens]

No exactly, and it becomes a bit tricky with the current screw dimensions, i.e., about 5 mm. At most, I would drill with 3 mm, and that gets a bit fiddly.

We are all different, I am convinced it would work with torx. There are torx in many dimensions.

 

[fribygg]

We are all different, I am convinced that it would work with torx. There are torx in many dimensions.

Torx usually works on a single screw, if you need to remove many, maybe a 'grispitt' is better?

 

[Alfredo]

Torx usually works on a single screw, if you're going to remove many, perhaps a 'grispitt' is better?

And before anyone calls the animal protection agency, a picture might clarify for the possibly uninitiated.