Stubborn screws - how to get them out?

[Emma&Al]

Im trying to get 2 screws out that look like they've not moved in years..not only that, they been vaguely painted over too.
I want to fit my new wing mirrors - passengers side fine, drivers side has not movement!
I don't have an industrial screw driver (I don't think thats technically the right term for it!)...is there any hope for me?!

Please help!

[Ian Hulley]

Don't try to do it until you have the proper tools ... you'll end up either hurting yourself or (more important financially) damaging the paintwork.

Ian

[Winchweight]

Soak them in Plus Gas or similar. Try tightening them a bit to break the rust seal. Use the right tool.

[Ian Hulley]

If I recall they are #3 Pozi heads ..... I have a set of bits with a special ratchet spanner for just such a job

You can try WD on them for an hour then try again but be careful of the paintwork.

[CJH]

An impact driver maybe? My cheapo impact driver is one of my favourite tools - it makes sure the bit is being pushed hard into the top of the screw at the exact moment it's needed, and it gives a very large turning force. As said, use it before you chew the head of the screw. Only problem in this case might be that the door skin might not provide a solid enough base.

[boatbuilder]

Impact driver is the way to go...

[a1winchester]

A ratchet spanner with the correct drive head fitted will usually do the job, but you have to keep it all nice and square, and push the head well into the screw as you turn it. - otherwise you may mangle the screw head and will have to drill it out.

Another option if you don't have the ratchet spanner is to use a large (correct size) screwdriver, and put a spanner onto either the handle or blade (Mole grips or an adjustable spanner are probably best). Again, apply pressure into the screw head, then turn the spanner.

In both of the above, you get a lot more leverage from the spanner than by trying to turn just the screwdriver.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have the right screwdriver bit - otherwise it will all end in tears!

[greasemonkey]

I'd also try a touch a touch of heat if it's really seized. I use a micro blowtorch (the ones used for kitchen stuff) to heat the screw/bolt head and obviously be careful of surrounding area.

Then squirt more release spray into it and tap gently with a hammer on the back of the screwdriver. It all helps to break the surfaces and hopefully allow it to separate.

If all else fails you may have to resort to drilling the screw head off etc, but hopefully it won't come to that.

[Emma&Al]

Thanks everyone!
Someone is going to lend me an impact screwdriver but apparently its an 'old fashioned' one....
Not until Thursday though!

[bluebus1987]

I've found electric impact screwdrivers brilliant at getting stuck stuff out, even surprisingly big bolts with the correct bits.

[keynsham1]

I have a set of 'bits' for flat and cross head screws also star drive and hex head screws. I was amazed at how many different types and sizes of cross heads there actually are. Usually we all have one flat and one cross head screwdriver and expect them to work with all fasteners. They don't though. I would recommend that the first thing to do apart from a good few days soaking with penetrating oil, is make sure you have the right screwdriver end for the screw. It makes all the difference!

[kevtherev]

Thanks everyone!
Someone is going to lend me an impact screwdriver but apparently its an 'old fashioned' one....
Not until Thursday though!

Then go to Halfords and buy some proper tools
Makes the jobs so much more enjoyable.
Better than fretting about jobs, the right tools make it easy.

I fear the worst here impact driver+hammer+ a swing and a miss = a post in bodywork

[Ian Hulley]

Don't try to use the old heavy duty impact driver ... they really won't be that tight and with the mirror in the way there's plenty of scope for Captain "cock"-up to pay a visit.

Ian

[Emma&Al]

Right...im guessing that the an old tool equates to disaster?
Might have to go and buy myself one then - looks like another trip to ScrewFix...Im really liking it there!

[lefty67]

I notice your in Hastings and you have a eurocarparts there. Go and get a tin of Normfest super-crack, similar to plus gas, yet to find anything this stuff can't shift.