Removing v tight lock plate screw

Shakethetrees · 30th July 2015, 02:26 PM

Great tip!

I've used this method many times myself, but with a drill press. The most important part to remember is that the screwdriver has to be a perfect fit to prevent slipping, sometime even to the point of reproducing imperfections /distortions. Anything that will give the best purchase. And, lots of penetrating oil, preferably soaking overnight.

JamesKelly · 1st August 2015, 03:05 AM

Best store-bought penetrating oil in the USA is Kroil

Have heard that a better product can be made by mixing automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with acetone.

As I do not care to breate acetone I use just plain ATF & let it soak a few days.

Admire how you do it. Think it a skill beyond me

Shakethetrees · 6th August 2015, 05:21 AM

Another trick that can make a difference is to get a piece of steel or iron roughly the diameter of the screw head you want to remove, long enough to hold with pliers of vise grips. Heat it red hot or hotter if you have a torch, and hold it to the head. This causes the head and shank of the screw to expand slightly. Soak in penetrating oil first and the combination of this gentle heating and oil can shock the threads loose.

Be careful of any wood or delicate metal bits that the heat can damage. I've used this on old military guns with a pretty good success rate.

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30th July 2015, 02:26 PM	#1
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Great tip! I've used this method many times myself, but with a drill press. The most important part to remember is that the screwdriver has to be a perfect fit to prevent slipping, sometime even to the point of reproducing imperfections /distortions. Anything that will give the best purchase. And, lots of penetrating oil, preferably soaking overnight.

1st August 2015, 03:05 AM	#2
JamesKelly Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Michigan, U.S.A. Posts: 108	Best store-bought penetrating oil in the USA is Kroil Have heard that a better product can be made by mixing automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with acetone. As I do not care to breate acetone I use just plain ATF & let it soak a few days. Admire how you do it. Think it a skill beyond me

6th August 2015, 05:21 AM	#3
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Another trick that can make a difference is to get a piece of steel or iron roughly the diameter of the screw head you want to remove, long enough to hold with pliers of vise grips. Heat it red hot or hotter if you have a torch, and hold it to the head. This causes the head and shank of the screw to expand slightly. Soak in penetrating oil first and the combination of this gentle heating and oil can shock the threads loose. Be careful of any wood or delicate metal bits that the heat can damage. I've used this on old military guns with a pretty good success rate.