To: british-cars-pre-war
Subject: removing screws
From: Jack Hardy
Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999

Hi all,
What is the best way to remove rusty wood screws from old wood? The wood screws in my PA's body frame seem to be stuck, I think from rust. I tried to turn 6 or so, only one would move and it felt like it was going to break off.

Thanks

Jack

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999
From: Andy
Subject: RE: removing screws from wood

Try touching the screw head with a red hot poker. The heat will expand the screw which will loosen when it cools. Take reasonable fire precautions.
--
Andy

Andy's Austin Seven Page
WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/MotorCity/4752

I use a large electric soldering iron but something red hot would probably work quicker,

Gary

Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999
To: Gary Thompson, Andy
From: Ian Grace
Subject: RE: removing screws from wood

Gents,

What this actually does is singe the wood a little which then retreats from the screw. The professional coachbuilders do this, and apply considerable heat. The timber beccomes blackend around the hole, but the screw comes out every time. Of course, if you are replacing the timber, the extent of charring is of little consequence.

When you put new screws in - use steel screws - never brass - they are just not strong enough to take the load. You should use plated steel screws of a good diameter and dip them in Waxoyl or similar before you tighten them up. hey will last a lifetime.

Ian Grace