Tips for removing small screws ?!

pragmatist · 10 Apr 2024

We have lots of cupboard doors with small brass-effect hinges which need replacing - some broken, most rusty. I have successfully got 3 screws out of this small door but the 4th is proving very difficult. The screws appear to be brass but are flat head and very small.

Since I think there are plenty more of these struggles ahead - and I would prefer to get it done this season ! - I wondered if anyone had some tips or suggestions for removing said screws ?

TIA
Penny

Roberto · 10 Apr 2024

Following with interest.
For a number of them I scratched off a little wood all around the remaining piece of headless screw until I could grab it and extract, then filling the remaining giant hole with glue and sawdust, then drill for new stainless steel screws, very time consuming and lots of bad words.

Seashoreman · 10 Apr 2024

In desperation you could lever the hinge near the offending screw with a screwdriver. That would either pull the screw out enough to grab it with pliers etc or if thin metal pull the hinge off the screw head. If done carefully any marks in the wood will be covered by new hinge. Maybe a small claw hammer with a piece of cardboard under it.
I know it sounds brutal but I have done this many times in antique furniture restoration.
Sensibly you could also drill the screw head off and remove the rest of the screw with mole grips?

penberth3 · 10 Apr 2024

pragmatist said:
We have lots of cupboard doors with small brass-effect hinges which need replacing - some broken, most rusty. I have successfully got 3 screws out of this small door but the 4th is proving very difficult. The screws appear to be brass but are flat head and very small.

Since I think there are plenty more of these struggles ahead - and I would prefer to get it done this season ! - I wondered if anyone had some tips or suggestions for removing said screws ?

TIA
Penny

View attachment 175324

A screwdriver that fits perfectly. Clean all paint and rust out of the slot, point of a knife or a scriber. A gentle tap on the head with a pin punch (not your head - the screw head). A bit of penetrating oil might help. Start by tightening very slightly to break the bond.

Having said that, it's always the last one that breaks! Then you're into drilling out the remains, long nose pliers etc., Finally glue and plug the damage and re-drill.

DinghyMan · 10 Apr 2024

Also worth trying a soldering iron on the heads

Humblebee · 10 Apr 2024

Seashoreman said:
In desperation you could lever the hinge near the offending screw with a screwdriver. That would either pull the screw out enough to grab it with pliers etc or if thin metal pull the hinge off the screw head. If done carefully any marks in the wood will be covered by new hinge. Maybe a small claw hammer with a piece of cardboard under it.
I know it sounds brutal but I have done this many times in antique furniture restoration.
Sensibly you could also drill the screw head off and remove the rest of the screw with mole grips?

Probably the easiest way, only I would use a block of wood, not cardboard, less chance of damaging the surrounding timber

scozzy · 10 Apr 2024

gentle use of dremel cutting tool to make groove for screwdriver deeper and cleaner/clearer and more likely to take the turn?

pragmatist · 11 Apr 2024

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'll give them a go and report back.

Refueler · 11 Apr 2024

If brass ... then I would prise the hinges / items off - which usually causes screw head to look like a tulip instead of flat ... once hinge / item is free from that errant screw --- its out with the Molegrips ...

But - I have found that at least half the screws in this situation twist and break off ..... leaving a projection that then needs to be ground back level to the surrounding wood.

I've heard that getting a soldering iron and using that to heat up the screw before use of the Molegrips can help ...

Tips for removing small screws ?!

pragmatist

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penberth3

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