Hinge screws

[nobrakes]

Anyone know where I can find a screwdriver bit to fit the hinge screws ? I bought a 3/8 butterfly impact wrench but can't find a bit anywhere.
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If your not workin or cleanin your not looking hard enough.

[7thing3]

I went to a Sears Hardware store and bought the biggest bit they had (I can't remember the size) that fit into a standard 3/8 socket wrench. Still would not budge. I finally used an extractor bit--it came out but of course it chewed it all up. I was putting a mirror hinge on before I had it painted so I didn't care if the screw got damaged, I just used another and it was painted over.

Bob Vila
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'73 Thing--Ted
'77 Super Beetle Convertible
'87 Vanagon GL Syncro
'84 Mercedes 280 CE

[edgy]

I have a 1/2 drive impact wrench that you hit with a hammer. I use a #4 phillips bit. THey have always come and and do not strip out.

[nthang]

I like Sears, too, for tools. Those are the same screws as on the hood and deck lid hinges, I think. Of course use a penetrant. Try using some propane heat on the hinge and tapping it (an educated whack) before removal. I used a bigassed philips screwdriver with a pair of kingsized vise-grips, leaning into it. No problems.

Mike Basso at Things Unlimited with send you all the stock screws that you need for nothing: http://www.thingsunlimited.net/ .
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NTHANG, LLC

[nobrakes]

I checked Sears again and they have a 3/8 drive #4 bit, funny last month I looked at every page on their website with no luck.

Thanks guys.
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If your not workin or cleanin your not looking hard enough.

[bljones]

I use a big honkin' Husky #4 phillips screwdriver- it's got a hex on the shaft just below the handle, so I slide a box end wrench on it, and as nthang said, lean into it, and slowwwly twist... after liberally spraying with PB Blaster for a day beforehand. I don't like impact drivers for this stuff- the metal of the screws is too soft, and dollars to donuts, you'll bugger 'em up, or worse, walk your impact driver across the bodywork.
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OG JHC
Author of Original Rant #1
"It stingd itself to dead... now that is control on you"

2%

[edgy]

Good point, while I have an impact driver, I don't actually hit it when loosening the screws in the hinges!

[nobrakes]

Well the 3/8 butterfly impact and Sears #4 bit worked fantastic, the screws came right out and the screws themselves don't have a mark on them. This is the best way to remove the screws IMHO.
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If your not workin or cleanin your not looking hard enough.

[Chris181Westy]

I need to do this as well. I have not done so out of fear of stripping the screws. But a #4bit you say, I need to go get one! The studs on my door hinges are wore out. My doors don't close worth a crap. I have replacements to install just need to sack up and do it.
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"So we went for a spin in the country
To feel the wind in our hair
To feel the power of my engine
To feel the thrill of desire"
Roger Waters, The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking

[7thing3]

Maybe you want to tape some thick cardboard or something around the hinge just in case you slip.
_________________
'73 Thing--Ted
'77 Super Beetle Convertible
'87 Vanagon GL Syncro
'84 Mercedes 280 CE

[nobrakes]

The cardboard would be good insurance but the 3/8 butterfly is very easy to control, I didn't notice any tendency to jump out of the screw but if I had nice paint I might protect it just in case.
_________________
If your not workin or cleanin your not looking hard enough.