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WitchyBug
Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2012
Posts: 34
Location: Everett, WA USA
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 Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2012 6:12 am Post subject: Stripped door screw removal |
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I am trying to get the doors off my bug to repaint them. I have been using an impact wrench (non-air compressor) on the screws. so far about half of them have come loose (with a fair bit of banging on my part), but unfortunately one of them stripped out. I am wondering is it possible to drill the door hinge screw out? because they are in there so tight I am unsure as to how to proceed. any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
thanks!
Mallory |
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baxsie
Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2005
Posts: 606
Location: Eastern Washington State
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| Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2012 7:26 am Post subject: |
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Do you have the correct #4 bit?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=528281
By using that and liberal application of PB Blaster we were able to get 10 out of 12 removed.
The heads on the bottom two eventually stripped, and we ended up drilling them. So far I just used a bit that was about the same diameter as the top of the threads, and went in just far enough that the head came off.
Later I plan to use smaller bits progressively to approach the tapping diameter (slightly smaller than the bottom of the threads) then either try to pick the threads out, make a "self tapping" bolt by cutting a groove in it or just run a tap through.
Picking out the old threads will be difficult and tedious.
The danger of the tap is that it will probably not follow the old threads.
Using a (relatively soft) bolt with a groove cut up its side might follow the old hole threads and dislodge the now-ultra-thin-layer of screw threads.
I'll have to see what works  |
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type241
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 1015
Location: MOSES LAKE, WA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2012 7:56 am Post subject: |
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| Weld a 13mm nut to the head of the screw. The heat helps loosen but then you can use a wrench to undo the door. Done this many times. |
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baxsie
Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2005
Posts: 606
Location: Eastern Washington State
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| Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2012 9:22 am Post subject: |
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| type241 wrote: |
| Weld a 13mm nut to the head of the screw. The heat helps loosen but then you can use a wrench to undo the door. Done this many times. |
FANTASTIC! If only I had known that trick. I thought of heat, but I was only thinking of the torch, and I did not want to ruin the sheet metal.
I now wonder if there is enough stub left to do it. I'll have to look and try welding a nut to the stud. |
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Gary
Person of Interest
Joined: November 01, 2002
Posts: 17069
Location: 127.0.0.1
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type241
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 1015
Location: MOSES LAKE, WA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2012 11:47 am Post subject: |
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| There doesn't need to be a stub. Hold nut in place with pliers and weld the nut through the threaded area. |
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baxsie
Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2005
Posts: 606
Location: Eastern Washington State
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| Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:21 pm Post subject: |
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| type241 wrote: |
| There doesn't need to be a stub. Hold nut in place with pliers and weld the nut through the threaded area. |
I absolutely believe you!
All that was left of these three hinge screws was the end of the bolt after I drilled the head off. I welded the nuts on, and out they came:
What an awesome technique!
_________________
1975 LaGrande Super Beetle Build Log / Farm boy hinge pin puller / Farm Boy Chassis Rotisserie
"I'm not getting older, I'm getting bitter."
Last edited by baxsie on Thu Nov 15, 2012 12:23 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Der Speed Shack
Samba Member
Joined: April 10, 2010
Posts: 164
Location: Fullerton, Ca 92832
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 11:45 am Post subject: |
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| You'll also find that drilling them out with a slightly smaller bit than the threads, the heat from the bit, usually breaks the rust loose and the screw starts driving itself in. As long as you drill in the middle of the screw, no damage to threads |
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