Broken screws
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
Broken screws
I needed to remove the headlight bezels, retaining rings, adjusters, etc. I’m connection with replacing my headlights. Had a few screws break off in the housings. What is the best way to extract? No access to a welder.
I’ve done a helicoil repair before, but that was a large bolt and these are small screws.
I’ve done a helicoil repair before, but that was a large bolt and these are small screws.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 1,821
From: Apple Valley, MN
If you are addressing the screw holes in the stamped steel “buckets” that the headlamps sit (and are retained by the stainless ring), I would soak them with your choice of penetrant (e.g. Pb Blaster, Kroil, Liquid Wrench, etc) for a couple of days then see if you can get a small vice grip on the screw remnant and SLOWLY “rock” the screw back and forth until it breaks free. Do not just spray them once and attempt to turn them. Take your time, and proceed deliberately.
I would recommend you apply the penetrant multiple times on any fastener before attempting to remove. You need to allow the penetrant to work its way into the threads and that doesn’t happen instantaneously.
I would recommend you apply the penetrant multiple times on any fastener before attempting to remove. You need to allow the penetrant to work its way into the threads and that doesn’t happen instantaneously.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 779
From: Persona Non Grata
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have some experience with fasteners that don't want to come out of wood, which may apply here:
- Heat. A soldering iron/gun held on the screw head (or, in this case, remnant)
- Application of your favorite elixir (some recommend bee's wax when things are hot)
- More heat
- Apply turning force first clockwise
- 'Rock' back and forth as 69L88 states
- IF you resort to drill - use left-hand bits
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 178
Likes: 56
From: vancouver
I feel your pain man there's nothing worse then those damn stuck bolts and screws in these vettes. PB blaster works but make sure you have a couple of cans and give it enough time for the oil to soak into the threads. I've found that if the bolt or screw is completely seized (zero give) PB blaster is a waste of time...it'll only clean up the head of the bolt and never hit the threads so you'll have to take other measures. I hear a 50/50 homemade mix of acetone and ATF works very well but I've never tried it yet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 1,821
From: Apple Valley, MN
May want to just pull the “buckets” out and work them on a bench. If you use heat, an acetylene torch will allow to to quickly focus the heat on the offending screw, minimizing the chance for distorting the bucket. You can pack the bucket with a wet towel to minimize heat transfer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
I needed to remove the headlight bezels, retaining rings, adjusters, etc. I’m connection with replacing my headlights. Had a few screws break off in the housings. What is the best way to extract? No access to a welder.
I’ve done a helicoil repair before, but that was a large bolt and these are small screws.
I’ve done a helicoil repair before, but that was a large bolt and these are small screws.
Last edited by kossuth; Feb 13, 2022 at 06:54 PM.
