Screw removal help....

[78Galaxy]

Hey all-

I am restoring a 1978 Galaxy 18' bowrider. I am putting all new hardware on it, but I've run into a hitch. I cannot remove the screws.

Here's what seems to be the problem;

The screws are secured under the fiberglass by nuts that are absolutely rusted solid. What's worse is that I cannot reach most of the nuts at all. Since I managed to remove the hardware without removing the screws (the 30-year-old galvanized hardware literally crumbled away under hand-pressure), there is some 'play' in the screws. I.e., I there is about a half-inch or so of each screw that protrudes from the fiberglass.

How can I removed the screws? I've thought about perhaps sawing the heads of the screws off and letting them drop into the hull, or somehow drilling them out. Any thoughts?

James

P.S. - I'll post pictures of it if needed after I get the boat back from its tune-up.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Screw removal help....

take a piece of laun or metal cut a slot in it, so it will slide around the bolt to be cut, this protects the deck, take a sawzall and cut the bolt. you cannot drill and the bolt will spin.

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: Screw removal help....

Hmmm...that's what a thought. I guess I'll have to buy a saw, then.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Screw removal help....

I'd personally use a metal cutting disk in a grinder, but a sawzall would work too... or a hacksaw, or even a dremel tool with a grinding disc, although that would take a long time.

Erik

 

[Muqwump]

Re: Screw removal help....

I votr for the dremel tool with the cut off disk. You can be very accurate with it and it has many uses later. Remember... whatever tool you decide to use... Wear safety glasses.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Screw removal help....

I say use a drill with a small bit and let it spin if it wants too. Then you can use a easy out at an angle like. Its hard to explain but it can get your hardware off. If you can get even a tiny dimple in a flat head screw you are in buisiness. If they are phillips heads just skip the drilling process and go to town on them.