15 replies to this topic

[JZG88]

Hi, I've got a very aggravating problem... and It's this rusty screw, that I can't unscrew. It's my vent screws, I've tried for the past weeks. Sprayed penetrating oil, but it won't budge. It's at an angle so that's majority of the problem. I want to remove it because my vent won't close when you turn the knob in the center. Any advice would be great, thanks...

 

 

[rally515]

I,ve never been able to un-do these little buggers, my option was a grider considering i was welding a plate in place of the air vent system but giving it a soak for a few days is your only option other than mole grips and drilling it out

[Craig89]

+1 for mole grips if you have access

[OhDear]

lol. some people give up to easy.  find a nice fitting screw driver to the screw   hit it gentle with a hammer in a clock wise position for a few seconds then anti clock wise still hitting it with a hammer..    like  the Dr said to lightning  mcqueen  you got to go right before you can go left

[Barman]

I ground mine off in the end...

 

Then I glued the replacement fitting over the screw stubs that remained...

[Twincam]

Doubt you've got enough space for an impact driver - if you could use one, you'd probably shear it off anyhow. I'd try my luck with mole grips, working it left and right. If it shears, either drill it out or you could bodge it.

[Dan]

  The vent comes out of the base you know.  If you really want to remove the base from the car then it's easier to get at the screws (and you have no need to try to drive them at an angle, destroying the head) if you remove the vent.  But if you just want the vent out leave the base alone.  Twist the vent about 1/4" anti-clockwise, it's in a bayonet fitting.

[Tamworthbay]

Screwdrivers with a hex section by the handle really help. That way you can push the screwdriver into the screw whilst using a spanner to turn it. Also try halfords 'shock and unlock' spray, it has worked wonders for me on stubborn rusty fixings.

[minimaxie]

For those pesky rusty screws and bolts, I use a good soaking of Plus Gas on them. Depending on the amount you put on will determine how long you should let it soak, but I always leave it about half a day for some of the jobs, and just try and get on with other stuff in the meantime. They recommend you let it soak on, then try to tighten the bolt to break the rust off, then undo. Always works for me, much better than standard penetrating spray

[jaydee]

remove the vent to get access, put a rubber bend between the screw and the driver and undo them

[JZG88]

  The vent comes out of the base you know.  If you really want to remove the base from the car then it's easier to get at the screws (and you have no need to try to drive them at an angle, destroying the head) if you remove the vent.  But if you just want the vent out leave the base alone.  Twist the vent about 1/4" anti-clockwise, it's in a bayonet fitting.

 

Thanks man, never would have know that... One more question does the face of the vent come off. I tried twisting it off, but no luck.

 

 

[JZG88]

Thanks, to everyone for your advice it was much appreciated.

[Dan]

  I've never successfully got the front part of one of these off, they are very tight.  I think they might be glued when they are twisted together.

[Captain Mainwaring]

  I've never successfully got the front part of one of these off, they are very tight.  I think they might be glued when they are twisted together.

 

Dip 'em in hot water - it worked for me.

[Vipernoir]

I've never managed to get all four screws out successfully - at least one has always required drilling.