Curtain snap removal nightmare

tank1949

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
1,913
I am now trying to install clear vinyl curtains around my half tower. The previous owners used traditional male snaps that are sheet metal screwed into a 1.5" anodized aluminum frame. Unfortunately, they may have been incorrectly sold bias steel screws and not stainless steel screws. In addition, over time chemical reaction to dissimilar metals have rendered most of the 100 or so installed snaps as being useless. I have replacements that I know are made of SS but I am having difficulties removing the corroded snaps. I have an acetylene torch with a small brazing tip. I applied heat on a couple with no affect of loosening what so ever. If anything, it melted the snap and/or screw head.
My next try at removing the defective heads would be to grind them down with a drimmel device and then try and punch the defective or rusted screw stud back into the 1.5" anodize aluminum. If I don't dislodge or remove the bias steel, I suspect I will get rust stains on my new curtains.
If any boating enthusiasts has a better idea, please advise. I can install new snaps next to the old ones but that will not eliminate rust from getting on the new curtains. HELP!
 

shrew

Lieutenant
Joined
Dec 29, 2006
Messages
1,309
I'd try drilling them out. Let the threaded part fall into the windshield Once the head is seperated from the post the head and snap should fall or 'pop' off. Mine were riveted from the factory and this was the only option.
 

jimmy wise

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
288
take your time and carefully drill off snap and screw head.....drill right next to screw seal it with something and install snap. if you try to drive screw in it will make a mess.
 

no704

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
199
Might try a left handed drill bit, possibly w/ a hammer drill. Good luck.
 
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