Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

[alumi numb]

Re: Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

Hi all Around the edge of my grp boat it has an aluminium trim strip. This is held on by LOADS of rusted stainless screws, like one every 5 inches. The heads are no longer any good at all and I would like to find a way to remove the strip without destroying it.

I tried some high quality HSS drill bits, but the the abrasiveness of the rust just ate through them, before I could even get to the steel.

Any ideas?

r.g. may be the only one here on the right track.
what are screws, what do they do?
they are fasteners and in you case are doing a great job of that, a little to good.
phosphoric acid will take care of the rust and nutralize the chemical process.
you may be drinking some right now, cola.
rustmort and picklex are also great ways of dealing with rust and last.
use any of the above products reclean then coat with rustolium "little brush".
clean up the rubber strip, coat with silicon, wipe down then put back on. when i repaint my starcraft islander my answer will be masking tape.

 

[sprintst]

Re: Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

Have a .22 and steady aim?

I took my Ruger 10/22 with target bull barrel out a couple of weeks ago and was knocking the primers out of 12 guage hulls consistently at 50 yards.

Those screws wouldn't stand a chance

 

[cr2k]

Re: Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

One great thing I use for this sort of thing is a set of reverse drill bits.
Often as I am drilling them out the bit will catch and un screw the screw.
A big time saver.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

One great thing I use for this sort of thing is a set of reverse drill bits.
Often as I am drilling them out the bit will catch and un screw the screw.
A big time saver.

uuummmm, if it aint fixable-don't break it.
could be.

 

[madgadget]

Re: Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

I had a little bit more of a thought about this. I.e. Why so many screws. It just occurred to me that it may be, or is quite likely to be what holds the top and bottom half of the boat together, and not just holding on the finishing strip.

 

[madgadget]

Re: Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

Ok so I can confirm that these screws do hold the cap on, and also that the new cobalt drill bits did little more than my last ones, They drill through mild steel like cheese, but hardly touch these screws. I cant believe it. I think I am going to re-assess my options as I cant see myself EVER getting those strips of and removing the cap of this boat, all I want to do is get proper access to the transom to replace it!

 

[SKIBUM1M]

Re: Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

give the craftsman screw outs a try. if that doesnt work try vice grips on the outside of the head of the screws. last resort is to cut the head off with a sawzall between the lip of the cap and the hull.

 

[madgadget]

Re: Removing rusted stainless screws holding a trim strip

Absolutely nothing to grip onto. I'll see if I can find any craftsman type screws outs over here. Failing that then a small hole cutter to go around the screw and completely remove it that way. I have a feeling that may be the 'best' option.