Rusty screws

[gary_5067945]

Hi, Does anyone have any ideas how to remove a rusty screw from the rear light cluster on my caravan without cracking the lens.

I cant even get a screwdriver in as the head is completely flat.

Thanks

Gary

 

[Lutz]

Am I understanding you correctly? Has the screw rusted to an extent that rust has filled the slot where the screwdriver goes? If so, you should still be able to scrape the rust away with a sharp pointed tool, maybe a spike or something similar. Rust is usually relatively soft so once you've scraped out all of the loose stuff, the slot where the screwdriver engages should be revealed again.

 

[Steve L]

If all else fails, you could try drilling off the screw head with a drill of about 6mm diameter. Be carefull not to drill the lense. Having removed the lense you can then soak the remainder of the screw with penetrating fluid like plus gas, which is avaiable from most auto accessory shops. Then using a pair of mole grips you should be able to get the rest of the screw out. I'd leave the screw soaking over night and apply a second covering about an hour before trying to remove the screw to give time for the fluid to work.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Gary,

Providing you are successful in removing th old screws, I suggest obtaining stainless steel replacements so they don't rust again.