The Ford Barn

SwampLedge · 12-22-2018, 10:24 AM

Most of the fasteners on my 28 RPU have been very cooperative, but the screws for the upper steering column support clamp have destroyed several screwdriver tips without budging. I guess my next step is judicious application of heat after ensuring there’s no gas seepage around the bracket to gas tank connection. If that’s fruitless, I’ll go to the drilling option.

Anyone been through this that can offer any tips, suggestions, or other encouragement? I searched the forum and didn’t find anything on this topic.

TIA,
Jerry

Ted Duke · 12-22-2018, 10:59 AM

I had that problem on my 29 YEARS ago and used a spray, I don't remember the brand, not WD, some kind of break-it-loose spray and after a week or so I finally got one loose. Took longer on the next.

Gary WA · 12-22-2018, 11:08 AM

small impact driver drill with Proper Bit Tip! Open flame by gas tank not for me!!! Better think about that one!!!

SwampLedge · 12-22-2018, 11:47 AM

Thanks, Ted, for the encouragement. I’m a fan of Kroil, but hadn’t used it on this because of the nature of the joint. It’s “soaking” now.

And Gary, I was serious about my use of the word “judicious”.

If I use heat, I’ll start with a hot air gun, not the rosebud. But, first, I have reground a tip to fit snugly in the screw slots and will try that after the Kroil has a chance to creep in.

Jerry

Y-Blockhead · 12-22-2018, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary WA

small impact driver drill with Proper Bit Tip! Open flame by gas tank not for me!!! Better think about that one!!!

I'm with gary. I would try an Impact Driver with the proper fitting bit. The impact from the driver helps to break loose the fastener while turning it a the same time.

I have broken loose plenty of stuborn screws with my Impact Driver that I could not get out otherwise. Mine is similar to the one in this ad (not mine) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Too...nPf:rk:13:pf:0

redmodelt · 12-22-2018, 01:10 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If it is being suggested to use a hammer hit type impact, my OP, the bracket to gas tank is iffy enough from years of pulling on it to get in. I would go with the penetrating fluid and use something like a 1/4" ratchet pulled evenly till the screw comes loose.

Grinding a bit to fit, good idea. Hot air gun is no different then an open flame, it has a heating element that could ignite any fumes from the tank. Sorta like using a vacuum cleaner to pull gas from the tank!

jw hash · 12-22-2018, 01:20 PM

if the impact driver does not work, take a hack saw and cut the lower bracket and the head of the screw off from the side. you will end up with about 3/8" of the screw sticking out, then you can use some vise grips on them. if you have good gas in the tank I would not chance heat.

SwampLedge · 12-22-2018, 02:17 PM

Thanks all. Both screws are out. After about 90 minutes of Kroil, my “fitted bit” in my impact wrench at a very low setting for about 30 seconds per screw had each turning!
All this happened at 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Jerry

Gary WA · 12-22-2018, 04:52 PM

Thanks for the Update. Merry Christmas

Brentwood Bob · 12-22-2018, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the feedback.
Kroil is good.

12-22-2018, 10:24 AM	#1
SwampLedge Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 40	Removing Steering Column Clamp Screws Most of the fasteners on my 28 RPU have been very cooperative, but the screws for the upper steering column support clamp have destroyed several screwdriver tips without budging. I guess my next step is judicious application of heat after ensuring there’s no gas seepage around the bracket to gas tank connection. If that’s fruitless, I’ll go to the drilling option. Anyone been through this that can offer any tips, suggestions, or other encouragement? I searched the forum and didn’t find anything on this topic. TIA, Jerry

12-22-2018, 10:59 AM	#2
Ted Duke Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fairfield, Virginia Posts: 615	Re: Removing Steering Column Clamp Screws I had that problem on my 29 YEARS ago and used a spray, I don't remember the brand, not WD, some kind of break-it-loose spray and after a week or so I finally got one loose. Took longer on the next.

12-22-2018, 11:47 AM	#4
SwampLedge Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 40	Re: Removing Steering Column Clamp Screws Thanks, Ted, for the encouragement. I’m a fan of Kroil, but hadn’t used it on this because of the nature of the joint. It’s “soaking” now. And Gary, I was serious about my use of the word “judicious”. If I use heat, I’ll start with a hot air gun, not the rosebud. But, first, I have reground a tip to fit snugly in the screw slots and will try that after the Kroil has a chance to creep in. Jerry Last edited by SwampLedge; 12-22-2018 at 11:48 AM. Reason: Had to fix a stupid autocorrect

12-22-2018, 01:10 PM	#6
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: Removing Steering Column Clamp Screws Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If it is being suggested to use a hammer hit type impact, my OP, the bracket to gas tank is iffy enough from years of pulling on it to get in. I would go with the penetrating fluid and use something like a 1/4" ratchet pulled evenly till the screw comes loose. Grinding a bit to fit, good idea. Hot air gun is no different then an open flame, it has a heating element that could ignite any fumes from the tank. Sorta like using a vacuum cleaner to pull gas from the tank! __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

12-22-2018, 01:20 PM	#7
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,552	Re: Removing Steering Column Clamp Screws if the impact driver does not work, take a hack saw and cut the lower bracket and the head of the screw off from the side. you will end up with about 3/8" of the screw sticking out, then you can use some vise grips on them. if you have good gas in the tank I would not chance heat.

12-22-2018, 02:17 PM	#8
SwampLedge Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 40	Re: Removing Steering Column Clamp Screws Thanks all. Both screws are out. After about 90 minutes of Kroil, my “fitted bit” in my impact wrench at a very low setting for about 30 seconds per screw had each turning! All this happened at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Jerry

12-22-2018, 05:02 PM	#10
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,241	Re: Removing Steering Column Clamp Screws Thanks for the feedback. Kroil is good.