Author Topic: Help removing broken screws from gas tank.  (Read 878 times)

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Offline Magpie

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Help removing broken screws from gas tank.
« on: May 10, 2012, 12:22:10 PM »
Hi! Before I make a mess of this I though I better ask for help. There are 3 screws in the bottom of my 1964 Benly tank that have broken off almost flush with the tank. I need to be careful not to damage the surface of the tank so the tap will sit flush and not leak gas. Done that on a 750 tank already dammit. Any words of wisdom and ideas please and thanks.
Cliff.

Offline Prospect

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Re: Help removing broken screws from gas tank.
« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2012, 01:11:57 PM »
Take a smaller diameter drill and drill through the screw.  Then break in the remaining parts inward.  They should just crumple into the tank which you'll have to fish out later. 
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Offline Magpie

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Re: Help removing broken screws from gas tank.
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2012, 03:23:35 PM »
Thanks, I'll try that tonight! Cliff.

Offline Prospect

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Re: Help removing broken screws from gas tank.
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2012, 04:10:54 PM »
Also, start off by flattening the top of the screw with a dremel otherwise it's very difficult to start drilling. Second, I would drill a pilot guide hole with a 1/4 of the screw diameter drill then about 5/8 of the diameter drill. Then it'll crumble in with little effort.
Current Bikes

1969 CB750  Sandcast #256
1971 CB750K1
1972 CB750K1
1975 CB400F
1975 GL1000 Goldwing
1954 Harley Davidson Panhead
1957 Harley Davidson Panhead

Toronto Canada

Offline Magpie

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Re: Help removing broken screws from gas tank.
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2012, 05:36:30 PM »
Sounds good! Thanks again. Cliff.

Offline Magpie

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Re: Help removing broken screws from gas tank.
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2012, 08:13:26 AM »
Drilled it out. It didn't crumble but I was able to drill and tap it for the 5 mm screws it needed. It was easier than I thiought. I justed started small and worked my way up in drill size. Thanks for your help!! Cliff.