Topic: Screw stuck, impact driver not working

[Justin_NJ]

I have an engine cover case screw that will not budge.  I tried WD-40.  Nothing.  I just bought an impact driver to get it out, but it still hasn't budged.  Any ideas?  Is there a technique to using the impact driver?  I'm getting close to stripping the screw. 

Thanks.

[jotor]

First, turn the tool end of the driver counterclockwise so it doesn't move when you turn the driver to loosen.

Second, hold some ccw tension on the driver when you smack it.

Third, usually works better with a small smack from a big hammer rather than a big smack from a small hammer.

Fourth, if the screw head is too boogerd up, you can sometimes hacksaw a slot in it and use a straight bit instead of phillips.

Other option is to try to grab the screw head with a small vice grip to loosen.

Or you can drill the head of the screw off and vice grip it out after the cover is off.

Fun, huh?

[pmpski_1]

The first time I used the impact driver it broke the screw loose with 2 whacks. The next screw didn't budge. Or so I thought. I kept beating on it and finally it broke loose. Keep trying for a while and see if it'll break.

[oldbiker]

If all else fails and you strip the head of the screw, a centre punch held at an angle as close to the edge of the screw as you can get will usually move the very worst of stuck screws with a good whack from a hammer.

[bryanj]

Take just the screwdriver bit and put it into the screw head and hit the flat end in with a hammer. This will make the bit fit the screw better and "jar" the screw before trying to twist it with the body part of the impact driver.

[heffay]

If all else fails and you strip the head of the screw, a centre punch held at an angle as close to the edge of the screw as you can get will usually move the very worst of stuck screws with a good whack from a hammer.

please post a pic of what angle you are talking about

[the_genrl]

oldbiker discribed the method that ive had most luck with.  looking at the screw, put the punch on the left side of the head.   now move the base, the part of the chisel you hit, "up" until you have about 45-60ish degrees from the stright on to the head.  keep angle about 45 or less until it starts to dig, then move to 60ish to losen the bolt.   just imagine hitting the left side of the bolt to get it to unscrew. 

Justin_NJ, where in NJ are you?  I'm exit 28 on I-295 South or exit 3 on I-95 (turnpike).

[huili]

Well when I stripped my screws I bought a set of those sockets with counter spirals that loosen srtipped nuts. I used the one that was just a little smaller then the screw head with a socket wrench and it worked great.  The counter spirals grab on to the screw head and gets better grip the tighter the stuck screw. The a set of 6 of those sockets where you can find at any chain hardware store were 10 dollars U.S. and you can reuse them.   

[retrogrrl]

I agree with Huili ... get these reversing screw things (YES that IS the techincal name... sheesh, these motorcyclie types ok, seriously, I have no idea what they are called). Nevertheless, I got a set and will never regret it, got the screws out so easily I was shocked.

Mine were more pricey.. but have a lifetime warranty.

Good luck!

[jotor]

"No project should ever be started without first buying a new tool.  If it's beneficial, even better."

From jotor's small book of wisdom.

[Justin_NJ]

Thanks for the tips - I used a wood chisel of all things and hit the screw at an angle with a hammer and I think that dislodged it a bit.  Then I used a regular screwdriver with all my might and it finally came loose.

I am NOT putting the phillips head screws back in again.  Does anyone know what size CB550 crankcase screws are so that I can replace them with allen heads?   

[pmpski_1]

I'm about ready to put the screws back in as well. Is there something that they should be dressed with? Anti-sieze compound or such?

Thanks!

[jotor]

I'm about ready to put the screws back in as well. Is there something that they should be dressed with? Anti-sieze compound or such?

Thanks!

Yes.  I like the NAPA stuff with nickel in it.  Kinda silvery color.  Copper type is also available.

Use it anytime you screw a bolt into aluminum.  I also use it on exaust gaskets and anyplace rust might form on steel fasteners.

And, if you use some when installing a radiator hose it will be a whole lot easier to get off the next time.

[sounddoc]

regarding hex replacement bolts, check out CRC2 online  i just bought a replacement set literally 3 hours ago for my 75 750F after stripping out a few of the clutch cover screws while replacing the springs. here's a link:

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/

look under motor parts : Allen Type Motor Cover Bolt Kits. it seems they have all the CBs covered. good luck!

-pete