Screwed or Unscrewed, that is the question

[Nikolina]

Hello all,
I have an older Islander 32 that I'm working on this winter, for my big trip next summer. I'm in the process of removing hardware etc... from the decks. I'm also removing the sail tracks from the cap rails for sanding and refinishing. About 35 screws on each side (number 12 or 14) and not having much luck. Besides hitting the head of the screwdriver with a mallet is there some trick that anyones tried that might loosen the screws. Also the two that I did manage to loosen, broke off!
On the other side, if I end up breaking all the screws off is there any problem moving the sail track a couple inches when I go to re-install it.
Thanks
Nikolina

[Target9000]

On the W32 where there the track is on the caprails it is almost standard operating procedure to drill off the heads of the bolts then reinstall the track an inch or so either forward or back.

[TheOffice]

Try some PB Blaster. The screws and track may be corroded. Spray and wait several hours. I'll put a vise grip on the screwdriver shaft and press down with one hand and turn with the other. Leverage is a wonderful tool.

[roverhi]

Use an impact driver. Just did the cap rail removal on my boat. Had a bear of a time getting the fasteners out using a screwdriver, both electric and manual. Remembered I had a 12v impact driver and began using that. WOW, fasteners that we couldn't budge suddenly came free and no more twisted off heads. http://www.milwaukeetool.com/tools/c...driver/2450-22

[bobconnie]

Theres an automotive Impact Screw Driver that will help ya out a bunch ! Use the PB Blaster, then the Impact driver and most will come out ! just a thought

[Boracay]

I've used a long screwdriver and a propane torch on some less than cooperative screws. I put the screwdriver in the notch of the screw and then get it nice and hot with the torch, then try and turn it.

Caution: Don't try this at home. Burns can result. Don't ask.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by roverhi

Use an impact driver....

+1. I have an old Craftsman mechanical impact driver which I have literally owned since I was about 12 years old (I'm 52 now). I don't use it often, but sure is effective when I need it.

If it won't loosen with some combination of the impact driver, PB blaster or other penetrating oil, heating/cooling...then it's time to drill or cut it out.

[Blue Stocking]

No owner of an older boat should be without an old style brace and bits tool package.
Allows you to put your weight directly over the screw slot, tighten down 1/8 of a turn, then slowly back out the screw.
Impact drivers will break the screws 9 out 10 times. IMO, that is.

[Nikolina]

Thanks To All,
Back from work, will be trying most of the techniques mentioned, except maybe the propane torch one (when I was a kid I burned done a vacant barn at the end of our road playing with matches). I do have an old boat and I also have a old style brace and bit! Not to mention somewhere I know there's a impact driver.
Thanks again Nikolina
Will let you know the results

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

No owner of an older boat should be without an old style brace and bits tool package.
Allows you to put your weight directly over the screw slot, tighten down 1/8 of a turn, then slowly back out the screw.
Impact drivers will break the screws 9 out 10 times. IMO, that is.

I really like this idea. I can't think of an easier way to put pressure on the screw head and turn the bit at the same time and only takes one person and two hands.

Only negative, it seems like a lot of the time I have a stuck screw they're back in some tight little corner where a brace and bit would not reach.

[Nikolina]

Here's what's working, the "standard procedure" method. After about 20 minutes of loosening and twisting the heads off four screws I decided to try drilling them out seeing how at this point I was going to have to move the track anyhow. It took me about 15 minutes to drill the heads off the remaining 31 screws. So far I'm seeing progress for the time spent! Thanks again to everyone for your input.
Nikolina