Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Jul 13, 2006 02:46pm | #1

   If they're as soft as you say, maybe a nail set will drive them below the surface of the wood.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
2. 
   EdHarrow | Jul 13, 2006 02:53pm | #2

   Get a roll pin with an ID about the size (a little smaller is good) of the OD of the screw.  With a triangular file, file a notch in the end of the pin at the split.  Chuck the pin in a drill, the modified end out.  Set it over the bit of screw left above the surface.  Press against the wood and pull the trigger (drill in reverse).  That will remove the screw and leave a slightly enlarge hole.

1. 
   DougF | Jul 13, 2006 04:37pm | #3

   Please excuse my ignorance but what is a "roll pin."

1. 
   Floss | Jul 13, 2006 04:54pm | #4

   Here.

1. 
   DougF | Jul 13, 2006 04:58pm | #5

   Thanks. 

2. 
   cowtown | Jul 15, 2006 06:14am | #12

   what a freaking good idea.Eric

3. 
   JMartinsky | Jul 17, 2006 05:21am | #15

   Been breaking screws for 20 years and never heard that one! Great tip!Thanks,John

1. 
   cscwem | Jul 18, 2006 10:23pm | #16

   geez john, color me disappointed...i figured you'd have a story about how you install hinge screws with ram-set cartridges, a pair of pliers and a ball peen hammer....

1. 
   JMartinsky | Jul 18, 2006 11:25pm | #17

   NOW C'MON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have this old steam shovel with wrecking ball jammed in the bucket, a little pressure from that ......................................................John(Very Funny)

3. 
   scott345 | Jul 13, 2006 07:02pm | #6

   Man, I can relate to this... I recently vowed never to use the screws that come with the hinges again. Maybe I'm not buying the right products but it really does seem that alot of the screws that come with hinges, sliders, etc. couldn't be any softer if they were made of wax. 

4. 
   Piccioni | Jul 13, 2006 09:42pm | #7

   Hmm Well if the hinges are going to cover the screws I'd trace a pencil line 'safe zone' and attach with a Dremel and a coarse sandpaper/grinding ball. It would take a steady have, but if you are really worried drill a hole in a piece of sheet metal and use it to guard the wood.

   I've gotten myself out of all kinds of problems with a Dremel, a steady hand, and patience.

   Of course I'm not endorsing Dremel - any rotary tool would do - especially as it is obscene the stuff Dremel says you can do (plane wood, etc.) with their tools.

1. 
   zbalk | Jul 13, 2006 11:30pm | #8

   Thank you all, very much.  I returned all the hinges today for a refund and "up graded" to what i should have purchased in the first place.

   Ground the tips off and hung the cabs with the new hardware.

   All is now well.   Thanks again.          Zbalk

5. 
   toolmiser | Jul 14, 2006 05:13am | #9

   Sounds like good suggestions as how to remove the screws.  In the future, if you are suspect of the "screws", run in and remove a good quality one of steel, even stainless to "cut" the treads.  It will save you a lot of grief!

1. 
   bigfootnampa | Jul 14, 2006 07:58pm | #10

   BAD idea toolmiser... if the screws are bad you don't want to even try using them... replace them.  Even if you get them in what good would they be?

1. 
   toolmiser | Jul 14, 2006 08:51pm | #11

   How do you replace brass screws and have them look good.  Lots of hardware uses them, and by using a "starter" screw, it takes the risk of twisting off a brass one.  But if they are "cheap junk", you are also right.

1. 
   jazzdogg | Jul 15, 2006 08:07am | #13

   "How do you replace brass screws and have them look good."

   Brass-plated steel doesn't give the headaches of all-too-soft solid brass.

   http://www.mcfeelys.com//index.asp?

   By the way, you can buy a set of screw extractors ready-made if you don't feel like filing teeth in a roll pin:

   http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2354&SearchHandle=DADBDBDJDADADDDGDDGDDEDDDBGCGEDGCNGGDFDBGGCNDEDFDADICNDJDGDHDACNDEDIGGGDGEDBDFGCGCDCGCGCDADADADBDADADADBDFHDGDHCGFHHCAGFHIHEHCGBGDHEGPHCDADADADEDADADADADADADADBDFDADADADBDADADADADADADADADADADADADBDADADADBDFHDGDHCGFHHCAGFHIHEHCGBGDHEGPHCDADADADBDB

    -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

6. 
   Pondfish | Jul 16, 2006 02:49pm | #14

   One thing to consider is never, never using a driver drill to drive in your screws.  Use a  hand screwdriver; on big hinges (4x4 with #12 screws) use an impact driver.  You can still bust a cheap screw putting it in by hand, but it's much less likely.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005