I need to replace my wrought iron security door.....i can't unscrew the bolts securing the frame to the wood?

Question

help.....i am a girl trying to do things myself.......:) thanku!

Answer 1

Did you check that those bolts have a standard head on them? Sometimes security ones have odd heads that will mean you need to get a unique driver bit. They do that so that a burglar doesn't just come along and unscrew it and toss it aside.

If you don't see either a hex type head, a straight slot, or an x-shaped slot then you could take a photo of it and bring it into the hardware store to get a driver bit that matches it.

As far as muscle power if you have the right tools you can out- muscle anything using a variable speed drill or a correct size wrench.

Answer 2

Why can't you unscrew them?  Are they stripped?  Are they too hard to turn?  Are they rusted in place?  Each has its own solution.

If they are stripped, use a drill and a bit the same size as the head.  Drill the head off of each s***w and remove the door.  Then you can use a pair of Vise Grips to remove the screws.

If they are too hard to turn, you can try a drill with a bit holder.  Use one with a side handle to give you some extra leverage.  

Is it rusted in place?  Spray with penetrating oil, let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, and try to remove it again.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Answer 3

use a hacksaw to cut a slot across the head of the bolt deep enough to accept a flat blade screwdriver then unscrew the bolt, hope this helps !

Answer 4

If you have a heavy duty drill, it should have the muscle power to unscrew the bolt.  If not, contact the hardware dept at Lowes and see what they suggest.  Good luck.

Answer 5

The right tool for the task. Buy a socket set with a ratchet. They should come out then. Oh,...Lefty loosie - righty tightie.

Answer 6

if they are one way flat screws, cut them off with a grinder or hacksaw, pull the frames and wrench them out with visegrips or pliers.

Answer 7

can you get a hacksaw blade in between the steel and wood if so something like this is what i would use:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/L-K-CATESBY-PRODUC...

if not what do you mean you cant get the bolts out, are they too tight (hit them with a hammer to loosen them) or do they just spin when u turn them and not come out (if so you have to get something like a screwdriver under them between the steel and the bolt to lever them away from the wood as you turn them