SMALL SCREW REMOVAL - WING ROOT FAIRING ?

[DCarlton]

Any tips for removing these small screws in the trailing edge of the wing root fairing?  Screwdriver won't get it done.  Rivets were used throughout the rest of the fairing.  Not sure why screws were needed in this area.  They could just be cleaned, treated and painted but I'd rather replace them.  Trying to address some of the small stuff.  Thanks! 

[A64Pilot]

If you really want them out take a pair of vise grips and grip the head very firmly and remove them.

Or take a Dremel tool and cut a slot in the head making it a regular screw.

I’d soak them over night with your favorite penetrating oil

Or clean them up and let a sleeping dog lie. Because it’s possible to snap the head off sometimes

 

[DCarlton]

1 hour ago, A64Pilot said:

If you really want them out take a pair of vise grips and grip the head very firmly and remove them.

Or take a Dremel tool and cut a slot in the head making it a regular screw.

I’d soak them over night with your favorite penetrating oil

Or clean them up and let a sleeping dog lie. Because it’s possible to snap the head off sometimes

 

Don't think I'll get a bite with vice grips.  Might try to penetrating oil on one and see if I can get it to move without destroying the head completely.  Your last recommendation is probably the smart one.  

[carusoam]

DC,

Check the area around the fairing… it looks like it may be bubbling from a touch of surface issues…

There is  another thread around here regarding how to get screws out…. Just a few days ago…

new driver bit, special pliers, vice grips, dremel slice, Ajax…

This area is tough to access…

The screws may also be accessible from the back side…. Where there is a ‘speed nut’ or whatever we are calling that device….  
 

So expect to replace some hardware at both ends… and while in there… there may be the opportunity to replace the speed tape that might be original…

@jetdriven posted great pics a while ago on his project in that area…

Best regards,

-a-

[Kelpro999]

You may have these behind your fuselage skin, mine does and I’m currently looking for more replacements. The unique thing about these is a 5/15” open wrench can hold them while working alone.

[KSMooniac]

A very high quality bit like the Wera diamond coated ones should work. You might try a pair of Vampliers too...seriously, look those up and buy a pair.

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[Guest]

2 hours ago, DCarlton said:

Any tips for removing these small screws in the trailing edge of the wing root fairing?  Screwdriver won't get it done.  Rivets were used throughout the rest of the fairing.  Not sure why screws were needed in this area.  They could just be cleaned, treated and painted but I'd rather replace them.  Trying to address some of the small stuff.  Thanks! 

As pointed out above, these screws are held on by those tiny Tinnerman nuts which you’ll have to gain access to in any event otherwise they’ll just fall into the belly.  You can back the nuts off and pull out the screws.

[Jpravi8tor]

I would recommend first watch every YouTube video about removing screws then forget what they said.

1. using a pick or sharp pointed item carefully pick out the paint and rust from the screw head.

2 using the longest appropriate size screwdriver for the screw size place the screwdriver in the screw and tap lightly with a hammer, apply screw paste or similar product to your screwdriver tip ( https://www.lowes.com/pd/DAP-Tank-Bond-Liquid-Grip-0-2-fl-oz-Gel-Hardware-Multipurpose-Adhesive/5000294723?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-pnt-_-ggl-_-LIA_PNT_221_Glue-Adhesives-Caulk-Repair-_-5000294723-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W-EJM6oEA0c4bRa3vCXl7XRG&gclid=CjwKCAjwkaSaBhA4EiwALBgQaObu9B0h1KD8IZQUR3Ii9DxJGiwRDx1_KXIFcrRoekGn1ROwg14w7RoC9hQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds )while putting maximum pressure to engage the driver attempt to break loose.

if the screw won’t break loose use a screw impact driver to attempt to break loose. Eventually you will strip the screw head beyond use and will require to move on to screw extraction techniques ie. left hand drill bits, screw extractors, vampliers screw extractors. There are numerous tools designed to aid in extraction.

3. If and once all these techniques fail you will simply drill the head off the screw with the correct size bit for the screw ( see google for sizing) remove the panel / fairing and remove the remaining screw using vice grip pliers from the front or back side depending on which end is longer.

4. If all else fails call your favorite A&P

 

[carusoam]

Left hand drill bit…

In the event you are thinking about drilling the head off…

The lefty drill bit May grip enough to loosen the screw at the same time….

 

PP thoughts only,

-a-

[DCarlton]

1 hour ago, M20Doc said:

As pointed out above, these screws are held on by those tiny Tinnerman nuts which you’ll have to gain access to in any event otherwise they’ll just fall into the belly.  You can back the nuts off and pull out the screws.

Makes sense that that are backed by something like Tinnermans.  I checked the drawings for the root fairing STC and only found rivets listed.  I'll take a look the next time the belly pan is off (I have the one piece pan with four dozen screws).  Might be able to take a look at the right side though the opening for the retractable step.  Thanks.  

[Guest]

It would take quite a special drill bit to drill a PK screw.  They’re harder than just about any other item used in an airplane.  Grinding the heads off is about the only choice if you can’t back the Tinnerman nut off.

[Mkruger2021]

Drill the head off and if possible use an easy out.....

just my thoughts!

[Marauder]

Before you resort to trying to drill them out, if you can find a screwdriver that fits reasonably well (like a #1 Philips), try using this stuff:



You might also have success with a pair of these:






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[carusoam]

What is the liquid grip?

Some form of thread lock, for the screw head?

Acrylic super glue with a new use…

Reformulated to not permanently stick to the tool…

Best regards,

-a-

[jamesm]

I was getting annoyed  finding loose or missing screws.  So I took out all the screws out of the wing root fairing. Then I nut plated as far as I could. I put in #6-32 machine screws a bit overkill but i need fill the previous screw holes. I put some sealant on fairing to keep the water out. No more lose or missing screws . 

[Kelpro999]

5 minutes ago, jamesm said:

I was getting annoyed  finding loose or missing screws.  So I took out all the screws out of the wing root fairing. Then I nut plated as far as I could. I put in #6-32 machine screws a bit overkill but i need fill the previous screw holes. I put some sealant on fairing to keep the water out. No more lose or missing screws . 

That’s a good idea. I was considering that but some of the screws enter the skin at a slight angle. I thought it might be a problem but I’m going to revisit this issue 

[Marauder]

What is the liquid grip?
Some form of thread lock, for the screw head?
Acrylic super glue with a new use…
Reformulated to not permanently stick to the tool…
Best regards,
-a-

It is a substrate with polyvinyl resins that improves the gripping power of a screwdriver. Doesn’t bond with either the screw or driver, just adds a bit of traction.


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[Pinecone]

I have used Screw Grab (a similar product) for many years.  Great stuff.

Also get it from Amazon.  The same company makes a fantastic soldering paste also.