arm rest help

[71-longbed]

I can't for the life of me .. get my armrest screws in my 71 to break loose .. i've tried all the penatrating oils i have and and nothing will knock er loose

Any suggestion on what i should try next ... i've got another nice arm rest but i dont want to resort to hackin this one up to get to those screws

[matthufham]

i was scratching my head over this the other day. eventually i put the screw driver in, hit the end with a hammer, put the adjustable pliars on the screw driver handle pushed as hard as i could in with one hand and turnd the pliars left with the other hand. eventually it broke loose and i was able to use that method 3 more times on other window screws that were philips.

[lowrider79]

Try to tighten them first, it helps break them loose

[screamin_c102]

Both of thes methods work well.

[junkyarddog67]

Have you tried an impact screwdriver? It is a great help in removing rusted and stuck screws.

[Frizzle Fry]

If all else fails, drill the screws out CAREFULLY.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

I used a #3 phillips screwdriver and hit the end of it with a hammer a couple times and it worked on all four in my '70.

[70 shorty]

I third the hitting the screwdriver with the hammer idea. My buddies dad told me that trick many years ago, and I use it all the time.

[junkyarddog67]

I didn't mean to use just a screwdriver and hammer. This is an impact screwdriver. You hit the end of it with a hammer while holding it on the screw. It applies downward pressure while applying torque as well. They can't be beat for removing stuck screws.

[matthufham]

i did a couple more in the door today, why they use philips i don't know. this time i used a vice grip on the pliars, and that worked for 3/4 of em, and i had to weld a nut onto one but i guess you can't do that for the armrest. also you can't get an impact screwdriver in the armrest hole, or can you, i have the 72 style.

[junkyarddog67]

The black piece on the end that holds the bit comes off. You can insert an extension, just like on a ratchet. Your local auto parts store should have one. Check it out, they are a great thing to have. You will wonder how you got along without one.

[mrein3]

I have a Snap-On, ratcheting screwdriver. I usually get that out when the gorillas with the impact screwdriver are done making noise.

The ratcheting part has nothing to do with the effectivness of the tool. It has a big handle which allows you to put a lot of torque on the stuck screw.

The other nice thing about this tool is that the bits are replaceable. A fresh bit of the correct size, coupled with the big handle, allow me to remove all screws that are "stuck".

And it came with a pack of almost naked lady cards. But then again what Snap-On tool doesn't. Just think how cheap their stuff would cost if they didn't have to pay for all those models.

[71-longbed]

i haven't had any luck ... probaly going to have to drill them out ... i rounded over acouple pair of screwdrivers using channel locks for more torque

[71-longbed]

what size drill bit should i use to get rid of these armrest screws ??

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Probably a 1/8" bit, but you'd have to be REALLY careful!

[mrein3]

Go to google and type in "left hand drill bit".
Pick one from a place you trust.

Nine times out of ten the left handed bit "catches" and turns the screw out for you. Then all you have to do is chase the threads and oil them up good before you replace the screws.

For size pick the size you need for your favorite extractor. If you end up NOT turning the screw out and you need an extractor you're half way home.

[stllookn]

When Bustem and the impact driver don't work (or the other good methods mentioned) since they are really rusted, you can cut them with a hacksaw blade between the arm rest and the door panel. Be very careful...but I have found if they are that rusted the door panel is probably shot too so what the heck. Just use a new blade and lots of WD40 and you can saw the bolt in half. I have done this several times with success. Good luck!