Screws
No matter what your restoration project is, we have the screws to get the final look and feel just right. Our selection of antique reproductions screws includes every kind and style perfect for restoring your home or mini project. We specialise in assisting tradespeople and home DIY-ers with the types of screws – from pan head to batten and everything in between - they need from some of the most popular architectural and design periods throughout Australia. Search for Federation style screws as well as popular Art Deco and mid-century styles. Our screws are available in a range of materials including antique brass and antique copper, matte back, satin brass and polished brass, as well as satin chrome. When you the right screw to do the job properly you need RestorationOnline.
As well screws, we have a complete range of vintage inspired and antique reproduction window hardware, door hardware, locks and latches as well as general hardware and furniture hardware. Whatever size job you have ahead of you, we’ll help you find the perfect door stops and sash window lifts that you need.
How to remove a stripped screw?
A stripped screw is a screw that you can’t use a screwdriver or drill to remove on its own. Normally it happens because the wrong tool was used to try to remove it in the first place or the wrong size bit was used, and the haste and speed by the remover has led to the screwhead being stripped of its grip. It’s very common in older screws, especially if they have been painted over a few times.
There are a few different ways of the approaching the problem and the first is the simplest: using a rubber band. Sometimes the stripped screw is unable to retain any grip for the screwdriver or drill bit to do its work. By covering the screwdriver with a rubber band, you can sometimes generate just enough grip to prevent the screwdriver from sliding around. When choosing your rubber band, opt for a wide one as the wider the band, the more surface area it has to help you generate the grip you need.
For screws not completely flush with whatever you need to remove it from, you can use a drill to actually gently back it out. Open the chuck of the drill and place it over the screw head and then tighten the chuck so it grips the screw tightly. Set the drill to reverse and then very slowly back the screw out. Don’t go fast as you may strip the chuck as well. This also works on bolts.
Using a rotary tool, you can also cut a notch in the stripped screwhead to turn it from a hex screw to a flathead and then use a flathead screwdriver or drill bit to back the screw out slowly.
For screws deeply embedded in wood like decking screws, you can use a plug cutter attachment on your drill to remove the material from above and around the stripped screw. This might be enough to gain access to the screwhead itself and, if it’s not, then engage any of the other methods we’ve outlined here to finish the job off.
How to use a screw extractor
For the very stubborn screws you can’t shift at all and which have been completely stripped, there is special screw extractor tool that you can purchase for your electric drill. Extractors are made so that the thread is against that of the screw. Simply select the rise size extractor – which should fit snugly into the stripped screwhead – and then gently reverse the screw back out. If you’re not sure where the extractors are kept at your local hardware store, head to the electric drill section and flag a customer service representative down to point you in the right direction.
When you choose to shop online with Restoration Online, you’re shopping with a team of experts who have over 40 years of building and restoration experience. If you are looking for a particular style of screws, then please feel free to get in contact with us and we can point you in the direction of exactly what you’re looking for. If we don’t seem to have it, then we can usually arrange for modifications to our existing stock or, at the very least, ensure you have the details of a specialist stockist who does have what you’re looking for. It’s all part of our service.
We also screen every order that we send out for accuracy, including making sure that you have ordered everything you need to complete your installation in the right materials and style. For example, if you’re purchasing new screws, but we note that not all of your pieces are of the same design or type and it seems out of place, then we’ll get in touch with you. Our screening process is a quick once over on your total order ensuring that you haven’t accidentally ordered something of the wrong size or type. If we do flag anything then we’ll let you know as soon as possible, saving you time spent receiving the wrong item and exchanging it for the right one.
Browse our selection of screws and other hardware styles online and when you buy with us you will enjoy quick and easy shipping on every order direct to your project site.
