Question Stupid square tip screw removal

[Mrgunguy]

So, how is everyone else removing those ridiculous square head screws? I’ve been trying to replace/fix the city water intake on my ‘03 Thor 5000 but have run into a bit of a snag. There are eight of these annoying screws holding it in place (along with a half gallon of sealer) and I’ve been able to remove half of them quite easily. The remaining four are beyond stubborn and the square tip screw isn’t helping anything.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks to these screws? I plan to replace the screws with new, Philips head screws, but for now I need to deal with the old ones.

 

[DHudson]

Go to you favorite lumber store, Lowes home Depot and get some square bits. They have them with the Dewalt type power tools.

 

[Rosy]

Are you talking about Robertson screws? They're supposed to be the best because it's supposed to be impossible to strip them.

 

[TheLooks]

They have a taper to them and require Robertson bits. #2 square usually work.

 

[Rich W.]

Using the right driver you shouldnt have any problems and you might as well equip yourself with a couple (hand drive and drill/driver bits) becuase those screws are used all over your RV.

 

[jbh]

Square-head screws are actually far superior to Phillips since they're much harder to strip. Get used to them; you have several hundred more.

 

[GTS225]

Hey.......be happy that they don't use clutch-head screws anymore.
Talk about a pain in the tuuckus

Roger.

 

[Rich W.]

Or Frearson - try finding a driver for them! A worn out phillips driver wont hold a screw but a square drive generally will making production work much more efficient, which is probably why they are so prevalent in the RV industry.

 

[Mrgunguy]

LOL! Thanks ya’ll. I’ve already replaced many of them in several places and try to get rid of them any time I can. I have a set of the square bits and I’m not unfamiliar with them, I just can‘t seem to get these four out for some reason.

 

[Rich W.]

If they just spin like they are stripped gently pry on the back of the housing to try to get the screws to start backing out. The heads look good.

 

[John&Andrea]

You just need a set of these.


Robertson Square Drill Bit Set (10 Pack - 2.3" Long Magnetic Heads) Square Screwdriver Bit Sizes: #0, 1, 2, 3, and #4 (2 of Each Size) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFBNMY1/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[RandyB]

Funny about replacing square head (Robertson) with Philips. I do the exact OPPOSITE. I despise Philips and all the cam-out they present. With the correct tools, the square drive you should find superior.

In the photo, the remaining screw heads are dual square/Philips. However, again a square driver wins again.

 

[RangeMaggotBob]

If they're not coming out with the right tool, you probably need to try an EZ out. It's a set of drill-like bits that are made to extract screws that won't come out. Haven't used one in years, I imagine they're available anywhere.

 

[GTS225]

Yeah.....What Rich said. (At least, that's what I would do.)

Roger

 

[Mrgunguy]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I have a set of the square bits but they’re kind of cheap. I’ll go and get some DeWalt bits to see if that makes a difference.

They’re not spinning or stripped, they’re just in there HARD! The bit that I’ve been using won’t hold on to the screw head so maybe I just need a better bit. I have a set of EZ-Outs and I’ve become pretty good at using them, but, again, they aren’t stripped out (just yet). Last resort, for sure.

 

[Rich W.]

That being the case just buy a new bit so it fits tight and hit them with your impact driver and they will come out. Or break off, but either way you’ll get the thing off the coach.

 

[Capt. Derek]

LOL! Thanks ya’ll. I’ve already replaced many of them in several places and try to get rid of them any time I can. I have a set of the square bits and I’m not unfamiliar with them, I just can‘t seem to get these four out for some reason.

View attachment 15268

Wait until your Phillips strip out, you will wish you had square then, they strip out half as much

 

["EZ"]

What you need is an impact driver. Use the square or Phillips bit and smack it with a hammer to get it started. Then it'll just back right out.
Craftsman Hand Impact Driver

From the ad:

• DURABILITY: Creates up to 200 foot pounds of torque when struck with a hammer

 

[Mrgunguy]

Thanks again, guys. I just got a new set of Bosch tips that look a LOT better than my old, cheap ones. I have an impact driver that I’ll keep handy should the job require it, but it’ll be more of a last resort thing. It’s a freaking big driver for such a small screw.

 

[TheLooks]

Yes it is, but most have a variable trigger and using it with care will remove them easily. Hard pressure in and just feather the trigger.