Replacing rusty screws

[Steve Blackdog]

Hi folks

I am working on a set of Victorian window shutters- the type that fold back on themselves. When I removed the hinges, the screws are coated in heavy surface rust. I will clean up and re-use most of them on the basis that the heads of the screws are not standard and all match each other and the other shutter panels.

My question is: should I do anything to treat the holes in the timber, as they will be contaminated with rust? The shutters are pine, btw.

 

[Bingy man]

I’ve used Screw wax, beeswax , candle wax etc over the years but less so these days due to modern self cutting screws ..are these slotted screws btw as you say heavy rust ?? Maybe its time to replace them all so future maintenance and repairs are easier.. just a thought

 

[Orraloon]

Other than blowing out the holes with compressed air I would not go digging stuff out as that will leave the screws with less grip. If the shanks and threads are heavy with rust it may be better to replace with new. Finding slotted head screws can be a chore but places like ebay often have old stock screws. As said above wax is a good idea even on new screws.
Regards
John

 

[SammyQ]

New screws.

I remove, and replace a LOT of screws from a 1954 vintage railway carriage that my local heritage railway is restoring. They can be had - in slotted configuration - from a number of places, you just have to be diligent. Nettlefolds is s name to start with. P.M. me if you are desparate. Trying to refit old ones, that have perhaps 'shrunk' slightly (when you derusted them) is a mission in frustration.

Particularly awkward, hollowed out, holes can be bored and dowelled. Trying glued in matchsticks or skewers can work too, but normally not as well as dowels.

Don't forget, steel screw first, then remove, fit brass of same thread form. Just ask any restorer.

 

[Phill05]

Take out the screws if no damage to holes spray holes in timber with WD40 and let dry clean old screws in Citrric acid and warm up and dip in Briwax or Bee wax and reuse the screws if they have no damage to them.

 

[Steve Blackdog]

Thanks folks. All very helpful.

 

[Steve Blackdog]

Just ordered 200 brass Nettlefolds screws and will replace the old ones.

 

[Katomi woodsmith]

I use brass screws on my outside chair builds, I dip the tip in a soft wax to ease screwing in..... having to remove a broken screen from a project is BLEEP