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Removing recessed one way security screws

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crazybrit

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The previous owners of our house installed child window guards on the interior. I now see why they didn't remove them. They used one way security screws :-(

I've removed plenty where the head is exposed but these are recessed inside the 3/4" square tubing. So I can't grind a notch into the head or grab with pliers.

I figured I'm looking at drilling them out, hole starter bit (from mill chucked into drill) first, then spiral drill, then screw extractor bit.

There are 12 to remove so it's going to be a PITA. I figured I'd see if anyone has any alternative (faster?) ideas before I get started.

Amazon sells several kits like these but I'm not convinced they'll be any better than the above.

Thanks!
 

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crazybrit

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The Cobbler said:
I would try a bit ... the proper bit should work wonders
Click to expand...

A bit? I wasn't aware there was a removal bit for these.

The Cobbler said:
or if you're not wanting to save the bars, grind thru the tube & put a slot in the screw head . just cover everything up well for sparks
Click to expand...

This was plan B, destructive removal. I'd prefer not to as I know someone who could use a set of bars (they're about to have a kid).
 
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crazybrit

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LeonardY said:
They take some patience. I prefer an impact driver to a drill.
Click to expand...

I'd already stumbled on those Ryobi (Gooling) but had discounted them because dozens of the reviews (a to me statistically significant number) say they don't work to remove. There are literally 230 one-star reviews.
 
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The Cobbler

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It's basically a flat screwdriver with two points on it . I would probably get a hole saw that fits the outer hole and drill thru the backside to get the bars out of the way . there's still lots of length left to re drill & reuse the bars . then you are not dealing with a recessed hole .
 
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crazybrit

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The Cobbler said:
It's basically a flat screwdriver with two points on it . I would probably get a hole saw that fits the outer hole and drill thru the backside to get the bars out of the way . there's still lots of length left to re drill & reuse the bars . then you are not dealing with a recessed hole .
Click to expand...

I've seen this style but I had low desire to drop $18+shipping on a tool I'm likely never going to use again.
 
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LeonardY

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crazybrit

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LeonardY said:
I've removed a lot damaged screws with these.
1745350318461.jpeg

Or you can buy a set of carbide burr bits if you have a Dremel and grind them away.

Another option if you really want to save the rails is to use an oscillating tool with a metal cutting saw blade. Slide it between the wall and the bar. You'll likely have to do a little spackling when your done.
Click to expand...

Again the head of the screw is recessed inside the tubing. So I can't use pliers.

The access hole in the face of the tubing isn't that wide. I have some carbide burr bits for a dremel but they're going to bounce around like crazy off the head. I'd have more luck chucking a 3/8 end mill if I want to grind the head off.
 
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crazybrit

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LeonardY said:
They have a needle nose version but I can't vouch for it.
Click to expand...

Ignoring the challenge of trying to grab onto a round head using needlenose pliers :)

Needlenose won't fit. The hole is way too small. The bars are 3/4" and the screw head is on the back wall. Applying some math, to get the head of the needlenose to just go around the head, set 3/4" back you'd need a way larger entrance hole.

mikedodge said:
I'd be cutting the bars for better access. It's not worth the hassle saving them working in those holes.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'm going to try the 2 pin security bits "The Cobbler" suggested. If I can just get the bars to come 1/4" off the wall I can get a sawzall behind and hopefully still leave enough of the screw shank exposed to remove using channellocks..

If that doesn't work I'll figure out some way to destructively remove them. There are lots of ways.

Thanks!
 
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Hohn

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crazybrit said:
The previous owners of our house installed child window guards on the interior. I now see why they didn't remove them. They used one way security screws :-(

I've removed plenty where the head is exposed but these are recessed inside the 3/4" square tubing. So I can't grind a notch into the head or grab with pliers.

I figured I'm looking at drilling them out, hole starter bit (from mill chucked into drill) first, then spiral drill, then screw extractor bit.

There are 12 to remove so it's going to be a PITA. I figured I'd see if anyone has any alternative (faster?) ideas before I get started.

Amazon sells several kits like these but I'm not convinced they'll be any better than the above.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
A pox on anyone using one-way security screws for this application. Personally, I'm center punching and drilling these screws down enough to where I can break the heads off by prying the bars. Or pull them through the bars.

There's no reason those bars need to be saved, is there?

I'm thinking get busy destructing.
 
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crazybrit

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Hohn said:
A pox on anyone using one-way security screws for this application. Personally, I'm center punching and drilling these screws down enough to where I can break the heads off by prying the bars. Or pull them through the bars.

There's no reason those bars need to be saved, is there?

I'm thinking get busy destructing.
Click to expand...

It's funny you mentioned this. I was talking to someone who recently installed a set and they said the bars came with one-way screws. They're an interior use item. I can only assume the mfgr was sued and started shipping them with one way screws. Unreal.

As I said I have a friend who's having their first kid. I was going to give these away to them. I'll try the 2 pin removal tool as I said a couple posts ago.
 
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jack stand

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Hohn said:
A pox on anyone using one-way security screws for this application. Personally, I'm center punching and drilling these screws down enough to where I can break the heads off by prying the bars. Or pull them through the bars.

There's no reason those bars need to be saved, is there?

I'm thinking get busy destructing.
Click to expand...
Yeah I would have just hidden the regular screwdrivers from the children. 😅
They must have been intended as security bars vs child grates.
 
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crazybrit

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jack stand said:
They must have been intended as security bars vs child grates.
Click to expand...

According to the markings on the bars, they are these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7PT3K2?tag=atomicindus08-20

INSTALLATION – This window security bar features a fully adjustable telescoping width (prior to mounting) from 32-1/2 inch to 54 inch, and it comes complete with one-way, tamper-proof installation screws; designed for interior use only

I guess you need to be concerned with thieves breaking the window and in a feat of epic manual dexterity, reaching through and unscrewing the mounting screws from the inside :)
 
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nadogail

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Have you considered Left Handed Drill Bits?

I have often found them useful when removing threaded fasteners. The pressure and vibration often cause the broken or damaged bolts to unscrew as they grab.

Another option would be a Spot Facer to remove the head of the screw.
 
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Renegade1LI

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Wrench97

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crazybrit said:
It's funny you mentioned this. I was talking to someone who recently installed a set and they said the bars came with one-way screws. They're an interior use item. I can only assume the mfgr was sued and started shipping them with one way screws. Unreal.

As I said I have a friend who's having their first kid. I was going to give these away to them. I'll try the 2 pin removal tool as I said a couple posts ago.
Click to expand...
My kid is 29 and would have trouble removing them with normal screws, one way screws wouldn't be needed........
 
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Nobody-named-Olli

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When I try to open your first link showing the screws, it comes back as ’internal server error’ - so please keep in mind I haven’t seen the screws.

I assume they are the ones that can be installed with a slotted screwdriver but not turned in reverse direction with one because the drive is designed for the slotted screwdriver to cam out/ not engage while turning left.

The way the heads are recessed, you will have to drill them out as you already planned.

The only tools/ bits that will get them out are these: https://losspreventionfasteners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2001/10/One-Way-Screw-Removal-Tool.jpg

But those will still never go into the recess, without substantially enlarging it. And by that time + cost for tool, you might as well go about it as planned and drill them out.

—

For future reference, one word on the Engineer pliers: I own and have used both the PZ-59 (combination) and PZ-60 (needle nose). The PZ-60 needle nose flex way too much in the tip to positively engage on and turn really stuck bolts/screws. I would not recommend them. (Very, very different experience compared to the truly excellent PZ-59.)

Additionally, in this very instance, OP is right - they won’t go into the recess.

Kind regards,
Olli
 
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BurtEggley

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I would drill a small hole and try an easy out on it or pound a torx bit into the hole. Practice on a vise to get the right combination of torx and bit. I doubt if these things are torqued to a value that would prevent a torx from biting. Also some times screws can be backed up with a sharp small chisel and a hammer. Just trying that may put a deep enough gouge in it that a good screwdriver will bite into. You could put a set of vise grips on the chisel and try to turn it a little as you hit the chisel with a hammer straight on. I own not one security screw for the reason you are having. Thieves don't go, oh security screw. Foiled again. They just kick it out or use a prybar. Or ask the building maintenance where you work how they remove the ones in the bathroom stall. :)
 
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Firstram

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Use a drill bit the same size as the hole in the bar. The hole will guide the bit allowing you to cut the head off the screw.
 
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larry_g

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It sounds like you may have a lathe??? If so make a bushing that just fits the clearance hole and an ID that fits an 1/8" ( or so) drill bit. Use a left handed drill bit through the bushing to drill the screw and hope that it grabs the screw and turns it out. The bushing is to keep the drill bit on center of the screw.

lg
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no704

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+ for a lh drill bit slow speed and lots of pressure. No lube
 
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BillK

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I have a set of these but mine are Craftsman. They have bailed me out a few times. If you can hole saw the bar big enough to get one in and if the screw head it tall enough, it might work. Sort of an "external" EZ out.

www.autozone.com

Duralast Extractor Set with Rail 5 Piece | AutoZone

Five reverse-fluted sockets make up the Duralast Spiral Bolt Extractor Set used to free damaged nuts and bolts in minutes. An internal taper allows the robust extractors to fit metric and standard applications. For versatility and ease, the chrome-moly sockets are designed for use with 3/8"...
www.autozone.com www.autozone.com
 
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KnurledNut

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I used to install one way screws. This is what you want, there are different sizes and they can be bought as a set. The two hardened conical pin inserts cut into the ramps for removal. Avoid the cheap generic versions. Most security screw retailers will sell a quality version. If they will sell it to you.

804__30126.1654577592.jpg
 
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rharman

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Rusted Nut

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If you can fit a small cold chisel in the recess, give it a good wack and use a wrench or vice grips to turn the cold chisel. Removed quite a few like this. If a chisel won’t fit in the recess, left handed drill bit.
 
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