Socket screws

[klouan]

Hello all,

What is the best way of shortening a socket screw? I have had to replace some existing ones with longer screws but they are a bit too long.

Don't want to bugger up any of my tools by using the wrong thing.

Thanks

Kirstie

 

[charlie1]

Hi kirstie,

A small hacksaw will do.

 

[Varley]

My pliers have, like a wire snipper, between the teeth and the handles, I use that.

 

[CJ]

Yup...........pliers.

They can then be a bit stubborn to screw in the first couple of turns..........until they cut there own thread.

Had to replace 8 double & 4 single sockets screws today...........cleared me out

 

[penno]

Quick snip on the pliers and give the end a quick rub on a file. Takes 60 seconds.

 

[bigandy]

pliers for me but watch out for the end it tends to fly off (sometimes)

 

[DHTiling]

I have a 8inch pair of mini bolt cutters very slim in design and cut through socket screws with ease.......i got mine from thee old B&Q.....

A handy tool to get as well is a socket threader just incase a screw goes in cross threaded then you can re-thread it.......

Ruko Socket Re-Threader 3.5mm - NoLinksToThis, Where the Trade Buys

 

[Perry]

pliers ete

 

[bearwithme]

pliers again, if you have a little nut that fits lying around. wind it down the screw then cut. when you take of the nut it will clean up the thread enough not to cross thread it.

 

[klouan]

Thanks for all your replies. Had a go last night with my pliers but they were only a small pair so no joy - of course it could just be my weak girly grip :lol: !!

My plan is to pop to B & Q with a couple of screws in my pocket and have a sneaky try with some bigger pliers or a bolt cutter. I'll just try not to take anyones eye out with bits of flying screw!

Cheers

Kirstie