Featured Removing Brass Hardware

Hi all, me again! I picked up what I thought was a nice easy restoration project - early 1900s Birdseye m aple dresser that just really needs a good cleaning and top refinish. Anyway, today i tried to remove the hardware to clean it, and also because it is all loose and wobbly. The pulls on the bottom two drawers were no problem, but three of the four brass knobs in the top drawers are frozen - fused to the screws! Even my husband couldn't get the screws out. I wondered if this was a common problem with cast brass, and if there are any tips to get them to break free. I attached a picture of one of the knobs and one of the pulls. Thanks.

 

I'd heat up my screwdriver.....hot....and place in on the screw for a couple of minutes....then force the heck out of it.....

 

Heat, ok thanks Ill give it a try!

 

penetrating oil? WD40?

 

yup...normally....but if the head of the screw covers the hole.....the spray will never get into the threads ...

 

I managed to get them all apart this morning. Yesterday I did spray them with a penetrating oil, then this morning I tapped the screws a bit with a hammer and was eventually able to grab the screws with vice grips and then I had the leverage I needed to turn the knobs. Mission accomplished. Thanks for your advice everyone!

 

Next to last option: Assume that screw is not savable. Take a small, sharp chisel and place at edge of screw face. Tap chisel with small hammer. Tap in counter-clockwise direction. Last option: Grind off screw heads and pull handles out. Spay threads and let set. Repeat spray, then take vice grips and wooden faced vice and try to slowly remove screws. Worst case option: Drill out screws with a left handed bit and soak with wd40. Carefully use an easy-out. May have to re-tap holes after to clear threads.
Hopefully Option 1 works. Patience is crucial, don't rush it.