Removing Torx screws

SiliconChip

A few years ago I installed a Keysafe Supra C500 Pro next to my front door in an open porch. This uses 4 long Torx T30 screws to secure it to the bricks. I have recently had the porch enclosed with a second front door so I need to move the key safe to a new location. I can remove 2 of the screws but the other 2 are impossible to budge with the screwdriver that I used for the installation (it's a Silverline T30 x 115mm) - it's possible that I overtightened those screws originally.

Can anyone suggest either a method or a tool for removing the screws? I have asked at a couple of places if they have a T-handle screwdriver to provide greater rotation leverage but neither did, and although I can find a few online I'm a bit reluctant to spend money on something that may prove to be cheap Chinese tat that won't be up to the job.

cymruchris

Do you have access to use a (likely) quarter inch drive ratchet and a suitable length of extension bar? If so, torx bit sets can be had that'll fit those. Would that be a workable solution? 

GDB2222

A drill driver will provide a lot more torque than you can apply by hand with a screwdriver. An impact driver will provide still more.

There is a great deal on at the moment for a very, very reasonably priced drill and impact driver combo here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185509511866

That’s £45, and it’s great value if you will use the tools in future. 

If you just want a cheaper option that will be fine for this one job, I suggest this:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-fatmax-1-4-drive-socket-bits-set-39-pcs/2806k

theoretica

Borrow a friend/neighbour who has an impact driver and experience using it.  If that doesn't work, would drilling out the screw heads release the safe?

Section62

SiliconChip said:

Can anyone suggest either a method or a tool for removing the screws? I have asked at a couple of places if they have a T-handle screwdriver to provide greater rotation leverage but neither did, and although I can find a few online I'm a bit reluctant to spend money on something that may prove to be cheap Chinese tat that won't be up to the job.

Torx keys are one of the best/cheapest ways of applying a lot of torque to Torx fasteners.

https://www.toolstation.com/minotaur-torx-key-set/p59979

If you don't mind abusing tools, there are various options of adding lengths of pipe, molegrips, spanners etc to do more than bare hands are capable of.

SiliconChip

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

@cymruchris I have a part socket set that belonged to my dad that I'll need to check to see if it's quarter inch and if the useful elements are still present, if they are then I will check out the bit sets.

@GDB2222 I have a decent drill but I didn't really want to buy an entire range of Torx bits when I only need a single one, I couldn't find anywhere that sells them singly. The Stanley socket set looks good and would probably be something that I'd find future uses for.

@theoretica I have a friend coming tomorrow to do some work in the house, he has a lot of tools so I will ask him if he has anything that might do the job. Drilling the heads might get the box off the wall but then I'd be looking for replacement scrows to reattach it in it's new location.

@Section62 The problem with keys is that the screw heads are quite deep inside the box and I don't think the short end would reach, it's not entirely clear from the pictures whether the long end also has the Torx head and even if it does it may be difficult to get the required amount of torque with only the small end to work with.

Anyway, that's given me some things to think about so hopefully one will work, I'll come back and report on progress!

bob_a_builder

Applying some mole grips to the shaft / handle of current tool might give you the leverage you need 

Section62

SiliconChip said:

Section62 The problem with keys is that the screw heads are quite deep inside the box and I don't think the short end would reach, it's not entirely clear from the pictures whether the long end also has the Torx head and even if it does it may be difficult to get the required amount of torque with only the small end to work with.

Yes, I foresaw the possibility the screws were deeply recessed, which is why I mentioned the possibility of tool abuse...  the long arm of the ones I linked to also have a Torx end (the third image shows them more clearly) which means you'll have sufficient length, but you may need to improvise to get more torque if the screws are really tight.  The keys are generally better for accessing Torx heads which are deeply recessed in small holes as the 'hex bit' type ones often won't work due to the diameter of the bit holder.

I'd try using fingers only first, and if that fails use a small adjustable spanner (set to grip the short arm, applied at 180 degrees, so it effectively becomes a 'T' handle).  ....Although I wouldn't normally recommend other people abuse tools as it can be dangerous.

SiliconChip

Turns out that the socket set I was thinking of is bigger than 1/4" and is missing quite a few parts anyway, but I then remembered another set that I'd acquired somewhere that is 1/4" and is complete, so I've ordered a twin pack of T30 sockets from Amazon that should arrive on Friday - watch this space for further updates!

Eldi_Dos

A driver with a square piece of shaft before it goes into handle has always been my preferred tool for getting stubborn screws to move.

Brass cup washers seem to help,never found screws with them on difficult to undo.

FaceHead

The answer here is to own an impact driver. If you are used to using a combi drill, or even putting screws in by hand, they are simply incredible.