Here in Arizona it is not uncommon for folks to have security bars on their windows…sometimes these are works of art, but most often they are hideous. I just bought a house that is covered in security bars and doors and instead of a small front porch there is a white metal “cage”. I guess the previous owner had some safety issues. But I want them gone. I’m a novice when it comes to home repair, so does anyone out there know a tool to remove “Non-reversible” bolts and how I could repair the holes left in my brick walls? I’ve contacted some folks that install security bars and was greeted with confusion as to why I’d want to get rid of these bars and the estimates are confusing.
Help!
thanks,
MK
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Replies
If they are scew ins there is a driver made to fit to take them out.
If they are hammer ins a drill and drill bit.
Use colored tile grout to fill the holes or an ornate plug.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
A new pair of ViceGrips will often be able to give you a grip on the edges of a security bolt. I would suggest you try them.
It may help to file a couple of flats on the edges of the security bolts.
Another idea is to start twisting them out with a sharp cold chisel.
~Peter
Whenever I feel like stealing a toilet partition, I always reach for my7WR ViceGrips(TM).
Most of the time i use a grinder to either take off the heads or grind in a slot to use a screwdriver to get tehm out. They do make special bits to remove the screws but its usually easier to grind them off.
Hey MK,
A picture of just exactly what you want to remove would be worth a thousand words as to just what exact job site conditions you are up against. Kind of tough to give "good" advice on removing all this old security "hardware" when I can't see exactly what finish surfaces it is all mounted to, and exactly what type of mechanical fasteners were used.
Having said that, one quick idea came to mind that maybe some others can top or come up with better idea, but I know from experience this will work.
Use a dremel tool. Use a heavy duty cut off wheel, or 2" heavy duty cutoff wheel to cut off the bolts flush with finish surface. Than use same to counter sink, or maybe use a high speed cutting or grinding bit to countersink. Than fill holl with "bondo", wood putty, caulk, morter, or whatever is suitable for the surface you are removing the security setup from.
I know this will work but maybe somebody can give you better advice. It would be easy to do it this way, just remember to wear eye protection cause those little dremel tools twirling at 35,000 rpm can dang sure sling up nasty little micro type specs.
Good Luck getting rid of butt ugly security bars,
Cork in Chicago
A left hand twist, carbide drill bit is another rough and ready option.
Tow chain and a pickup. That's the Florida method.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Start with a center punch or cold chisel (depending on the head size) and a hammer. Dig into the head on an angle near one edge in such a way as to turn it counterclockwise. Tap away at it, try more than one point on the head, until you get it loose enough to grab with channel locks or vise grips.
-- J.S.
The tool to remove them is a joke, I have one and all its good for is installing them. I would cut them off with a grinder then when the bars are off use visegrips to grab the nub.