Question About Filing Screw In Steel Pipe

jmsheldon · Feb 22, 2013

Hi everyone. I have a quick question about a steel pipe. There is a small nail or piece of metal sticking out in the middle of the pipe. I need to stick a piece of PVC pipe into it for a project that I am doing and it looks like the screw is about 6 to 10 inches away from the end of the pipe.

What would be the best way to get rid of it? What sort of file could I use?

I am ultimately looking for the cheapest way for me to get rid of it. I don't really care if it takes about 20 minutes for me to file it down by hand but more than 20 would be too much. Any suggestions? Thanks.

joecaption · Feb 22, 2013

Ok, so what is running through this pipe? water gas ECT.
And how does PVC come into play?

jmsheldon · Feb 22, 2013

I am just using it as a pole mount for a solar panel. The pvc pipe will go through the steel pipe but it can't with the screw in the way.

SeniorSitizen · Feb 22, 2013

Drill it out. If the hole remaining isn't tolerable plug it with something like JB weld.

joecaption · Feb 22, 2013

Grind it foor with a right angle grinder, a hack saw. About a 5 min. job.

jmsheldon · Feb 22, 2013

I might of forgotten to mention that I can't reach the outside of the pole. I can only get rid of it from the inside of it and it is still 6 inches in from the end (just measured it). The pole is small, 2" inside diameter, so I can't fit any sort of electric grinder in it.

jmsheldon · Feb 22, 2013

I'm thinking of ordering this now and picking Saturday delivery: http://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-066...186&sr=8-2&keywords=metal+file#productDetails

Will it work?

TheEplumber · Feb 22, 2013

jmsheldon said:
I'm thinking of ordering this now and picking Saturday delivery: http://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-066...186&sr=8-2&keywords=metal+file#productDetails

Will it work?

Why not go down to your local hardware store and get it- support your local economy and get it done today :thumbsup:

jmsheldon · Feb 22, 2013

My local hardware stores don't usually have what I need. I went to Lowes and they didn't even have a few of the things that I need. Either way, I would rather pay nine bucks more to get it tomorrow. None of my local hardware stores are that close to me anyways.

Thanks.

joecaption · Feb 22, 2013

Good luck with trying to file it out. Just drill it out and be done with it.
Any local hardware, or box store would have that simple file.

jmsheldon · Feb 22, 2013

I told you I can't drill it out because I can't get to the outside of the pole. The pole is under my deck and got cut off and capped off. I am not sure if it is even a screw or not. But it is definitely metal because I cannot get the PVC pipe into the steel pole.

Bondo · Feb 23, 2013

Ayuh,.... Use a big punch, 'n a BFHammer, 'n Bust it off.....

jagans · Feb 23, 2013

Buy a hole saw that fits the inside dimension, A Mandrel that fits a speedbore extension, and a speedbore extension with a spring collar.

joecaption · Feb 23, 2013

If you do end up with a file use a rat tail, or 1/4 round file not a rectanguler file.
Round pipe, round file.

jmsheldon · Feb 23, 2013

joecaption said:
If you do end up with a file use a rat tail, or 1/4 round file not a rectanguler file.
Round pipe, round file.

I understand this but I actually want to leave a portion of the screw in because it will help stabilize the PVC pipe since the PVC does not fit perfectly into the steel pipe.

jmsheldon · Feb 23, 2013

Ok here is the deal; filing will not work. I tried filing this thing for god knows how long and it isn't much smaller than when I started. I took a picture of it so you guys can try and figure out how I can get it out. It doesn't look like a screw, it looks like it was welded into the pipe.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kuupg5q5rdz3qdx/2013-02-23 12.26.39.jpg

It has a flat top after the filing.

Bondo · Feb 23, 2013

Ayuh,.... Like I said,.... "Use a big punch, 'n a BFHammer, 'n Bust it off....."

All ya need is a piece of smaller pipe, or a punch, or a steel pin, or Whatever, 'n a BFHammer....

Put whatever ya got for a punch on 1 side of that pin, 'n WACK it with the BFHammer....

It'll Break off, then do the other side...
With the right sized pipe as a punch, you can bust off both sides at once...

jmsheldon · Feb 23, 2013

Bondo said:
Ayuh,.... Like I said,.... "Use a big punch, 'n a BFHammer, 'n Bust it off....."

All ya need is a piece of smaller pipe, or a punch, or a steel pin, or Whatever, 'n a BFHammer....

Put whatever ya got for a punch on 1 side of that pin, 'n WACK it with the BFHammer....

It'll Break off, then do the other side...
With the right sized pipe as a punch, you can bust off both sides at once...

I tried doing this but it didn't budge at all.

I will deal with having the piece of metal there because honestly, it isn't worth any more trouble trying to get rid of it.

Bondo · Feb 23, 2013

jmsheldon said:
I tried doing this but it didn't budge at all.

I will deal with having the piece of metal there because honestly, it isn't worth any more trouble trying to get rid of it.

Ayuh,.... Ya need a Bigger hammer.....

TheEplumber · Feb 23, 2013

jmsheldon said:
I am just using it as a pole mount for a solar panel. The pvc pipe will go through the steel pipe but it can't with the screw in the way.

Do you think PVC is rigid enough? Maybe a chain link fence post?

Question About Filing Screw In Steel Pipe

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