how to remove deck screws

[lindyhopping]

I have to replace a rotted deck board, and can't get the deck screws out. I don't see how I can remove a screw that has a smooth head. Seems that prying it out would leave a large hold in the wood. How do I do this?

[rdhamm]

If the wood is rotten, why bother? Just cut it our and use a prybar to pull it off.

Or, you can use a vise grips to clamp on the head and turn it counterclockwise.

Or us a sawzall with a bi-metal blade and cut the screw from the side.

[Hellrazor]

Now you know why i hate screws.

Break the board apart and do as mentioned withvicegrips to twist them out or use a reciprocating saw to cut the screws off. You could buy some screwouts from sears, but they are start at $30 for a kit.

[lindyhopping]

I should clarify that the screws are stuck, vertically, in a good joist; I succeeded in ripping the rotted board from around them.

Do these suggestions still apply? Sounds like cutting them off is the best bet?

who the heck invented these crazy unremovable screws, anyway...

[Hellrazor]

Yes, use vicegrips and clamp it on the screw as tight as you can and turn it out. Or use a reciprocating saw with a metal blade or you can cut them off with a grinder if all else fails.

[lefty]

The deck board is out of the way? Now you have the screw shanks sticking up? Get a hammer!! Beat them over in one direction, then staighten them up and hit them the other way. They'll snap right off!!

Hellrazor,

What, other than screws, will you put deck boards down with?? Nails aren't an option -- THEY POP!!

[Hellrazor]

Lefty.. screw/spiral nails or the GOOD deck screws. If a deck screw has a phillips head, throw it out.

[lefty]

Agreed -- "GOOD" deck screws don't have a phillips head.

My tendonitus and nails just don't get along.

[Hellrazor]

I always joke with people who use those annoying phillips head screws about getting screwed twice. They don't believe you...

I like the square drive ones, my 18v Ridgid drill slams those suckers home.

[lindyhopping]

Thanks, all. Hammering/bending the nails in various directions snapped them right off at board level.

[CanadianInIowa]

I tried the Johnson head screws for my deck (Thats the proper Canadian name for the square head type, Eh!), they only spun and made the head rounded, thus no good removing!. Love it when they snap and just spin!. Perhaps nails would be better! I have used all the above suggestions.

Perhaps I should stop buying the $2/lb ones and buy the $5/lb ones!

[lefty]

Pay $2/lb. and you get what you pay for. Pay $5/lb., and you get what you pay for.

Square drives are a far sight better than a phillips head screw. ANY screw is better than a nail when putting down deck boards.

Snapping them off? THAT'S what the clutch on your cordless screw gun is for. Use it.

[Hellrazor]

Heh that question is like asking why rotten wood is worse then new wood while framing.

Lefty.. Dunno about the nail thing. I saw some goof using drywall screws on PT deck steps. You should have my cordless drill and forget to take it out of hammer mode when trying to use a screw, thats always amusing.