Do It Yourself

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Removing Cam Screws (i.imgur.com)

submitted 1 year ago by bl4ckblooc to c/[email protected]

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I bought this used desk a week ago; it had been disassembled and sitting in storage. While bringing it home, some of the cam screws got bent quite a bit to the point where I can’t fit them into the actual locking part of the screws.

The only solution I can find is to replace all the cam screws and locks, but the screws have what seems like a drywall hook on them? It’s making it impossible to take them out, plus they don’t have a screw head visible instead it’s just a little hole.

Does anyone have an idea on how to take these out so I can replace them, or any other ideas how to get this desk together? I think the actual locks are worn down as well, since the only piece I could get attached wouldn’t actually lock into place.

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[–] Jackr 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I haven't see those before, but in similar situations I use the chuck of my screwdriver and lock it into the thing (usually a broken screw) and the screw it out backwards. It might work here as well.

[–] bl4ckblooc 1 points 1 year ago

That’s a really good idea. I’m going to make sure my drill still works and give this a try. Thanks

[–] bl4ckblooc 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Just tried this, and it just ripped apart the plastic bit and the screw/rod is spinning around freely but won’t move at all. It’s like there is an anchor around the screw/rod that’s stopping it from coming out and it isn’t screwed in at all.

[–] CirrhosesTheGreat 1 points 1 year ago

Worst case, cut them off and drive screws from the other side of the board.

[–] Jackr 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Oho, hope it didn't make it worse 🤔

[–] bl4ckblooc 1 points 1 year ago

Not really, I need to get this whole piece out otherwise the desk isn’t really worth it so there isn’t any worse direction to go haha. The other thing I can think of is to put it in the bathroom and steam up the room then maybe I can pull these things out. I think the plastic bit that looks like a drywall hanger is what’s actually holding it in place.