Replace/repair aluminum porch railing
I have an aluminum railing screwed into a concreate porch.Using this “Century” system
http://www.lowes.ca/exterior-stairs-railings/century-black-aluminum-porch-post-sleeve_g1447590.html?isku=9960238&linkloc=cataLogProductItemsName&linkloc=reCanonical
A small section of railing on the steps was taken out by a falling tree. I need to replace or repair two posts, and replace the railing in between. I’m thinking of using fiberglass in the inside of one of the posts to mend a crack. The raiings are completly destroyed.
I’ve tried to remove the first post, its installed using large 3″ phillips head concrete screws. One screw is snapped in half, and I asume the bottom part is still down in the hole, THe next screw is intact but got pulled up an inch out of the hole, but I still had to unscrew it, the third screw unscrwed easy, the fourth wont move, and I risk stripping the head, I’ve tried heaint it some with a heat blower gun.
Assuming I can get that screw out, is there any point trying to intsll in the same location, how do I handle the snapped screw?
If I shift location, how far away should I drill new holes to ensure that the new hole does not “crack through” to the hold holes?
I might also have problems with the second post, but it looks like it didn’t get pushed enough to stress the screws – if I unscrew it, will I still have proper grip when I put scews back in?
Replies
To get the screw out, try an "hand impact tool" like this: http://www.gemplers.com/product/125608/1-2-Hand-Impact-Tool-Set
It will usually remove screws without munging the screw heads further.
Oh yeah -I forgot about those, and its annoying, I'm pretty sure I owned one many years ago, but if I still have it its hidden in a box somewhere. So far I haven't found one in any local suppliers website.
I found one and the store is within walking distance
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-8-piece-impact-driver-set-0589304p.html#.UtXnKfvhLro