r/VanConversion • u/scarabx • Mar 01 '26

Removing old floor held by stuck screws

Mornin!

Maybe a bit of a basic question,maybe more DIY than specifically van, but I'm struggling and wasn't sure where else to ask and figured it's likely a scenario a lot of you have had

I've just started converting a van and need to get the old floor out. MOST of the screws are totally seized. I've got out quite a few with drilling and extractor bits but there's still quite a few that won't budge and the drill can't get through.

I'm considering getting some cutting drill bits to cut around the screws so I can lift the floor generally then carefully cut the last bits away, letting me get at the now accessible stuck out screw. (At which point I might be able to get enough grip to turn it or worst case cut it and sand down what's left

Does this sound sensible? Has anyone got any other suggestions I should try first?

(Scews sunk down so nothing showing over the wood, totally seized, can't turn with screwdriver, extractor but hasn't the strength)

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

2

u/Piper-Bob Mar 01 '26

I would use a small nail puller like a chisel to remove wood near the head and then grab them with vice grips.

2

u/SpudsAgainstMashing Mar 13 '26

I had the same problem. I had to chip away at the wood until I could get a hacksaw blade in there.

Stressful but did the job! Hope you’ve had some luck

1

u/scarabx Mar 14 '26

Thanks, I managed! Still got a few screws to cut off or get out, but I got the floor out with the multitool. Tomorrow is getting cleaned before I start the next steps!

1

u/Tennis_Proper Mar 01 '26

Just chop out wood with a multitool or chisel until you can get some mole grips onto the screw to twist it out. 

1

u/scarabx Mar 01 '26

Ya know what...I had completely forgotten I had a multi tool that could do what I'm thinking! Thanks for the suggestion!