How to deal with screws sticking out?

[SyedAhmed]

Hi Team.

I've had a shed installed last week, and have noticed a few of these screws sticking out down the inside of the walls and along the roof.

I'm worried about someone getting hurt if they accidentally scratch themselves or fall against the wall.

Any suggestions on what to do?

I could unscrew a few and replace them with bolts and nuts but that's not really practical.

I could angle grind / cut them off with a Dremel.

Alternatively, is there some sort of cap that I can add to cover each screw?

  

[EricL]

Hello @SyedAhmed 

I propose using a Porta 19x19mm 1.8m Round Dowel Grandis to cover the sharp ends of the screws. I suggest cutting the dowel into 15mm lengths or at least a bit longer than the screw sticking out. Drill the centre of dowel to prevent it from splitting, if the pilot hole is too small the timber will split. Once you've drilled the dowel, screw it onto the exposed end of the screw and hand tighten. Do not over tighten as it will strip the timbre, and the dowel will fall off. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @SyedAhmed 

That is an interesting problem and mythinking is along the same way as yours.

My idea is similar to @EricL's but differant enough to be an option.

For any vertical run of the screws You could use something like Porta 20x8mm 1.2m Square Edged Board Clear Pine (you can get longer lengths but was after the profile size. You push the whole piece against the screws so that you can see the imprint of the screws in the pine. Then you drill out the imprints with 1/4" drill. Test that it goes over the screws without being forced. If succesful then you use liquid nails to glue it to the tin. 

For the screws on the roof, I would cut small squares of the same timber. Same process to mark the 20 * 20mm timber, drill out and then glue. Makeing sure all the squares are glued the same way Just to be tidy.

This way you arent weakening anything or unscrewing anything.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @SyedAhmed 

I would suggest just replacing the ones exposed on the inside to a flat surface (see image) and not worry about the recessed ones. Just replace them with something like these which won't take you long to do. and as @EricL highlighted be careful not to over tighten as the thread will strip. Use a drill/driver to remove and a screwdriver to install the new shorter ones.

Nailbag 

 

[SyedAhmed]

Thanks @EricL , @Dave-1 and @Nailbag . I especially love the idea of adding those channels!

What are your thoughts on using something like these wall plugs? They're meant to go around screws, except that I'd be using them outside a wall instead of inside. Not as elegant as a channel but might work?

[EricL]

Hi @SyedAhmed 

The wall plugs you mentioned are for brick and concrete use and usually deform and split when being used. I don't recommend using them.

Eric

[SyedAhmed]

Got it, wall plugs are a no go.

[Nailbag]

Hi @SyedAhmed 

What about using heat shrink? For a few dollars you just cut short strips off the tube and place it over the screw. Then use a heat-gun or a hairdryer on high which will shrink it obvert the screws and provide a plastic like cover.

Nailbag

[SyedAhmed]

Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking of too!

The other option was using a twist-on wire connector but the heat shrink tubing sounds like a winner.

On a side note, I contacted the manufacturer and they said that the screws sticking out throughout the shed was as per design. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[Noyade]

Replace the offending screws with pop-rivets?

Just a thought @SyedAhmed 

Cheers.