MTH buildings

Yes, for what ever reason they really torque the crap of them.  Make sure you have the right size screwdriver.   If you still can’t turn it, use a pair or pliers or wrench on the handle to give you more leverage.

Some are on real tight. Are they Phillips head or Star head that I can’t remember. You put wd40 on them take your screwdriver and tap it with a hammer. Then try and move it. Don’t be too aggressive you’re working with plastic.

has any one tried applying a little heat from a soldering iron?

You need a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdriver, not a phillips.

If they're really tight, you may need to try a T handle driver (they exist) or the ol' wrench on the screwdriver handle hex trick, but make sure you're using the right screwdriver or you'll just strip the heads out.

@Boilermaker1 posted:

You need a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdriver, not a phillips.

If they're really tight, you may need to try a T handle driver (they exist) or the ol' wrench on the screwdriver handle hex trick, but make sure you're using the right screwdriver or you'll just strip the heads out.

Good tip on the JIS. I recall they're similar to Phillips, but the angle of the head is different, which now makes sense how Phillips slips. Where is a good place to get a short and medium handled JIS? My Lowes doesn't even stock them.

You can get them at Amazon. Also some hobby shops carry them.

Just Google-searched "JIS Screwdrivers"...  Lots of source choices.

Not the sort of thing you'll find at the checkout counter grab-and-go display at your local grocery store...

Paul, if you go to York the gentleman that has all the tools in the orange building sells them. They are on the spin rack at the checkout. They have a green case.

Thanks for source leads on the JIS screwdrivers. While I always prefer to hold a tool and see how it handles, I went ahead and ordered a set from Amazon. To date, only my 40+ year old Stanley Phillips head screwdriver has been the only screwdriver that can disassemble MTH buildings, and I've probably taken apart and detailed 4 dozen or so structures; all other brands slip or strip the head. Hopefully the JIS' will make it even easier as my Stanley only has a 4" extension.

@Late To The Game posted:

I saw somewhere on the forum talk about removing the oversized sidewalks on MTH buildings, I can't for the life of me get those screws out to remove them. I put WD40 on them and they still won't budge, any ideas?

Have had MTH rolling stock with the same issue. Don't know what they had the torque set to at the factory during assembly.

As others mention, many strip the screw heads attempting to get them apart.

If anyone has a lead/link to a T-Handle set let me know.

@BobbyD posted:

Have had MTH rolling stock with the same issue. Don't know what they had the torque set to at the factory during assembly.

As others mention, many strip the screw heads attempting to get them apart.

If anyone has a lead/link to a T-Handle set let me know.

https://www.amazon.com/Handle-...Screws/dp/B07V571J15

@Army Veteran posted:

Thanks!

@Late To The Game posted:

I saw somewhere on the forum talk about removing the oversized sidewalks on MTH buildings, I can't for the life of me get those screws out to remove them. I put WD40 on them and they still won't budge, any ideas?

If you are removing a sidewalk from a 3 story building I would be interested in taking it off of your hands!  I need one for a building that is missing!

D R E M E L….

I thought about that Don, but the Dremel wouldn't reach. After a lot of WD40 I finally got all the screws but one, I took my wood burner and cut the post, all 3 buildings look much better with those big sidewalks gone. I'm going to make my own bases and sidewalks with 1/4 thick plywood, I did that with all my Woodland Scenics buildings, so now they will all match.

Hey Yank2304, is that base you need for the Davenport Hotel three  story?

I was following this thread with interest because I was facing a similar issue.......I took everyone's advice and I got a set of JIS screwdrivers on Amazon.......and, 1,2, 3, out they came.

Thank you!

Peter

@Putnam Division posted:

I was following this thread with interest because I was facing a similar issue.......I took everyone's advice and I got a set of JIS screwdrivers on Amazon.......and, 1,2, 3, out they came.

Thank you!

Peter

Sent you an email about this base! It’s exactly what I need!

I received the same or very similar looking 4-piece JIS set as Peter's, from Amazon earlier this week. Tried them out today and have to say my 40+ year old Stanley Phillips is still the best for removing MTH screws. I do like the longer one of the newer set for reaching deep within certain recessed areas.