Hey gang, my drivers side striker plate had the bottom teeth broken so the door doesn't stay closed. Before I purchase new ones, is there a special socket used to remove the screws? I've never seen anything quite like this.

Drivers


Passenger


It's probably something super common and I'm just too dense to see it.

 

I believe those are called clutch head fasteners. Yours look a little rough which is common. You may need to get a 3/8 drive socket version and use a hand held impact driver. (you strike the driver with a hammer). They make clutch head screwdrivers but I'm not optimistic that will get it done. Get behind them and hit the threads with rust penetrating oil best you can.

 

yep those are clutch heads, didnt know Ford used them, they are all over my tri 5 chevys. I would grind down an old impact gun chisel into that shape and use the impact to remove them and then toss them.

 

Those type fasteners used to be the norm for use in mobile homes and the like.

Agree with 'fenders and Dave. grind something to fit, and use an impact driver, then pitch them as far as you can.

 

Don't pitch the new tool though. There might be more.

 

My latches has those too. I just drilled the heads off. Removed the latch and was able to spin out the rest with a vice grips.

 

Or, get something like this...

 

First time seeing those, all the ones I removed were Phillips

 

I used to sell a lot of F100 stainless fasteners. (And probably should again). Anyway, I sold many sets of these in an allen head. Works well as they need do to be tight, and no drama a few years later from siezed threads in moist climates.

 

I wonder if that is a plant specific thing? I've never seen clutch head screws like those on Fords, but knew they were common on Chevy's. I agree it's unlikely a simple screwdriver will remove them. Make or buy a proper tool. Those look like someone may have tried to remove them with a flat blade screwdriver.

 

They look like the screws holding my striker plates on. I just use a big, the biggest I have, standard slotted screw driver.

Do you have a replacement striker plate? I am sure you don't want a chromed repopped one, right. You can find NOS ones on ebay. I have found the NOS ones wear better. The chromed ones stood out on my truck of course and the the two tips wore off faster since my doors are aligned perfectly.

 

Joe check out Wally World 4pc Clutch Head Bit Socket Set - Walmart.com

 

Thanks guys!
Last night I had to go to town to shop for a new washing machine.
Well Lowes didn't have anything. Surprisingly Menards had a couple, but they were way too small.

BJ, I'm sure surprised that Walmart has them.
Abe, Yeah I'm not fond of the idea of the chrome replacements for my truck. It looks like the NOS ones run about the same price as the chrome new ones. 56 ones seem more available on my quick search and I think those are slightly different. Need to check my book.

 

For historical purposes, 56 does have a different part number:



And of course I'm seeing a bunch of right side striker plates, but my left side is the worst.

 

Yes the 56 striker plates are slightly different. They are thicker to accept a bigger 56 star latch. There is a cover that goes over the plate to keep the doors latched in the event of an accident.

Of course you see more right side than left as the driver's door is used more.

Let me check my stash. If I have more than one part sided striker plate incan send you one. I had more but sold some on eBay. I am keeping a set as back up for me. But if I have an extra I will let you know.