# Non-reversible screws in bathroom stalls **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 8, 2011, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805 "2011-06-08T23:54:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![diegojones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f14d63/32.png) [@diegojones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diegojones)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2011, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805/21 "2011-06-10T01:43:08Z")
It still makes no sense. Random vandalism doesn’t seem to justify an entire industry changing the process. As a former vandal, I would have removed the bolts from the entrance door so it would fall; disconnect the U-pipe, etc. Plus, unscrewing the stall from the wall still wouldn’t cause it to fall. ---
**Author:** ![AtomicDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ac91a4/32.png) [@AtomicDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AtomicDog)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2011, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805/22 "2011-06-10T01:59:15Z")
So how does one dissassemble the stall when one needs to? ---
**Author:** ![user\_hostile](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/user_hostile/32/474_2.png) [@user\_hostile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user_hostile)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2011, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805/23 "2011-06-10T02:05:22Z")
> [@AtomicDog](#): > > So how does one dissassemble the stall when one needs to? Shaped charges. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2011, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805/24 "2011-06-10T02:27:00Z")
> [@diegojones](#): > > It still makes no sense. Random vandalism doesn’t seem to justify an entire industry changing the process. It doesn’t have to. It only has to suggest to one bathroom-stall-supply vendor that they might be able to make more money if they offer one-way screws as an option, and before long it will be an option they all offer. From the demand side, if you can buy a bathroom stall that is vandal resistant for essentially the same cost as one which isn’t, even if you don’t expect vandalism, why not do it? ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2011, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805/25 "2011-06-10T09:16:59Z")
> [@AtomicDog](#): > > So how does one dissassemble the stall when one needs to? There are a couple of different methods that I’ve used over the years. (I’m a commercial carpenter/general contractor, and have had to remodel/alter numerous restrooms in schools, to meet ADA code. ADA = American Disabilities Act building codes and specifications.) Depending on the type of nonremovable/vandal proof screw, I usually try to grip the edges of the screw with a good pair of Vise Grips. If that fails or isn’t possible, (due to lack of enough “edge”, to grip!:mad:) I’ll take a hack saw blade, and cut a groove in the head of the screw, so that I can get a screwdriver to “get a bite” on it. (The majority of the screws that I’ve had to deal with, are chrome plated brass, and are easily cut with a hand held blade.) Sometimes, even those two methods won’t work. Bathroom stalls are notoriously corrosive environments! :eek: At that point, it’s usually necessary to resort to more drastic (read… DESTRUCTIVE) methods. 😉 All in all, they can be a substantial, PITA! (PAIN IN THE ASS!:rolleyes:) ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2011, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805/26 "2011-06-10T09:20:32Z")
> [@user\_hostile](#): > > Shaped charges. I’ve definitely come across a few, that almost REQUIRED high explosives!😛 ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2011, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805/27 "2011-06-10T12:17:50Z")
> [@AtomicDog](#): > > So how does one dissassemble the stall when one needs to? You can buy left-handed drill bits. Drilling into a non-reversible screw, the bit will eventually bite hard enough to back it out. Or the head of the screw will come off. Either way is effective. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-reversible-screws-in-bathroom-stalls/584805.md?page=1)