Old Plugs with screw eyes
 

I have a bunch of old Gibbs 3 hook darters that I'm reworking. Some of the screw eyes are rusted. What is the safest way to remove them without damaging the plug? I'm afraid the wood might be brittle and could break while removing.

They all used to rust, but were thick enough that it didn't matter. I'd leave 'em alone unless they are really moth eaten. Once they get real rusted, you're more apt to twist them off than damage the wood.

wrap in a shop rag.

place in a vise, not real tight firm enough to hold it. Start to back them off with lineman pliers, finish by hand. If they're not in real bad shape you can just reuse them. Mix up a lil epoxy and set them back in place :)

snap off they will...been there..........once they get rusted inside the wood ,they become welded to the wood.....course on the other hand you can always drill a new hole against the old shaft for a new screw eye.