Have you ever encountered a hard-to-remove screw during a home improvement project? I know that I have. There are generally two reasons why a screw becomes hard to remove. The first reason is rust. The second reason is that the screw’s threads have become stripped. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to remove a stubborn screw. Here are a few of them:
1. Hacksaw Method
In my experience, a well-placed hacksaw blade may be helpful when it comes to removing stubborn screws with rusted slots. When rust builds up inside the slot, it can make it difficult to get the screw driver tip into place. I have found that if you run a hacksaw blade through the screw slot it will help to deepen the slot as well as remove some rust. Once enough rust has been removed, you may be able to remove the screw with the screw driver.
2. Soldering Iron Method
I have also had success removing stubborn screws with a soldering iron. Simply touch the screw head with the tip of the soldering gun and leave it there until the screw gets hot. The heat will sometimes help break the screw free from whatever is holding it in place. Afterward, try to remove the screw with a screw driver.
3. Tap Method
Another way to remove a stubborn screw is with a screw driver and a hammer. Put the screw driver’s tip into the screw’s slot and then lightly tap the top of the screw driver’s handle repeatedly with a hammer. The vibration of the impact is sometimes enough to loosen up the screw.
4. Crescent Wrench Method
Often times a stubborn screw may be removed with the aid of a square-shank screw driver and a crescent wrench. Start by inserting the tip of the square-shank screw driver into the screw’s slot. While keeping a firm grasp on the screw driver with one hand, pick up the crescent wrench and use it to turn the screw driver. I have found that the extra leverage afforded by the crescent wrench is sometimes enough to get the screw moving.
5. Lock-Joint Pliers Method
If the other methods fail, you may want to try busting out a pair of lock-joint pliers. Try and grab the screw head with the pliers. If you can get a grip on the screw head with the pliers, you may be able to twist the screw free. Based on my personal experience, you may want to try and initially work the pliers in a back and forth motion. This seems to help loosen up the screw. Once the screw starts to loosen, continue to remove it with a screw driver.
Killeen Gonzalez has a history of completing home improvement projects with her family.
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