If you are working on a project and find yourself dealing with a stuck screw, it is probably not the most pleasant of tasks. You can use a variety of methods to try and get a screw unstuck. Some of them are more effective than others. For example, drilling may be able to help, but it might also ruin your day. The best way to do it is to take your time and make sure to choose the right tools.
First, you need a screwdriver that’s the correct size for the job. For instance, if you’re working with a Phillips head screw, you’ll need a flat-head screwdriver. It should fit snugly into the hole of the screw and be just long enough to reach the tip. Also, you’ll want to make sure the bit is a suitable size. This is especially important if you have a hammer.
Next, you’ll need a suitable lubricant. A good choice is penetrating oil, which will work to loosen the stubborn screw. To get the most out of this method, you should soak the screw in the oil for about 5 minutes. After that, you can turn the screw over and see if the oil has loosened the screw.
Another option is to use a hammer to tap the screw. Although it might seem like a silly idea, tapping the screw can actually break the rust bond and let the tool loosen up. However, be careful, as you don’t want to knock the screw into next week!
Finally, you might want to try a manual impact driver. These are available for around $20 at your local home improvement store, and they have the power to unscrew a stuck screw without breaking a sweat. They can be tricky, though, as you’ll need to set the driver to the proper direction and compress the screw in order to get the desired results.
One final technique is to use a propane torch to heat the screw. While it might seem counter-intuitive, you’ll find that this can be the most effective way to break the bond between the screw and the wood. You can also heat the head of the screw by blowing hot air onto it, but this is only if you can find a lighter. As a side note, you should never burn yourself while trying to remove a screw. There are also commercial screw removers on the market.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to remove your stuck screws with ease. Just make sure to do your homework before you start any kind of project. Be sure to read up on the right types of tools, as well as the etiquette surrounding using them. Using the wrong tools can be a disaster, and if you don’t do it right, you might not be able to recover your investment. Try the above tips and you’ll be on your way to fixing your project in no time!
Also Read: How to Get Out a Stripped Screw