subject: Common ways to remove a stuck screw [print this page] Common ways to remove a stuck screw Common ways to remove a stuck screw
As time goes by, it is easy for a screw to be rusted, even to be corroded. Thus, it steps to the state to be stuck in the object. The function acting as a fastener goes away. It is necessary to remove it and replace it with a new one. Some common ways are used to solve this problem. Now, details for each way are introduced as follows.
When you are given the task to remove a stuck screw, you would think about to tend to some mechanical tools for help, I suppose. The screwdriver is a good choice. But it is important to choose the correct sized screwdriver. Otherwise, it would cause more difficulties for the extraction of the screw, such as the take off of the head of the screw. It should be mentioned that it does not mean to remove the screw just simply by the external force. It is wise to deal with this kind of situation according to the existing state of the screw. Commonly, you can use the screwdriver to turn it out. But if you can't move the screw but the head of the stuck screw is slightly elevated, the vice grips or pliers are needed to cooperate with the screwdriver to the whole job. And if the screw's head is not sticking up, you can try to insert the screwdriver in the screw's head slots. By dint of leverage, the screw would be removed as a result.
And the ways by the aid of the force caused by heat or cold, or by the chemicals are also frequently used to remove a stuck screw. Referring to the chemicals, you would only consider about that used in industrial process, I suppose. However, the lemon juice, Coke or Pepsi and such hydrogen peroxide would do a great help. And they are easy to get. And the method of heat of cold makes full use of the common physical phenomenon that substances expand when heated and contract when cooled.
When you come across the situation that the screw has not be budged no matter what you do, it is suggested to destroy the screw. Place a steel punch or small chisel slightly off-center in the screw's head-slots. With the help of a hammer, you hit the top of the punch or chisel in counter direction to provide impacts to loosen the screw.
There will be more ways to remove a stuck screw. The above is just to introduce some common ones to do this job. Hope you can do the removal work effectively in the future.
