How to remove a screw whose head is damaged? The thing to know
Over time, the screws can oxidize. Their heads can also be damaged, especially if you force them to unscrew them. In this case, removing a screw seems impossible, especially if it is tight or worn. But no need to panic! Discover how to remove a screw whose head has been damaged thanks to this ingenious trick.
Unscrewing a blocked screw is not an easy task. It can no longer turn even after much effort. However, there is a technique that it is absolutely necessary to know, to remedy this problem.
Screws and screwdrivers – Source: spm
To unscrew a screw whose head is damaged, it is necessary to improve the grip of the screwdriver on the head, or use greater force to turn the screw. That said, to be able to remove it, it is advisable to place a piece of flexible and gripping material on the head of the screw. You can use as a material, a thin rubber, but which is resistant, like an elastic, or even use the steel wool or duct tape , placing the sticky side of the tape against the head of the screw. Then press the screwdriver into the material and turn, making sure to press hard. This will make it easier for you to pick up the screw, and prevent the screwdriver from slipping. It is also possible to tap gently on the handle of the screwdriver so that it can sink better into the screw and thus ensure a better grip. On the other hand, avoid doing this if the object in which the screw is screwed is fragile. Note that it is important to press hard on the screwdriver, when unscrewing the screw, taking care to do not release the pressure you are exerting on the screwdriver. Also, turn it gently when loosening the screw, so it doesn’t slip. On the other hand, if the screwdriver continues to slip, it is better to stop pushing it, so as not to damage the head further.
If despite this technique you still cannot remove the screw, check that you unscrew it in the right direction. Indeed, most of the time, you have to unscrew the screw in the opposite direction of the clockwise.
Tip: To remove the screw more easily, you can heat it with a heat gun or the flame of a blowtorch to expand it, provided that the surface in which the screw is located, is not sensitive to heat. Then let the screw cool down a little, and try to unscrew it. You can also heat the shaft of the screwdriver so that the screw expands on contact with the hot surface.
What are the other techniques for removing a screw whose head is damaged?
Screw screwed – Source: spm
To unscrew a screw that refuses to come out, you can resort to the following methods.
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Remove the screw with a screw extractor
The screw extractor is very effective for removing screws whose head is very damaged. To do this, first choose an extractor with a tip adapted to the screw head. Then insert it into a conventional screwdriver and set the latter to a slow speed to avoid damaging further age the screw head. Then place the extractor on the screw and push it in, exerting pressure. Activate the screwdriver after having set it in the unscrewing position.
Screwdriver – Source : spm
Remove the screw with a screwdriver and a hammer
This simple method consists of making a new hole in the damaged screw head, to allow a better adhesion, likely to facilitate the loosening of the screw. For this, choose a screwdriver suitable for the head of the screw. Then place it on the screw and using a hammer, tap the handle to exert pressure on the screwdriver. The new hole promotes the grip of the screwdriver, in order to easily unscrew the screw.
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