How to remove a screw which won't come out (it just spins)?

Question

Hi,

I'm trying to replace a normal light switch with a dimmer switch.

One of the the screws holding the switch in place will not unscrew. It comes out a few milimetres but then just spins.

From what I can see (by removing the other screw and looking behind the switch), the screw is spinning in the hole it is held in (its like a bracket with a hole - don't know the technical name for this).

Any ideas on how to remove this screw?

Thanks

Answer 1

Yes. I'm a master electrician. Make sure the breaker is turned off first, Take a screwdriver and place point behind yoke of the switch. Put a slight pressure to force the screw toward you. turn screw counterclockwise. Once the screw begins to feel tight, you should be able to release pressure and take it the rest of the way out.

Answer 2

Two things come to mind.

1. Try forcing a small shim under the screw head as you are unscrewing to help pry the screw out.

2. Cut the head of the screw off to remove the plate, then do whatever it takes to remove the remainder of the screw. Your replacement switch normally comes with screws.

Answer 3

There is a stripped sectin in the screw where it was drawn down and then stripped at the thread grip point. Apply back pressure behind the cap of the screw while turning slowly till the threads catch again. If that doesnt work you'll have to pull the box.

Answer 4

try using needle nose pliers or go to sears and get a kit called screwout or something like that - its designed to remove stripped screws (works by biting into the metal and then works it back out) or as a last resort get a metal drill bit and drill out the old screw

Answer 5

put another thin like pin to pull from underneath the screw and ill catch grip and ill spin out

Answer 6

try to pull it out with a pair of pliers

Answer 7

sophisticated stuff. query in the search engines. it might help!