The previous occupants put up some decorative fixtures on the outside walls, and I want to take them down for burning. Some of the screws are too stiff for me to turn however- is there any quick and easy way to loosen them up?
2007-11-23 06:48:21 · 15 answers · asked by Buzzard 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Since you are disposing of the fixtures by burning I assume they are wood. If they are regular boards (not plywood) maybe you can split it at the screw holes with a big screwdriver, wood chisel etc, and pull the stuff down. Now, you will have prodruding screws that you can easily grab with Vise-grips pliers and unscrew or, if they are really rusted in solid, just snap them off level with the wall surface. If it is plywood, take a hole saw, and drill right next to each screw untill almost all the way through, now carefully pry the fixtures off leaving several little "plugs" of wood which can easily be split away and the screws removed as described above.
2007-11-23 07:07:02 · answer #1 · answered by Flying Dragon 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
make sure the screwdriver is the right size for the screws, then turn the screw slightly to the right, until the screw moves. You should then be able to turn it easily to the left to unscrew them. Don't use an electric screwdriver if they're too tight, you'll just strip the screwhead.
If that doesn't work, can you slide a knife blade behind the screws or the shelf and ease them forward slightly. That too will loosen them
2007-11-23 15:00:45 · answer #2 · answered by Linda K 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get an impact driver with the correct bit on and set it to TIGHTEN.
Always turn a screw in the direction to tighten before attempting to release it.
As suggested though, a bit of release agent (WD40) left to soak for a while can break any rust barriers.
I had several large (9 inch) screws through wooden posts and removed all the screws by first tightening them then using the correct screwdriver bit to unscrew them.
2007-11-24 06:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by Answers R Us 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes go to your local harware store and purchase a can of DW-40 and spray it on the screws. Allow the DW 40 to work itself in for a few moments and then when ready begin by first tightening the screw and immediately then untightening. The screw should be easy to turn at this point and if not call someone who is much stronger than you.
2007-11-23 15:02:19 · answer #4 · answered by Cinta 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
leccy screwdriver .. would help. try some wd40 also
maybe it's held in by wall plugs?
if u can get enough of the head out, use a claw part of a hammer and rip them out.. failing that a crowbar is always hand for such things =)
2007-11-23 14:59:45 · answer #5 · answered by junglejungle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
assuming they are slotted screws put screw driver into slot hold screwdriver in left hand and hit with hammer hard whilst striking turn screwdriver this usually does the trick
2007-11-23 15:36:39 · answer #6 · answered by kevin h 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Screwdriver.
2007-11-23 14:52:04 · answer #7 · answered by joolsmc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Impact screwdriver
2007-11-23 14:52:55 · answer #8 · answered by lulu 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tap with a hammer and then unscrew, the impact with the hammer will break the seal or bonding it will also ease the threading into the wood.
2007-11-23 17:37:49 · answer #9 · answered by ?Master 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try using penetrating fluid on the threads if thatdoesnt do the trick i would drill them out or cut the heads off with a hacksaw
2007-11-23 14:53:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋