Often you have to unscrew a screw but no screwdriver is available. Using a screwdriver is the easiest and safest way to unscrew a screw, but there are certain things you can try if you don't have a screwdriver nearby or don't have the right type and size of screwdriver available.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Unscrew Plus
Step 1. Use this method to unscrew the plus screws without a proper screwdriver
A plus screw is a screw that has two grooves on its head that form a plus sign. In some screws, one of the threads is longer than the other. When trying to unscrew a plus screw without the right screwdriver, it is this thread that you should manipulate, as it can be opened more easily with a variety of tools.
Screw head plus easy dol. Dol is a condition where the angles formed by the two strands become loose and can no longer be gripped by a screwdriver. The doweled screw head is difficult to remove, because the screwdriver can no longer be inserted into the groove. Be careful when using the methods below so as not to damage the screws
Step 2. Try using coins
Insert a small coin into the longer groove, twist it, and see if the screw turns successfully. This method is easier to do with flat coins such as thousand rupiah coins, and usually only works on large screws.
Insert the coin into the larger groove and rotate it counterclockwise
Step 3. Use thumb nails
Thumbnails can open screws, but only if they are not screwed in tightly. Insert the tip of your thumb nail into the longer groove, and try to twist it counterclockwise. The screws will come out easily if they are loosely attached. On the other hand, this method cannot be carried out if the screws are tightly attached.
Step 4. Use a butter knife
The way to do this is similar to using coins. Insert the tip of the butter knife into the longer groove and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the screw.
If the butter knife you are using is of poor quality and poor strength, or if the screw you are trying to unscrew is tight, you may end up bending the butter knife. This kind of damage is possible
Step 5. Use an unused compact disc (CD)
Insert the unused side of the disc into the longer groove and turn it counterclockwise. This can damage the compact disc, so use an unused compact disc which is fine if it is damaged.
If the screws are too tight, this method may not work
Step 6. Use regular pliers or alligator clip pliers
You can only use this method if the screw is set higher than the surrounding surface. Use regular pliers or alligator clip pliers to grip the side of the screw head and turn the screw counterclockwise to remove it.
Sharp pliers will be more effective than regular pliers
Step 7. Use a hacksaw to make long grooves in the screw, shaping the groove of the screw to be similar to a minus screw
If the screw head is set higher than the surrounding surface, you can use a hacksaw to make long grooves similar to the long grooves on the minus screw head. Hold the hacksaw vertically and gently cut the screw head to create a single groove.
- Make sure you don't cut the surface where the screws are attached.
- Unscrew the screw as you would a flat screwdriver, such as with a flat-blade screwdriver or other flat object such as a credit card.
Step 8. Use a flat-head screwdriver
If you can't find a plus screwdriver but you have a minus screwdriver, you can try using a flat head screwdriver that is about the same length as the longer groove on the plus screw head. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the longer groove and turn it counterclockwise.
- You won't be able to do this with small screws, only regular and large screws.
- Using a minus screwdriver to unscrew the plus screw means that the area of the screwdriver in contact with the screw head is smaller. Be careful not to damage the screws.
Step 9. Use a plastic toothbrush
Take a plastic toothbrush and melt the tip with a match or other ignition source. After the plastic melts, insert it into the screw head and allow the toothbrush plastic to harden again. When the plastic of the toothbrush has hardened, all you have to do is turn the screw counterclockwise to open it.
- You can only do this with screws that are not too tight and easy to turn.
- Be careful when using matches to avoid injury. Gently melt the toothbrush so you can control the melt and don't dirty the area around you.
Method 2 of 4: Unscrew Minus
Step 1. Use this method to unscrew a minus screw without a proper screwdriver
A flat-head screwdriver has only one groove across the screw head. If you don't have a flat-head screwdriver, you can use any flat object to unscrew this type of screw.
Step 2. Use the card
Try using a card (for example, a plastic credit card) to unscrew the screw. Insert the card side into the groove and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the screw. Make sure the card you use is strong and unused, because this process can damage the card.
Step 3. Use a soda can lock
Remove the key from the soda can and insert it into the groove in the minus screw head, then turn it counterclockwise to open the screw.
Step 4. Try using coins
Insert a small coin into the groove, and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the screw. It's easiest with flat coins like thousand rupiah coins, but if the screw is large, the larger coins will be easier to turn.
Step 5. Use thumb nails
You can only use this method if the screw you are trying to unscrew is not tight. Insert your nail into the groove and turn it counterclockwise. The screw will come out easily if it is loosely attached, and conversely, it may not come out at all if it is firmly attached.
Step 6. Use a butter knife
The way to do this is similar to how to unscrew a screw with a coin. Insert the tip of the butter knife into the groove and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the screw.
If the butter knife you are using is of poor quality and strength or the screws are too tight, there is a risk that you will bend the butter knife. This damage may occur
Step 7. Try to open it with normal pliers or alligator pliers
You will only be able to do this method if the screw is set higher than the surrounding surface. Use regular pliers or alligator clip pliers to grip the side of the screw head and turn the screw counterclockwise to open it.
Sharp pliers will be more effective than regular pliers
Method 3 of 4: Unscrew Torx
Step 1. Use this method if you need to unscrew a Torx screw
On the head of the Torx screw are grooves with a star pattern. These screws are often used for various purposes. Torx screws for securing will have some kind of pin in the middle that must be worked out first.
Torx screws are easily damaged, so be careful when using improper tools to open these types of screws
Step 2. Use a small flat-blade screwdriver
Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver between the two opposite sides of the screw head. Turn counterclockwise to open. Do it slowly so you don't damage the screw heads.
- For securing Torx screws, you will need to fit the screwdriver between the two sides and over the pin in the center of the screw. It works the same way Torx screws are not for security.
- The security Torx screw must be turned in the opposite direction of the regular screw, so turn it clockwise to open it.
Step 3. Break the pin in the center of the securing Torx screw
If you have a regular Torx screwdriver but no Torx screwdriver to remove a security Torx screw, you can still remove this type of screw by crushing the pins first. Get a hammer and a puncher or other engraving tool, then attach it to the center of the screw. Hit gently to damage the pin in the center of the screw.
Step 4. Drill a small hole in the end of the Torx screwdriver
If you need to unscrew a security Torx screw but only have a regular Torx screwdriver or drill bit, you can drill a small hole in the end of the drill bit or screwdriver. This way, your drill bit or screwdriver can then be used to unscrew the pin in the center of the securing Torx screw.
Step 5. Use a plastic toothbrush
Take a plastic toothbrush and melt the tip with a match or other ignition source. Once the plastic has melted, insert it into the screw head and allow the plastic to harden again. Once the plastic of the toothbrush has hardened again, try turning the screw counterclockwise to open it.
Method 4 of 4: Unscrew Very Small Screws
Step 1. Use this method to unscrew very small screws without a screwdriver
Very small screws are difficult to open without the right tools. This type of screw is usually found in electronic devices. You can usually find a small screwdriver for this type of screwdriver in the toolbox for fixing glasses.
- If you don't have or can't use tools to repair your glasses, you can try one of the methods below.
- Toolboxes for repairing glasses are inexpensive and are sold in many places.
Step 2. Try using the tip of a knife
Use the sharp end of a knife to turn a very small screw. Insert the tip of the knife into the groove; if you can, insert the tip of the knife at an angle so that there is more surface contact between the blade and the screw.
Step 3. Use a metal nail file
You can insert the tip of a metal nail file into the groove in the screw head. Turn counterclockwise. Be careful not to damage the screws.
Step 4. Use the sharp end of a small pair of scissors
Insert the sharp end of a small pair of scissors into one of the grooves on the screw head, then turn it counterclockwise.
If your scissors are dull, this method may not work
Step 5. Use the tip of the tweezers
Insert the sharp end of the tweezers into the groove in the screw head, then turn it counterclockwise. The tip of the tweezers must be sharp in order to fit properly into the screw head.
Tips
- For unusual screws often found in electronics, you may have to purchase specialized equipment. Attempting to unscrew this type of screw without the proper tools could void the warranty or damage the screw to the point that it cannot be opened unless drilled.
- A proper screwdriver will work better than all of these methods. If possible, always use a screwdriver that is specifically designed to open this type of screw.
- Carry a small toolbox with you everywhere so you don't have to fiddle with screws.
- Toolboxes can be purchased from home supply stores around the world. This kind of box is usually a good investment that can solve a variety of problems you may have in your home, yard or garage.
- When using one of these methods turn the screw slowly so as not to damage it.
- Apply a small amount of lubricating oil on the screw before trying to open it. This will loosen the screws and make them easier to open.
- If you are having a really hard time removing the screw, try a screw drill with a drill bit that is smaller than the screw body.
Warning
- Be careful with knives or other tools you use to unscrew the screws, as they can be dangerous when not used for their intended purpose.
- Be careful when using a lighter to melt the toothbrush. Keep fire away from flammable body parts or objects to avoid fire.
- Always be careful when using power tools and make sure any moving parts are located away from your body to avoid injury. Pay attention to any safety precautions included by the manufacturer of each appliance.
- Using the wrong tool to unscrew the screws can void the warranty on certain electronics.
