All screws will rust over time. At some point you're bound to come across stubborn screws that require a lot of effort to remove from old vehicles or furniture. This reddish rust will bind to the screw so you will have to pry it off the screw. If you can't disassemble it with a rust-removal product, you'll need to use heat. You may also need to make an indentation (groove in the screw head to place the tip of the screwdriver) on the screw that has a smooth or damaged head in order to remove it. Removing rusted screws may seem difficult, but you can overcome this by using ongoing maintenance with a rust-removing product.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Hammer and Screwdriver
Step 1. Wear protective eyewear and thick leather gloves to protect yourself
Continue to wear gloves as you go through this process, just in case you hit your hand or miss the hammer. This can reduce the impact of impact. In addition, rusty metal can chip and split, so you should always wear protective eyewear or polycarbonate goggles.
Step 2. Hit the screw with a metal hammer several times
Point the hammer just above the screw head. Hit the screw head several times quickly to dislodge the rust that is locking the screw in. Use your power whenever possible, with enough force to shake the screw while maintaining accuracy.
Do not place the other hand near the area in case the hammer misses the screw head
Step 3. Wet the screws with the rust remover solution for about 15 minutes
Rust removers are usually sold in the form of a spray. All you have to do is aim the nozzle at the screw and spray it. Spray plenty of solution around the screw head. This is to lubricate the screw head and drain the solution into the screw rod.
- Rust-removal products can be found in hardware stores or home supply stores.
- If you don't have a rust remover, you can make your own by mixing equal proportions of acetone and vehicle lubricating oil.
- You can also use WD-40, but this product is not as effective as a rust remover.
Step 4. Hit the screw a few times and tap the head
Hit the screw a few more times with the hammer to loosen the rust. Next, lightly hit the side of the screw head. Do this all over the side of the screw head in preparation for removing it.
You can also remove any remaining rust using an impact driver and a hammer
Step 5. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws
Use a proper screwdriver to remove the screw (e.g. a plus screwdriver to remove the +-shaped groove). Remove the screw by turning it counterclockwise. Stop your work if the screwdriver breaks the grooves of the screw. The screws can be more difficult to remove if you continue the process.
Stop turning the screw if the screwdriver keeps popping out of the screw groove. The screwdriver can even slip off the screw. This occurs when the screwdriver begins to damage the grooves of the screw
Step 6. Make a gripping paste of water and cleaning agent to remove stuck screws
This gripping paste will help keep the screwdriver from sliding out of place without damaging the screw. Add 1 tsp. cleaning powder into a bowl. After that add about 3 drops of water at room temperature, and stir the two ingredients until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste on the screw heads with a rag.
- You can use regular kitchen or bathroom cleaning products, which you probably already have at home.
- If you don't want to make your own, just use the factory-made gripping paste to apply to the screw heads.
Step 7. Try removing the screw again using a screwdriver
Place the screwdriver and press it against the screw head through the paste. Turn the screw back counterclockwise while continuing to apply pressure. The force you apply will eventually dislodge the rust and cause the screws to come loose.
If this doesn't work, you can get more power if you use a wrench. Also use a screwdriver to secure the screws
Method 2 of 3: Loosening the Screws Using Heat
Step 1. Scrub the screws with a water-based degreaser
Cleaning the screws is especially important after you've tried removing them by other methods. The heat can burn the rust remover and other chemicals. To prevent this, wet a washcloth with degreaser and rub it on the screw thoroughly.
- You can buy a degreaser at a home supply store, or you can make your own using baking soda or vinegar.
- Dispose of the cloth used to remove the oil properly. Place the cloth on a non-flammable surface away from direct sunlight. If it has hardened, throw the cloth in the trash.
Step 2. Put on leather gloves and have a fire extinguisher nearby
This precaution is useful for minimizing the risk of accidents due to the use of heat. You can protect your hands from the heat by wearing thick, good-looking gloves. Fire extinguishers are useful for preventing fires.
- Do not put on gloves until the screws are cleaned. By doing so, no degreaser will stick to the gloves. If it sticks to the glove, it can be dangerous.
- Even if you're sure you've cleaned all flammable chemicals, keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Step 3. Use a gas torch (a tool such as a gas-fired handheld welder) to heat the screw until it smokes
While you can do this with a cigarette lighter, a gas torch can provide better control. Gas torches of propane or butane are safe to use for this job. Turn on the gas torch, then aim the tip of the flame at the screw head. Wait for the screw to release steam and smoke.
- To prevent the screw from overheating, keep the gas torch from getting too close to the screw. Just touch the tip of the flame to the screw.
- Keep the flame out if the screw starts to turn cherry red. This indicates that the screw is overheating.
Step 4. Wet the screw with cold water immediately
If you have a water hose, spray the screw until it cools down. If there is no hose, wet the screw by pouring water over it or wipe the screw with a damp cloth. Wait until the screw is not hot.
The screw expands when heated, and contracts when cooled. If this is done quickly, the rust covering the screw will break
Step 5. Warm up and cool the screw 2 or 3 times
While you can try to unscrew the screws right away, you'll usually need to warm up a few times before you can remove any stubborn screws. Heat the screw head with a gas torch, then immediately wet it with cold water.
If you still can't remove it, try heating and cooling the screw again
Step 6. Remove the screws using a screwdriver
Use a screwdriver that fits the screw head. If you are doing this after making an indentation in the screw head, you will need to use a flat-head screwdriver. Turn the screw counterclockwise to remove it.
Make sure the screws are completely cool to the touch. Put your hand on the screw to test it. If it still feels hot, rinse the screw again with cold water
Step 7. Spray some rust remover if the screw is still stuck
Spray a large amount of rust remover on the screw heads. When the rust-removing liquid flows to the sides, turn the screws left and right to help spread the solution. After that, you can definitely remove the screw with a screwdriver.
You may have to spray some rust remover to get the screws out. Keep turning the screw to the right and left to allow the rust remover to sink in
Method 3 of 3: Making Indentations on the Flattened Screw Head
Step 1. Wear thick leather gloves and safety glasses
Always wear gloves to protect your hands. Gloves will protect you when any equipment slips during use. Also, wear safety glasses or protective eyewear made of polycarbonate to protect your eyes from metal shards.
Step 2. Attach the cutting disc to the rotary tool (equipment similar to a drill or grinder)
The rotary tool has a removable head. You can replace the head with different tools. To make indentations in the screws, use a grinding disc that can cut through metal. Mount the disc on the rotary tool according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Test the dish by turning on the rotary tool. The disc must rotate freely at a consistent speed
Step 3. Make an indentation in the screw head the same size as the tip of your largest screwdriver
Place the largest flat-blade screwdriver near you to use as a reference in making this indentation. Position the rotary tool so that the end of the metal cutting disc is above the screw head. Lower the rotary tool on the screw head to make an indentation. Do this slowly and widen the curve to the desired size.
Ideally, the indentation you make should fit the tip of the screwdriver tightly so you can turn the screw with full force
Step 4. Remove the screws using a screwdriver
Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the groove you made. Keep pressing the screwdriver on the screw while turning it counterclockwise. If the curve is good, the screw will loosen and come off.
- If the indentation is too small, expand it first with the rotary tool. If the indentation is too large, you may not be able to remove the screw this way, unless you use a larger screwdriver.
- Some of the screws will still rust even if you make a nice dent in the head. If this happens, use heat to remove it.
Tips
- Because it contains acids, cola can also be used as an effective rust remover.
- Turn the screws right and left as far as possible. This can help drain the rust-removal fluid further down the screw.
- Do not turn the screw forcibly if it feels stuck. If the screwdriver keeps slipping out of the screw grooves, the grooves can be damaged and make it more difficult to remove them.
Warning
- Always wear safety glasses and leather gloves when handling rusty screws.
- Heating the screw can cause a fire or fire. Take precautions and ensure that any rust-removing grease adhering to the screws has been thoroughly cleaned.
- A rag that is wet with oil can catch fire. So you should let it dry without direct sunlight before throwing it away.
