How To: Remove Rusted Screws
You’re bound to run into rusted screws when you repair older things. All you need to fix the issue is the right tools and a little knowledge. Rust is just another form of glue; you first have to break the seal to ease the screw out. We have put together a couple of options to help you get the screws out. If you have issues or don’t want to deal with them, give the VESTA Handyman team a call.
Option 1: Gentle “Persuasion”
The best place to start is always with a gentle approach, and this method will help you avoid damaging or breaking off the screw heads.
- Swiftly apply several hammer blows directly to the head of the screw (the goal is to crack the rust)
- Apply a liber amount of WD-40 Rust Release (or any rust penetrant you prefer – Liquid Wrench, PB Blaster) around the screw head
- Allow about 15 minutes for the rust penetrant to seep in
- Smack the screw head again several times
- Try to unscrew the screw
Note: If your screwdriver starts to slip out of or starts stripping the screw head, stop! Adding more force will strip your screw head and make it even more difficult to remove and impossible to re-use.
Option 2: Add a New Groove
It is essential to understand that Philips and star head screws can’t handle a lot of torque without stripping. If your screw head is stripped, try cutting a new notch into the head of the screw.
- Cut a straight slot into the head of the screw using a rotary tool and a cutting wheel (you should make sure you wear heavy leather gloves during this
- Ensure that the slot is wide enough for a tight fit with a large flat blade screwdriver
- Insert the flat tip screwdriver into the new slot and try to unscrew the screw
Option 3: Add some Heat
This method can be dangerous, so take serious precautions. Heating the screw will cause it to expand; this helps to crack the rust. You can cause damage, so you need to be extra careful to ensure that you do not cause a fire or melt any internal plastic parts.
- First – ensure you remove all traces of the rust penetrant you used in option 1
- Have a fire extinguisher right next to you
- Wear heavy-duty leather gloves
- Slowly apply heat to the screw head (using the tip of the flame from a butane lighter)
- Heat the screw head only until you start to see steam or smoke – if it starts to turn cherry red, STOP!
- Immediately cool the screw head with water
- Try removing the screw head with a screwdriver
Take note – if the screw starts to turn and then binds, apply some rust penetrant to the screw head and turn the screw in and out several times to spread the penetrant down the threads. When the screw head is free from rust, and it is well lubricated, the screw should come out easily.
Option 4: Call the Experts
If all else fails or you don’t want to risk any damage,
call VESTA Handyman. We are here to help you with any household issues or chores.