Expert Q&A for How to Remove Rusted Screws

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  • Question
    What's the easiest way to remove a stripped screw?
    Barry Zakar
    Handyman
    Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University.
    Handyman
    Expert Answer
    There are kits out there that make this process a lot easier. You just attach a specialized bit to an impact driver and drive it out of the hole.
  • Question
    Can I remove a rusty screw with my drill?
    Barry Zakar
    Handyman
    Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University.
    Handyman
    Expert Answer
    Depending on where the screw is located, you may be able to do this. You can just drill straight into the same hole the screw is in. If you're lucky, the old screw will pop out. If you aren't lucky, it'll push through at a diagonal, but that shouldn't matter if you're replacing the screw anyway.
  • Question
    What can I do if I can't get the screw out?
    Barry Zakar
    Handyman
    Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University.
    Handyman
    Expert Answer
    If you're replacing it, just leave the busted screw where it is. Then install the new screw next to it. If you absolutely need to remove it, you're going to have to cut it out.
  • Question
    How do I unscrew a screw that won't budge?
    Lui Colmenares
    Licensed Contractor
    Lui Colmenares is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Handyman for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality.
    Licensed Contractor
    Expert Answer
    Try putting a rubber band over the screw head and then fit a screwdriver into the groove. Try unscrewing it like normal since the rubber band will give you extra grip.
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