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DIY problem - knackered screw

KJB, 29 June, 2009 at 10:15 Posted on Off Topic Posts 0 3

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I've knackered a screw I need to remove and there is no longer any bits for the Phillips screwdriver to fit into.

Normally when I've done this a mixture of (my not very strong) brute force, pliers, WD40 and good luck means I manage to loosen it enough to turn by hand.

Not this time though. I've tried everything I can think of.

What can I do? I've heard stories of 'drilling it out' - is the literally as it sounds? eg drilling the screw away?

Just to make things more interesting, it's to open my security light glass to replace the bulb, so I'm up a step ladder whilst doing it!

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3 replies

Latest activity by Viva Suzi, 29 June, 2009 at 12:10

VIP July 2007
hazel · 29 June, 2009 at 11:58
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Any chance you could use a hacksaw to get a decent line in the screwhead and use a normal screwdriver on it?
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KJB · 29 June, 2009 at 12:02
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Oo I think this might be possible. Will try this later on and report back.

It did move a teeny bit before I @rsed it up, so hopefully this means it's not stuck solid and just needs some means of getting some purchase on it to turn it, to loosen it up enough to then be able to remove it by hand.

Thanks
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Beginner August 2002
St. Knickerless · 29 June, 2009 at 12:06
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Get yourself one of these https://www.jmldirect.com/

I got ours from Wilkinsons - it is great
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Beginner September 2005
Viva Suzi · 29 June, 2009 at 12:10
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This may not work if you have mullered the head but next time a good tip is to oddly turn it one half turn in the wrong direction (ie tighten it) and then back again - this often helps loosen it up.
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