How to Deal with Stubborn Screws

In car mechanics, dealing with stubborn screws that refuse to loosen can be a common and frustrating problem. Whether you are a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, encountering a screw that won’t budge can halt your progress. This article will explore several effective methods for loosening those obstinate screws.

1. Penetrating Oil

Steps:

1. Apply Penetrating Oil: Spray a generous amount of penetrating oil (such as WD-40 or PB Blaster) directly onto the screw. Make sure to cover the area where the screw meets the surface.
2. Wait: Allow the oil to penetrate for at least 15 minutes. For heavily rusted screws, you might need to wait longer or apply the oil multiple times.
3. Attempt to Loosen: Use a screwdriver or wrench to try to loosen the screw.

Tip: If possible, let the oil sit overnight for better results.

2. Heat Application

Steps:

1. Use a Heat Gun or Propane Torch: Heat the area around the screw for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat, especially near flammable materials or sensitive parts.
2. Cool and Repeat: After heating, allow the screw to cool down slightly. This process can expand and contract the metal, helping to break the rust or corrosion.
3. Loosen the Screw: Use a screwdriver or wrench to try and turn the screw.

Warning: Ensure the area is free from any flammable substances before using heat.

3. Impact Driver

Steps:

1. Select the Correct Bit: Choose a bit that fits the screw head perfectly.
2. Set Up the Impact Driver: Place the bit into the impact driver and position it on the screw head.
3. Strike with a Hammer: Hit the end of the impact driver with a hammer. The force combined with the rotational motion helps to loosen the screw.

Tip: Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.

4. Manual Force with Leverage

Steps:

1. Use a Wrench or Socket: Attach a wrench or socket to the screw, if applicable.
2. Add Leverage: Use a piece of pipe or a breaker bar to extend the handle of your tool. This extra leverage increases the torque applied to the screw.
3. Loosen the Screw: Apply steady, controlled force to turn the screw.

Tip: Be cautious not to apply too much force too quickly, as this can strip the screw head or break the screw.

5. Shock Method

Steps:

1. Position a Hammer: Place a hammer or heavy metal object against the screw head.
2. Strike with Another Hammer: Hit the positioned hammer with another hammer to create a shock force.
3. Attempt to Loosen: Try to turn the screw immediately after applying the shock.

Tip: This method works well for screws that are not heavily rusted but are still stuck due to tightness or minor corrosion.

6. Drill and Extractor Set

Steps:

1. Drill a Pilot Hole: Using a drill bit smaller than the screw, drill a small pilot hole into the center of the screw head.
2. Insert Screw Extractor: Place a screw extractor into the pilot hole.
3. Turn Counterclockwise: Use a wrench or pliers to turn the screw extractor counterclockwise. This should grip the screw and allow you to remove it.

Tip: Ensure you use the correct size extractor to avoid damaging the screw further.

7. Welding

Steps:

1. Disconnect the battery: When welding something in a car, the battery must be disconnected, otherwise it might get damage by the welder machine electricity flow to the car frame.
2. Add material to the screw: if the screw is broken or you cannot attach a tool, just weld a piece of metal to it. This way you are heating the material as on second option (heat application) but also increasing the size of the screw to help to extract it.
3. Weld a screw or a lever: On broken screws you can just solder another screw on top of the broken one and then use the right tool for the soldered screw, or solder a lever to extract it

Tip: Ensure the metal is clean and you are using the right welding material to the metal you are welding to.