How To Open A Rusted Screw?
Especially if you are moving into a new house that has not been tended to well, you may come across screws that have turned rusty and jammed over time. While moving into a new home can be extremely exciting, it demands a lot of DIY work as well. Removing or loosening rusted screws and bolts is a fairly common issue faced by new residents after moving into their new property. This can also be the case if you have not renovated your house for a fairly long period of time.
In most cases, the rusted fuse with the accompanying bolts and become notorious. This makes it difficult to open or loosen them to get the repairs done. Especially if your house is located in a region with a humid climate or has damp walls, prolonged exposure to moisture would result in rusted screws.
On facing such issues, people often rush to carpenters, plumbers, and other dedicated service providers. This is likely to take up a lot of your time for performing trivial activities. Prolonged exposure to moisture is likely to degrade the condition of the nuts and screws in your house. Especially if the threads and metal heads have gotten rusty, it makes it difficult for a screwdriver to grip them effectively. Here are a few effective DIY ways in which you can open or remove rusted screws and bolts:
Things you will need
Sandpaper
Clamp
Fire Torch / Lighter
Step 1
Sanding The Screws
This is a fairly simple, straightforward, and cost-effective way of loosening a screw in your house. After you have removed the rusted fastener effectively, rub it using sandpaper to scrape off the rust residue from the surface. However, this can be a really time-consuming method for loosening the screw. Moreover, if you are willing to make the fastener reusable, you need to use a lubricant to obtain the desired results.
Step 2
Lubricating The Using WD-40 Multi-Purpose Product
If a bolt is stuck in its place and it is difficult to move it effectively, you can simply lubricate it using a can of WD-40 Multi-Purpose Product. As the name suggests, the product can be used for an array of different DIY activities, one of them being efficient lubrication of screws. On spraying a small portion of the liquid on the affected area, it would penetrate the surface and lubricate the rusted screw effectively. Even if the rust has reached the threads of the fastener, WD-40 seeps into the cracks, loosens the rust, and lubricates the screw within a few minutes.
The spray effectively targets the rusted or corroded components of the screw and loosens it to provide a better grip for the screwdrivers. To get the best results, spray WD-40 on the concerned bolt and tap it with a hammer. This would penetrate the fitting and loosen the bolt, making it easily removable.
The use of WD-40 is not limited to removing a rusted screw. The spray can also be used to prevent metals from getting rusty in near future. A single can of WD-40 Multi-Purpose Product can be used for getting rid of rust and rusty stains from metals. Right from the screws in your house to your beloved vehicles, the spray improves your approach to a range of different DIY practices without the need to get a professional on board.
Step 3
Cutting The Screw Out
If the option of lubricating the screw does not seem feasible and the object is rusted beyond redemption, the only option left with you is to cut it out. Although it would make the fastener unusable, it would help you remove the rusted screw effectively. For this, you can use a clamp for getting a good grip on the head of the fastener and twisting it to get it out.
Step 4
Torching The Screw
Another common DIY method used for removing a rusted screw is that of torching it on low to moderate heat. When you provide heat to the screws and bolts, they tend to expand, making them easily removable. However, it is always important to be extremely careful while using this method to remove rusted screws. As most lubricants applied to the screws are highly inflammable, the objects are likely to catch fire if exposed to extreme heat for a long period of time.
Final Word
These were some of the most important ways in which you can open, remove, and loosen rusted screws. There are a plethora of DIY options that help you get the work done without the need for an expert. However, if you are willing to remove or open rusted screws without wasting any time and protect them from getting rusty again, you can get yourself a can of WD-40 that works its magic on metals to free them from all the rust. This would help you improve your renovation experience and make the required amends in the best way possible.
Disclaimer
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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