stuck screw

User00003

Well-Known Member
any tips for removing/losening a front sight screw that won't budge? I really don't want to ruin the screw head trying to screw it out and letting the screwdriver slip and damage the edges.
 
Have you tried penetrating oil overnight?

Another crude method involves an old 'scrap' screwdriver. Heat the blade with a blowtorch until red hot (literally cherry red) than hold onto the screw head for 30 seconds - the heat will cause expansion and then contraction and loosen things.
 
penetrating oil and impact (light) with a proper fitting screwdriver.

soak overnight and tap handle of screw driver whilst turning it
 
penetrating oil and impact (light) with a proper fitting screwdriver.

soak overnight and tap handle of screw driver whilst turning it

If you cannot get paws on 'plus-gas' some diesel will penetrate just the same.
This is assuming no modern adhesive has been used!
Best advise is the proper fitting screwdriver and well supported barrel so it cannot move.
 
All good suggestions - to which you can add tightening the screw slightly and also freezing it (the same principle of thermal expansion as heating it but shrinking the screw improves clearance).

If you want to try freezing it, you can either try to create a little well around the screw head using blue-tack etc. and chill using a pipe freezing spray (go for the refill cans as you don't want to pay for the pipe sleeve and gubbins), or use a specialist freeze oil spray as I do (I use this one: Crack-It Freeze Release Spray 400ml Screwfix.com )
 
Electric soldering iron on to screw head for 2 minutes, then immediately, two sharp taps to a proper fitting screwdriver?
 
If all else fails, drill it out the centre and use a lefthand thread screw remover. You'll have to get a new screw but at least it's out.
 
My business partner was a mechanic about 45 years ago and we still laugh at him now as when ever we have nuts or bolts that are stuck at work the first thing he tells us is to boil the kettle. It is now a standing joke with us all BUT 9 times out of 10 pouring boiling water over the stuck item does work. Just make sure the screwdriver is a snug fit.
 
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