What is the Best Way to Loosen a Rusted Screw?
Murphy’s Law states: If something can go wrong, it will. While Captain Edward A. Murphy was not referring to a rusted screw when he coined the phrase, it applies all too well. Many know the frustration of trying to get through a job that should take just a minute, but for a rusted screw that won’t budge. Unfortunately, corrosion seems to work as well as any locknut product, and if not handled correctly, a rusted screw will soon have a stripped head, leaving you in worse trouble. Luckily, the recipe to loosen a rusted screw is a simple one. To dissolve the corrosive seal of a rusted screw, use a product such as WD-40. Spray the screw head and allow one or two minutes for the lubricant to penetrate the corrosive seal. As an alternative, you can try brushing kerosene on the rusted screw. At this point, avoid using a power tool to remove the rusted screw. The potential to strip the head is too great. Instead, choose a screwdriver with an excellent fit for the head of the screw. If a flathe
Murphy’s Law states: If something can go wrong, it will. While Captain Edward A. Murphy was not referring to a rusted screw when he coined the phrase, it applies all too well. Many know the frustration of trying to get through a job that should take just a minute, but for a rusted screw that won’t budge. Unfortunately, corrosion seems to work as well as any locknut product, and if not handled correctly, a rusted screw will soon have a stripped head, leaving you in worse trouble. Luckily, the recipe to loosen a rusted screw is a simple one. To dissolve the corrosive seal of a rusted screw, use a product such as WD-40. Spray the screw head and allow one or two minutes for the lubricant to penetrate the corrosive seal. As an alternative, you can try brushing kerosene on the rusted screw. At this point, avoid using a power tool to remove the rusted screw. The potential to strip the head is too great. Instead, choose a screwdriver with an excellent fit for the head of the screw. If a fl
