Help with removing screws

Old Lady Medic
by Old Lady Medic
I'm refurbishing a stained glass window in a frame that has hinges on one side. I want to remove the hinges, but the screws won't come out. (I've only been able to get one screw to come loose or of 6!) Ideas for getting them out? The heads are flat, the slots are accessible, just impossible to turn.

  6 answers
  • Chris Browne Chris Browne on Mar 30, 2018

    Apply a penetrant such as liquid wrench or WD-40, even peanut butter will work if given enough time to work its way into the threads!

    • Old Lady Medic Old Lady Medic on Mar 30, 2018

      I'll spray some and see if it will get in. They fit really well, though, so I'm not sure it will get in. They've been in there a hundred+ years.

  • Halloweendad13 Halloweendad13 on Mar 30, 2018

    are they stripped? If so, there is a product called ā€œScrew outā€. It removes stripped screws

  • Jeri Jeri on Mar 30, 2018

    Are the screws stripped? If so, you can put a wide rubber band across the screw head and then try unscrewing.

    • Old Lady Medic Old Lady Medic on Mar 30, 2018

      No, not stripped, they've just been in there for over a hundred years. The heads are totally flush, but i can get a screwdriver in the slot.

  • I've heard you can cut a notch into the screw head (straight across) with a dremel or hacksaw. Insert a flat blade screwdriver and attempt to turn the screw

  • William William on Mar 30, 2018

    If you have a soldering iron heat the screw by holding it against the head of the screw. You can also heat a metal rod till its red hot on your stove and hold it on the screw head. The heat may be enough to break the bond.

  • Ann Ann on Mar 30, 2018

    you might try adding a drop of MD40 down the side of the screw and then heat it. Your u may have to dig out a little around the screw and once out, fill the hole with wood filler. Let us know how you make out!