Screwdriver for a tight spot
+27
The handle on my sliding door is loose. But the glass is too close to the back of the handle for me to get a screwdriver back there to tighten. What to do?!
Where my finger is is where the glass is.
28 answers
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take it off the frame and tighten it and reattach it
![Pia2519506]()
Pia2519506
on Oct 17, 2015
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they make a z shaped driver with a flat head on one end and a phillips on the other end
![Sheryl Cowherd Turner]()
Sheryl Cowherd Turner
on Oct 17, 2015
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Use a dime to tighten it. Hope this helps. :)
![Pam Walker]()
Pam Walker
on Oct 18, 2015
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I went to an auto parts store and bought a very small socket style screwdriver. It has interchangeable bits, but is only 1 ½ in, by 6 in. It was small enough to tighten mine.
![Teresa Zuiani]()
Teresa Zuiani
on Oct 18, 2015
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There are very short screw drivers. We call them Stubbies at our house.
![Joanie]()
Joanie
on Oct 18, 2015
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You need a special tool. Ask for it at the hardware store. Useful to have on hand because it will loosen again over time.
![Sue Klinedinst]()
Sue Klinedinst
on Oct 18, 2015
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Unscrew the screws on the sliding glass door and remove the handle. Then tighten the screws on the handle and put back on.
![Linda Susie]()
Linda Susie
on Oct 18, 2015
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Yeah, I was thinking what Linda Sue was thinking....does the other side come off with a screwdriver as well?
![Suzie hometalk]()
Suzie hometalk
on Oct 18, 2015
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I use the screw bits that go in interchangeable screwdrivers and hold them with pliers. Not necessarily easy, but no special tools needed. Plus I like to coat the screws with nail polish before screwing them in so they don't become easily undone again.
![Letty]()
Letty
on Oct 18, 2015
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Get a set of off-set screwdrivers.
![Upstater]()
Upstater
on Oct 18, 2015
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You can buy right angled screwdrivers
![Follow your H]()
Follow your H
on Oct 18, 2015
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Here is a great set we have. It comes in handy for those odd spots. Love the different size heads. http://www.amazon.com/Piece-Right-Angle-Screwdriver-Set/dp/B002YVMC6I
![Kim]()
Kim
on Oct 18, 2015
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It would be easy to remove the whole handle from the door first. That would give you full access to the loose screw. Once that is tightened, replace the handle back on the door.
![Craftsman]()
Craftsman
on Oct 18, 2015
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From rhat picture i would say remove entire handle from the door, do your tightening of the handle and then replace the handle onto the door. No special tools needed.
![Grammy in TN]()
Grammy in TN
on Oct 18, 2015
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Use a coin
![Maxine Davidson-Tompkins]()
Maxine Davidson-Tompkins
on Oct 18, 2015
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yep, remove the whole thing. You need to also add some glue to the threads of the screws so they are locked into the wood. they will come out eventually, but by then the kids will be gone and you will want to remodel anyway. At the least, you can buy a new handle then. lol!
![Cheryle Fuller]()
Cheryle Fuller
on Oct 18, 2015
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Take the handle off and then tighten the back. that's what a glass shop would do
![Michelle]()
Michelle
on Oct 18, 2015
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it looks like you have a wooden door handle, so whether you use an offset or stubby screwdriver, take the screws all the way out and use a little soap on he threads. Once it sets up, it should not come loose again.
![Kerry]()
Kerry
on Oct 18, 2015
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you can use a phillips head bit and a pair of pliers. Put the bit in and use pliers, from the side, to turn it until it's tight. You could remove them and put some wood glue on the threads prior to tightening, to help them stay put.
![Dawn Villines]()
Dawn Villines
on Oct 18, 2015
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Purchase an offset screwdriver in the tools section of a hardware store. Makes the job easy! (http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/ID/Offset-Screwdriver-Set.htm&sa=U&ved=0CBEQwW4oADADahUKEwij4ejrz83IAhUGkA0KHa1RAeM&usg=AFQjCNFckEXwKk4yc1pT_pzgE14CNG-GgQ )
![Mary]()
Mary
on Oct 18, 2015
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Purchase an offset screwdriver in the tools section of a hardware store. Makes the job easy! (http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/ID/Offset-Screwdriver-Set.htm&sa=U&ved=0CBEQwW4oADADahUKEwij4ejrz83IAhUGkA0KHa1RAeM&usg=AFQjCNFckEXwKk4yc1pT_pzgE14CNG-GgQ )
![Mary]()
Mary
on Oct 18, 2015
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Purchase an offset screwdriver in the tools section of a hardware store. Makes the job easy! (http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/ID/Offset-Screwdriver-Set.htm&sa=U&ved=0CBEQwW4oADADahUKEwij4ejrz83IAhUGkA0KHa1RAeM&usg=AFQjCNFckEXwKk4yc1pT_pzgE14CNG-GgQ )
![Mary]()
Mary
on Oct 18, 2015
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Purchase an offset screwdriver in the tools section of a hardware store. Makes the job easy! (http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/ID/Offset-Screwdriver-Set.htm&sa=U&ved=0CBEQwW4oADADahUKEwij4ejrz83IAhUGkA0KHa1RAeM&usg=AFQjCNFckEXwKk4yc1pT_pzgE14CNG-GgQ )
![Mary]()
Mary
on Oct 18, 2015
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Purchase a rachet type offset screwdriver, it makes turning it easier.
![Pat]()
Pat
on Oct 19, 2015
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A LONG screwdriver. I don't know what the space is, nut my husband has long screw driver for places he can't reach easily like these http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=extra+long+screwdriver.
![Liliana Wells]()
Liliana Wells
on Oct 19, 2015
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Can you remove the other screws first that are holding the handle on, then remove the problem screws? See attached photo. You can also buy short, stubby screwdrivers like these: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc-screwdriver-set-finger-bit/p-00941390000P?prdNo=25&blockNo=25&blockType=G25
![Tracy Monroe]()
Tracy Monroe
on Oct 19, 2015
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I have this ratchet type screwdriver, works great.
![Ann]()
Ann
on Oct 20, 2015
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Remove the handle from the door, tighten the screws in the wood handle, replace assembly on door..
![Rus1058682]()
Rus1058682
on Oct 20, 2015
Pia2519506
on Oct 17, 2015
Sheryl Cowherd Turner
on Oct 17, 2015
Pam Walker
on Oct 18, 2015
Teresa Zuiani
on Oct 18, 2015
Joanie
on Oct 18, 2015
Sue Klinedinst
on Oct 18, 2015
Linda Susie
on Oct 18, 2015
Suzie hometalk
on Oct 18, 2015
Letty
on Oct 18, 2015
Upstater
on Oct 18, 2015
Follow your H
on Oct 18, 2015
Kim
on Oct 18, 2015
Craftsman
on Oct 18, 2015
Grammy in TN
on Oct 18, 2015
Maxine Davidson-Tompkins
on Oct 18, 2015
Cheryle Fuller
on Oct 18, 2015
Michelle
on Oct 18, 2015
Kerry
on Oct 18, 2015
Dawn Villines
on Oct 18, 2015
Mary
on Oct 18, 2015
Pat
on Oct 19, 2015
Liliana Wells
on Oct 19, 2015
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