How did I fix a force hot air vent adjustment screw?

Here are the instructions. If it doesn't work, just purchase a new vent and install.

https://www.cunninghamhvac.com/blog/how-to-fix-a-stuck-vent-register/

I would just replace it with a new one.

The threads may be stripped. It may just be easier to replace it.

It appears to have been painted many times and perhaps that is the issue. Clean thoroughly. If that doesn't work, you should be able to go to a hardware store and purchase a screw to replace it. The threads may be worn. I hope that is it and not the area where the screw makes contact. That would probably be a replacement.

If the screws thread is damaged it might be easiest to replace. They are very inexpensive and could be matched exactly at your local hardware store.

You will have to remove vent cover and repair or replace the screw as the backing washer has slipped out of position.

The round flat spring works on tension against the adjustment blade. It's rusted and lost it's springiness to provide friction to hold the adjustment. I would replace the vent grill.

either the screw is stripped or the piece on the back is gone - might be easier to replace the vent than find a new screw that fits

Sounds like it is time for a new vent. Have you checked the selection at Amazon?

Hi Poppy, remove the screw and inspect it to ensure that is hasn't stripped, or slipped out of place, if out of place, just put it in properly, if it has stripped, you should be able to find a replacement at your local home improvement store or online

Ut oh. sounds like it's time to replace the vent!

Have you tried to put another screw in there looks like a machine screw

We have a very old house and sometimes contractors have older pieces they save and use when a customer would rather replace with originals rather than get new. Maybe you could share your dilemma in a local Facebook community group? Perhaps there's be someone who could help you so you don't need to get new.

Here are links to places that make custom-sized vent covers

https://ventcoversunlimited.com/custom

https://ventandcover.com/measure-vent-covers/

https://www.hvacquick.com/products/residential/Grilles-Registers/Grilles?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=grilles&utm_campaign=resgen&gclid=CjwKCAiA57D_BRAZEiwAZcfCxfCd4w655R_YQENGfTQBDVb5rezQzLLWN9eajPeJcv7-SKeHHa4j6hoCyrYQAvD_BwE

Here's a post that might help - https://thejunkparlor.com/2018/04/fix-it-tip/

Yes, remove the screw, take the whole cover off and inspect it for breakage or why the screw stripped.

If you need to observe one that isn’t broken, that should help.

Screw is not stripped or over painted. It appears that the spring that applies tension is sprung. Springs are no longer available so I have to fabricate replacements...

Interested