3 Ways To Remove Rusted Screws - WikiHow

Home » How To Remove A Rusted Screw » 3 Ways To Remove Rusted Screws - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove Rusted Screws PDF download Download Article Your guide to loosening and unscrewing rusty screws Co-authored by Lui Colmenares

Last Updated: March 30, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Hammer and Screwdriver
    • |
  • Heat
    • |
  • Cutting Grooves
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Lui Colmenares. Lui Colmenares is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Handyman for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality. This article has been viewed 197,639 times.

All screws rust over time, so you will inevitably encounter stubborn screws that require a little extra work to remove from old furniture or vehicles. That reddish coating acts as a binder, so you have to break through it to free the screw. If you can't break it easily with rust penetrant, you may need to use heat. You may also need to cut into stripped or damaged screws to remove them. Removing rusted screws may seem difficult, but continual treatments with rust penetrator and screwdrivers can take out most screws.

Things You Should Know

  • Strike the screw with a hammer to loosen it. Then, soak it in rust penetrant and remove it with a screwdriver.
  • If a hammer doesn't work, use a gas torch to heat the screw until it smokes. Cool it with water, then remove the screw with a screwdriver.
  • If you're working with a stripped screw, cut new grooves into it with a rotary tool.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Hammer and Screwdriver

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wear thick leather gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. 1 Wear thick leather gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. Keep the gloves on throughout the process in case you slip and hit your hands. It will mitigate at least some of the damage. Also, rusted metal can break and splinter, so wearing polycarbonate glasses or goggles is a must.[1]
  2. Step 2 Strike the screw a few times with a metal hammer. 2 Strike the screw a few times with a metal hammer. Square up the hammer so it is directly over the screw's head. Rapidly hit the head a few times to break the rust seal holding the screw in place. Use some force if you can, enough to jar the screw while still maintaining your accuracy.[2]
    • Keep your other hand clear from the area in case the hammer misses the screw head.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Soak the screw in rust penetrant for 15 minutes. 3 Soak the screw in rust penetrant for 15 minutes. Commercial rust penetrant often comes in a spray bottle, so all you need to do is point the nozzle and shoot. Spray a lot of penetrant around the screw's head. This should lubricate the head as well as allow penetrant to drip down into the screw's shaft.[3]
    • You can purchase rust penetrant at most hardware and general stores.
    • If you don't have rust penetrant on hand, you can mix your own by combining equal amounts of acetone and transmission fluid.
    • Regular WD-40 can help, but it isn't as effective as specialty rust penetrants.
  4. Step 4 Hit the screw a few times and tap around the head. 4 Hit the screw a few times and tap around the head. Give the screw a few more solid whacks with your hammer to loosen the rust further. Afterwards, lightly hit the side of the screw head. Do this all the way around the head to prepare the screw for removal.[4]
    • Hitting the screw with an impact driver and hammer may also help break up any remaining rust.
  5. Step 5 Remove the screw with a screwdriver. 5 Remove the screw with a screwdriver. Use the correct type of screwdriver for the job, such as a Phillips head screwdriver for those screws with +-shaped slots. Turn the screw counterclockwise to remove it, but stop if you experience problems like the screwdriver beginning to strip the screw. You can end up making the removal more difficult if you keep going.[5]
    • Stop turning the screw if you feel like you can't keep the screwdriver in the screw head. The screwdriver may even slip out. This happens when the screwdriver begins stripping the screw.
  6. Step 6 Create a gripping paste with water and cleanser for stuck screws. 6 Create a gripping paste with water and cleanser for stuck screws. The gripping paste will help you keep your screwdriver in place without damaging the screw. First, place 1 teaspoon, or .17 oz (4.8 g), of a powdered cleanser in a mixing bowl. Add about 3 drops of room temperature water, then stir the mixture into a paste. Spread the paste over the screw head with a rag.[6]
    • You can use a regular kitchen or bathroom cleanser. You may already have some on hand.
    • If you don't want to mix your own paste, you can apply automotive valve grinding compound to the screw head instead.
  7. Step 7 Attempt to remove the screw again with a screwdriver. 7 Attempt to remove the screw again with a screwdriver. Push the screwdriver through the paste and into the screw head. Twist the screw counterclockwise again while continuing to push down. The force may finally break through the rust, freeing the screw.[7]
    • If this doesn't work, you can generate more force by turning the screw with a box-end wrench. Hold the screw in place with the screwdriver.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Heat

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wipe the screw off with a water-based degreaser. 1 Wipe the screw off with a water-based degreaser. Cleaning the screw is especially important after attempting to remove it through other methods. Heat can cause rust penetrant and other chemicals to catch fire. To prevent this, dampen a rag with the degreaser, then wipe down as much of the screw as possible.[8]
    • You can buy degreaser at a home improvement store, or you can make your own with vinegar or baking soda.
    • Be sure to dispose of oily rags properly. Leave them to dry on a non-flammable surface out of direct sunlight. Throw them in the trash after they harden.
  2. Step 2 Wear leather gloves and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. 2 Wear leather gloves and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Take full safety precautions to minimize the risk of accidents from using heat. A good pair of thick gloves can protect your hands from burns, while the extinguisher can prevent sudden fires from turning into a serious emergency.
    • Wait to put the gloves on until after you clean the screw. This way, you won't get any potentially hazardous degreaser on a good pair of gloves.
    • Even if you are sure you wiped away all of the flammable chemicals, keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
  3. Step 3 Heat the screw with a gas torch until it smokes. 3 Heat the screw with a gas torch until it smokes. Although a cigarette lighter may do the trick, you get better control by using a torch. Any butane or propane gas torch is safe to use for this project. Light the torch, then lower the tip of the flame to the screw's head. Wait for the screw to emit steam and smoke.[9]
    • To avoid overheating the screw, keep the torch back so only the tip of the flame touches the screw.
    • If the screw starts turning a cherry red color, move the flame away. You never want it to get this hot.
  4. Step 4 Soak the screw immediately with cold water. 4 Soak the screw immediately with cold water. If you have a garden hose on hand, you can spray the screw until it is cold again. Otherwise, soak it by pouring water from a bucket or by wiping it with a wet rag. Wait until you can no longer feel heat radiating from the screw.[10]
    • Heating the screw causes it to expand, while cooling it causes it to contract. Doing this rapidly increases the chances of the rust seal breaking.
  5. Step 5 Repeat heating and cooling the screw 2 or 3 times. 5 Repeat heating and cooling the screw 2 or 3 times. While you can try removing the screw right away, you usually need a few heat cycles to free stubborn screws. Use the torch to heat the screw head, then immediately douse it in cold water.
    • If you find that you cannot remove the screw later, you can always try heating and cooling it again.
  6. Step 6 Use a screwdriver to remove the screw. 6 Use a screwdriver to remove the screw. Choose a screwdriver that matches the screw's head. If you do this after cutting a slot into the screw, you will need to use a flat blade screwdriver. Twist the screw counterclockwise to loosen it.[11]
    • Make sure the screw is completely cool to the touch. You can test it by holding your hand over it. If you feel heat coming from it, add cold water.
  7. Step 7 Apply rust penetrant if the screw is still stuck. 7 Apply rust penetrant if the screw is still stuck. Pour a generous amount of penetrant over the screw head. As it drips down the screw's sides, turn the screw back and forth to help spread the penetrant. Finally you should be able to free the screw with the screwdriver.[12]
    • You may need to apply penetrant a few times before the screw comes free. Keep twisting the screw back and forth so the penetrant soaks in.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Cutting Grooves

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wear heavy leather gloves and protective goggles. 1 Wear heavy leather gloves and protective goggles. Keep the gloves on at all times to protect your hands. They will protect you in case any of the tools slip when in use. Also, put on polycarbonate protective glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from metal fragments.
  2. Step 2 Place a cutting... 2 Place a cutting wheel on a rotary tool. Rotary tools have detachable heads. You can swap out the heads with 1 of many different accessories. For cutting screws, you want a flat wheel designed to cut through metal. Fit it onto the rotary tool according to the manufacturer's instructions.[13]
    • Test the wheel by turning on the rotary tool. The wheel should spin freely at a consistent speed.
  3. Step 3 Cut a slot the size of your largest screwdriver into the screw head. 3 Cut a slot the size of your largest screwdriver into the screw head. Keep your biggest flat blade screwdriver nearby to use as a point of comparison. Tip the rotary tool so the edge of the wheel is over the screw head. Lower the tool down to begin cutting into the screw. Work slowly and carefully to widen the cut to the size you need.[14]
    • An ideal slot creates a tight fit for the screwdriver so you can turn the screw with maximum force.
  4. Step 4 Use the screwdriver to remove the screw. 4 Use the screwdriver to remove the screw. Push the screwdriver head into the slot you made. Continue pushing down on the screw as you begin turning it counterclockwise. If the slot is effective, the screw will loosen and pop out.[15]
    • If the slot is too small, you can widen it with the rotary tool. If the slot is too big, you may not be able to remove the screw this way unless you can find a larger screwdriver.
    • Some screws will still be rusted in place even after you cut a perfect slot. Use heat to remove them.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What's the easiest way to remove a stripped screw? Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Expert Answer There are kits out there that make this process a lot easier. You just attach a specialized bit to an impact driver and drive it out of the hole. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question Can I remove a rusty screw with my drill? Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Expert Answer Depending on where the screw is located, you may be able to do this. You can just drill straight into the same hole the screw is in. If you're lucky, the old screw will pop out. If you aren't lucky, it'll push through at a diagonal, but that shouldn't matter if you're replacing the screw anyway. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question What can I do if I can't get the screw out? Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Expert Answer If you're replacing it, just leave the busted screw where it is. Then install the new screw next to it. If you absolutely need to remove it, you're going to have to cut it out. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Cola can also serve as an effective rust remover due to the acid in it. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't force the screw if it feels stuck. When you can't keep the screwdriver in place, turning the screw can strip it and make it harder to remove. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Turn the screw back and forth as far as you can. This can help work rust penetrant further down the screw. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Always wear leather gloves and safety goggles when working on rusted screws. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Heating screws can lead to burns or fires. Take safety precautions and make sure all penetrating oil is wiped off the screw. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Oily rags can catch combust, so make sure you let them dry out of direct sunlight before throwing them away. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Hammer and Screwdriver

  • Heavy leather gloves
  • Rust penetrant
  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Powdered kitchen or bath cleanser
  • Water
  • Mixing bowl

eat

  • Heavy leather gloves
  • Water-based degreaser
  • Rags
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Butane or propane torch
  • Water
  • Screwdriver
  • Rust penetrant

Cutting Grooves

  • Heavy leather gloves
  • Rotary tool
  • Cutting wheel accessory
  • Large flat-head screwdriver

You Might Also Like

Remove a Stuck BoltHow toRemove a Stuck Bolt Remove a Stripped Screw10 Different Ways to Get a Stripped Screw Out 10 Ways to Remove a Stuck Screw Remove a Rounded NutHow to Remove a Rounded Nut or Bolt Remove a Broken ScrewHow to Remove a Screw without a Head Remove a Stripped Allen ScrewHow to Remove a Stripped Allen Screw Cut ScrewsHow to Cut a Screw (And Fix Damaged Threads or Sharp Edges) Use a Screw ExtractorHow to Remove Screws & Bolts with an Extractor Kit Remove a Damaged Nut7 Ways to Remove a Stripped Nut That Won’t Come Off Remove One Way ScrewsHow Do You Remove One-Way Screws? 6 Easy & Effective Ways How toUse a Rubber Band to Unscrew Stripped Screws Remove a Stuck WheelHow to Remove a Stuck Wheel & Prevent It From Happening Again Remove RivetsHow toRemove Rivets Remove a Broken KeyThe Best Ways to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/how-to-loosen-stuck-bolts/view-all/
  2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rusted-screws/
  3. ↑ http://cessnaowner.org/magazine/stubborn-screws-rusted-bolts/
  4. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a1838/4218825/
  5. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a5754/how-to-free-a-rusted-bolt/
  6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rusted-screws/
  7. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a5754/how-to-free-a-rusted-bolt/
  8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rusted-screws/
  9. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/how-to-loosen-stuck-bolts/view-all/
More References (6)
  1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rusted-screws/
  2. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a5754/how-to-free-a-rusted-bolt/
  3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rusted-screws/
  4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rusted-screws/
  5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rusted-screws/
  6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rusted-screws/

About This Article

Lui Colmenares Co-authored by: Lui Colmenares Licensed Contractor This article was co-authored by Lui Colmenares. Lui Colmenares is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Handyman for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality. This article has been viewed 197,639 times. 9 votes - 67% Co-authors: 4 Updated: March 30, 2025 Views: 197,639 Categories: Screws and Screwdrivers Article SummaryX

To remove rusted screws, start by rapidly hitting the screw head with a hammer to break the rust seal. Then, spray a rust penetrant onto the screw and leave it for about 15 minutes. Once the penetrant has had a chance to soak in, give the screw a few more hits with your hammer to loosen the rust further and try to unscrew it. If the screw still won’t move, create a gripping paste by mixing a teaspoon of any powdered bathroom or kitchen cleanser with 3 drops of warm water. Spread the paste over the screw head with a rag and try to unscrew it again. For more tips, including how to loosen a screw using heat, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Arabic French Chinese Spanish Hindi Indonesian Dutch German Portuguese Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 197,639 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Lui Colmenares Co-authored by: Lui Colmenares Licensed Contractor 9 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 4 Updated: March 30, 2025 Views: 197,639

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Remove a Stuck BoltHow toRemove a Stuck BoltRemove a Stripped Screw10 Different Ways to Get a Stripped Screw OutRemove a Stuck Screw10 Ways to Remove a Stuck ScrewRemove a Rounded NutHow to Remove a Rounded Nut or Bolt

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile Data Get a Nice BodyHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestIce Cream Personality Test

Featured Articles

Dress for WinterHow toDress for WinterNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever IdeasNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever Ideas Give Someone a Great GiftHow to Give Someone a Great GiftWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big ForeheadsThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizMake OutHow toMake OutThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)The World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)

Quizzes & Games

OCD TestOCD TestTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat Does My Crush Think of Me QuizWhat Does My Crush Think of Me QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Tools
  • Fastening Tools
  • Screws and Screwdrivers
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --905

Tag » How To Remove A Rusted Screw