What can replace a small Phillips screwdriver
Using screws to fasten any products. it is convenient and reliable. But it often happens that you need to unscrew a screw urgently, and there is no suitable screwdriver at hand. Of course, the use of a screwdriver is the simplest and safest method, but if necessary, it is quite possible to do without it. How to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver? Today you will learn about it!
To begin with, a screw is a cylindrical rod with a special head, on which a screw groove is applied. Screws are produced according to a number of normative documents, including GOST 1144-80, GOST 1145-80, etc. д.
At the same time, there are two main types of hardware. these are:
For notation in this case, we use the diameter and length of the screw (for example, a product with a diameter of 5 mm and a length of 3.5 cm would be called 5×35 mm). In addition, hardware can be classified according to the shape of the slot and the features of the head itself:
All of these varieties are made with a Phillips head, a straight head, a Torx head (the latter is also known as the “star head”), an internal hexagon or other less popular variants. There are also screws with the head of the six-and octahedral shape (roof), which are also made with different slots.
Also for your information! According to the type of thread screws are also divided into several varieties, which is conditioned, first of all, by the connected materials and the specific purpose (for metal, wood, drywall or small household appliances).
Ways to unscrew screws without a screwdriver
Let’s consider the most effective ways depending on the specific type of slot. Let’s start with the Phillips.
Variant No1. Cross Shaped Spline
First, note that some screws may have one recess on the head longer than the other. If so, you should only work with a longer recess to make it easier. Let us add that the edges of these cavities can wear down, so you should work carefully, otherwise you could ruin the product.
One of the easiest ways is to use a coin. The method often works only with small screws. Insert the coin into the groove, and then turn it counterclockwise.
You can try to undo a screw that is too loose with your fingernail. Actions are the same as in the previous method.
You can try to unscrew it with your fingernail
Take the knife, place it in the cavity (long if they are different lengths) and twist. Be careful because if it is screwed too tight and the knife you use is of poor quality, you could bend it and not get the result you want.
Using a knife to drive a Phillips head screw
Use an old CD. Place its edge in the groove and turn it. The CD itself can be damaged by such manipulations, so make sure you do not need it beforehand. This method is definitely not useful for screws that are too screwed in.
You can saw a long groove in the head with a metal saw. But this method is only useful if the fastener is not completely screwed in. е. if the head protrudes slightly from the surface. Hold the saw at right angles to the head, saw slowly and carefully. Next, when the groove is ready, the screw can be unscrewed with a flathead screwdriver or improvised means (such as a credit card).
A long groove is cut into the screw head
Take a flat-blade screwdriver of appropriate size in the absence of a Phillips head. Characteristically, this can only work with large/medium-diameter screws. Be careful not to tear the slot edges!
You can use a flathead screwdriver to try and unscrew the Phillips head screw
Another option is to use a toothbrush. One end of it melt with a lighter, and then immediately insert it into the recess on the head of the screw. After waiting a little while for the melted plastic to solidify, turn the brush counterclockwise. Of course, it doesn’t help if the screw is screwed too tight.
Using a toothbrush to remove a screw
Option 2. Flat spline
As we saw above there is only one recess on the head of this kind of screw. If you do not have a flat-blade screwdriver, you can use improvised means to unscrew the product. Let’s see how to do this.
Use a credit card. put it in the groove and try to turn it. Use only unnecessary card as it can be damaged by the unscrewing process.
Screw out the screw with a credit card
You can also use the “ear” of a tin can (soda pop, beer). Insert the broken off “ear” into the groove on the head of the hardware, twist it.
Use a coin. put it in the groove and try to turn it in the same way.
Use a coin to unscrew a flat-blade screw
If a screw is not too tight, you can try to unscrew it with your fingernail. The method is not always effective for obvious reasons.
Try to unscrew the screw with a knife by inserting the blade of the latter into the groove. There is a risk of bending the blade.
Insert the blade of the knife into the groove and turn it counterclockwise
The last method is to use pliers. Suitable if the screw is not screwed in completely. It is advisable to use a needle-nose pliers instead of the usual ones.
The flat head screw can be opened with a pair of pliers
Option #3. Remove the screw with a Torx tongue
We are talking about screws with a notch in the form of a six-beam star on the head. Such screws, by the way, can also be guarded screws. with a pin in the middle of the star. In any case, act carefully, because the facets of such a slot can easily get damaged.
Try to cope with a flat screwdriver. Its sting is inserted in a pair of opposite rays, gently scroll counterclockwise. And if the screw is secured, then the screwdriver should be inserted between the rod and any of the beams, and twist already in the opposite direction.
A small flathead screwdriver is used
To unscrew a Torx screw that is protected, try using the unprotected screwdriver, but then the head pin has to be removed (this can be done e.g. with a punch and hammer).
Removing the center pin on the head of the protected Torx screw
Another option is to drill a hole in the tip of an ordinary screwdriver for the star tip.
Drill a hole in the screwdriver for a common Torx screw
Finally you can use the same toothbrush and melt one end with a lighter (just like in the previous method).
Option No. 4. Remove the small screw
It should be said right away that small screws are especially difficult to remove if you don’t have the proper tools handy. As a rule, such screws are found in various electronic devices. To screw them out you should ideally use tools designed for spectacle repair (they are not hard to find and are not too expensive). If you don’t have the right equipment, use one of the following methods.
Table No1. How to remove a small screw.
| Step 1 | Use knife. put sharp end into slot and try to twist it. Preferably insert the tip at a slight angle to increase the contact area. |
| Step 2 | Use a nail file. Proceed in the same way as above. |
| Step 3 | If you have a small pair of scissors, pointed at the ends, you can use them. But remember that these nail clippers are not the best way to remove screws. |
| Step 4 | Use tweezers. Insert the sharp end into the groove and try to turn it. |
Basic methods
Regardless of the method you use, the main thing is to be patient, excessive hurry can only make the problem worse and will take much longer to solve. Before choosing how to unscrew a bolt, you need to determine the cause of the problem and make a plan.
Some of the most effective methods include:
- Using chemicals.Penetrating chemicals solve the problem perfectly in case the fastener is covered with corrosion. Very often for such purposes various acids are used, but if you want to save the metal without destroying it it is better to use special means, such as WD-40.
- Master wrench.This tool is specially designed for unscrewing jammed bolts. It can be used to penetrate into the most inaccessible places, moving the fastener from its dead point. Strong blows can be applied to it without worrying about its integrity.
- Impact tool.With a set of various percussion tools, you can both unscrew the bolt and destroy it if maintaining its integrity is not a priority.
- A gas torch.Even the most complicated job can be done with a torch. You use it to heat a jammed screw to redness and cool it quickly with oil The procedure should be repeated until the fastener loosens and gives way. You can buy it at any hardware store. But you can not use it in hard to reach places.
It is better to use several types of drill bits of different diameters. It is necessary to drill from the very bottom, which is necessary for precise work
It is important to hold the drill strictly vertically so as not to damage the fixing hole. The use of coolant is recommended
If nothing helps
Many, after using various methods, are faced with a situation where the bolt is not unscrewed, what to do in such cases. When the metal is stuck, it is better to use an angle grinder to completely cut off the head. And then use the tool to remove its base, which can be knocked out or drilled.
In such cases, you can disregard the preservation of the fastener hole; if necessary, you can easily cut new threads. But it is always better to work cleanly and accurately, so that this occupation does not take all day
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Ways to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver
Consider the most effective methods depending on the type of slot. Let’s start with the cruciform.
Option #1. The Phillips head slot
To begin with, let’s note that some screws may have one indentation on the head longer than the other. If so, you should only work with a bigger head slot to make it easier for you. Also add that the edges of these recesses can be chipped, and therefore should work carefully, otherwise you can ruin the product.
How to weld a screw or a screw addict’s confession
When I began my introduction to “light” drugs, I was sure that the issue of brewing and using Pervintin would never be relevant to me.
Drug use (first it was “weed”, pills and other stuff) was seen as something fun and trendy. early 90s. In my group of friends a healthy way of life was not encouraged and it was cool to smoke something, the older guys were already taking intravenous drugs, but I looked at them as “fucked up” and the plan was to get high from time to time, continuing my studies at the institute.
But nevertheless, I always wondered what they were using, what the effect of the vint was, I wanted to try it, but I was scared to shoot up.
That very day we were sitting in the basement as usual, drinking beer, smoking something, but the “older” guys from Lubyanka came from the first pharmacy and brought ephedrine and started to make vin (aka: fast, fast).
I was already pretty dialed in and curiously inquired about the manufacturing process from the cook. I was chased away, I would come back, after getting pretty drunk I expressed my desire to try the substance. drunk I always became brave. They tried to dissuade me, but I was persistent.
That was the day I got my first shot and from that moment on my life was completely different. I loved it. I liked it so much that I realized I wanted that drug over and over again.
I was very quickly sucked into the life of an addict: brothels, junkies, drug dealers, stealing for drug money and other criminality.
With time I learned to make my own vin in home conditions and later I mastered this “art” and could produce the drug anywhere.
In time my normal state became a state of drug intoxication. Despite the fact that I was using a psychostimulant, my body had adapted so well to pervitin that under it I just started to feel like a normal person, I could eat, I could sleep, but I couldn’t do without the drug at all anymore.
I tried dozens of times to stop using. It didn’t work out. Life was gray and boring, I started either smoking or drinking, but I always wanted something “more”. it was ephedrine. Being in my normal state, turning on the TV, I could fall into my narcotic reveries and imagine “coming in” and tasting like an apple or violet, or the taste of carbide in my mouth. After that, I “woke up” and ran to get high.
For the last few years I felt like I was losing my mind. When I was drugged or “stoned” I felt that I was being watched, that they wanted to kill me, poison me, it seemed to me that people could hear me talking to myself.
My psyche broke down completely: I could go out with an axe or a knife hidden under my jacket to get cigarettes. I could bring a broken TV set from the garbage, start disassembling it and leave it at home.
I was no longer thinking about my safety-I didn’t care whose syringe I used to inject myself with or what I used to make the drug: any cheap ephedrine pills, the cheapest alcoholic iodine, gasoline and electrolyte drained from the first car I saw were enough to do the job.
I had to constantly top up with something else, otherwise it was very bad inside, everything was suitable: pills, amphetamines, speeds, salts, alcohol and other stuff like tropicamide.
Ways to remove a screw without a screwdriver
Consider the most effective methods for your particular slot. Let’s start with a cross hollow.
Variant No1. Cross Shaped Spline
To begin with, some screws may have one head slot longer than the other. If so, you should only work with a deeper slot of greater length to make it easier. Let’s also add that the edges of these cavities can be chipped, and therefore you should work carefully, otherwise you can spoil the workpiece.
Ways to remove a screw without a screwdriver
Let’s see the most efficient methods depending on the type of slot. Let’s start with the cruciform one.
Option #1. The Phillips head slot
For starters, let’s notice that some screws may have one pit on the head longer than the other. If so, you should work only with the longest recess to make it easier for you. Also add that the edges of these cavities can be chipped, and therefore should work carefully, otherwise you can ruin the product.
Screw with torn edges
Flat head / half head screws (or rather slotted screws) often come off and there could be several reasons for this:
- the use of old, poor quality or unsuitable tools;
- Screwing it in the wrong way (with a hammer, for example);
- Insufficient torque during unscrewing/screwing, resulting in the screwdriver jumping out of the slot;
- The screw is “seized” (corroded);
- improper use of the hardware (without drilling when it is needed, or for the wrong material).
screw with a torn edge
Flat head / half head screws (or rather splines) often come off, and there can be several reasons for this:
- Use of old, poor-quality or unsuitable tools
- Improper screwing (e.g. with a hammer);
- Insufficient torque when unscrewing/screwing and, as a result, the screwdriver pops out of the slot;
- screw “sticking” (corrosion);
- improper use of the screwdriver (without drilling when necessary, or for unsuitable material).
Additional information
Screwdrivers with a triangular tip are needed not only for repairing kitchen appliances, but also personal computers, as well as all kinds of mechanical toys. If you have to work in hard-to-reach places, you should use a tool with a bending rod. It is desirable that the set includes screwdrivers suitable for removing tight (corroded) fasteners. As for the manufacturers, only professionals should buy products of the leading German and Japanese brands. The possibilities offered by “factory China” are quite enough for your home use.
Important: The triangular screwdriver, like any other screwdriver, can only be used strictly for its intended purpose. It must not be used as a substitute for a knife, a corkscrew, a wedge, a lever, a prop and other tools.
Damaged tools must not be used. Before you start work, you should carefully inspect the screwdriver to make sure it is in perfect working order. If suddenly it is not possible to turn a screw or other fastener, you must not try to do it with the maximum force, otherwise there is a great risk to damage the tool, material, fasteners, or even get injured.
Screwdriver sets should be stored and handled only in the specifically prepared cases or work portable boxes. Do not carry them in your When screwing in (or unscrewing) a fastener, do not hold the workpiece in your hand.
Keep the screwdriver handle clean and avoid contact with lubricating oils. Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage or even accidents.
Specialists strongly recommend to disassemble all home appliances and electronics only in the disconnected state. Even so, only insulated (dielectric) screwdrivers should be used. Protect blade and handle from heat. It is strictly forbidden to turn the handle clamped in the pliers: instead of enhancing the effect, it will destroy the tool. Do not use a screwdriver to make notches and markings, or to stir construction paint.
To see how you can replace the triangular screwdriver if you don’t have one, see the video below.
- The easiest way is with a coin. It is mostly suitable for screws that can be inserted into the groove.
- If the screw is loose, you can use a thumbnail.
- Place the knife in the cavity and twist the screw.
- A compact disc can also replace a screwdriver. The unscrewing process is carried out in the same way as with a coin.
- Saw the head with a metal hacksaw and unscrew it with a flathead screwdriver.
- A Phillips screwdriver can be substituted for a flat screwdriver of the appropriate size.
- Melt the end of a toothbrush and insert it into the screw. Wait for the plastic to cool and harden, then simply twist the brush.
- Insert the credit card into the slot and gently twist it counterclockwise.
- The “ear” of a tin can, that’s how you can replace a flathead screwdriver.
- A coin, the edge of which fits into the screw slot.
- The fingernail is also suitable, but only for screws that are loose.
- Place the knife (horizontally) in the screw jack and twist it, just like a screwdriver.
- You can use pliers. However, this option is appropriate for screws with high heads that are loose.
The easiest way is with a toothbrush. One end of it should be melted and inserted into the socket of the screw. The method of unscrewing is the same as in the other options.
Screws are used everywhere for fastening various products. They provide a secure and comfortable hold, while at the same time they are easy to unscrew.
But it may happen that there is no screwdriver handy for unscrewing screws. In such situations, the question arises as to what can replace the screwdriver.
Additional information
Screwdrivers with a triangular tip are needed not only when repairing kitchen appliances, but also personal computers, as well as all kinds of mechanical toys. If you have to work in hard-to-reach areas, you should use a tool with a bending rod. It is desirable that the set includes screwdrivers suitable for removing tight (corroded) fasteners. As for the manufacturers, to buy the products of the leading German and Japanese brands should only professionals. In domestic conditions, the opportunities provided by the “factory China” are quite enough.
Important: A triangular screwdriver, like any other screwdriver, can only be used for its intended purpose. It must not be used as a substitute for a knife, a corkscrew, a wedge, a lever, a prop, or other accessories.
Damaged tools must not be used. Before starting work, carefully inspect the screwdriver to make sure it is in good working order. If you suddenly can not turn a screw or other fastener, do not try to do it with the maximum force. otherwise there is a great risk to damage the tool, material, fasteners, or even get injured.
Screwdriver sets must be stored and moved only in the specially prepared cases or work portable boxes. Do not carry them in your When screwing in (unscrewing) the fastener, it is forbidden to hold the workpiece in hand.
Keep screwdriver handles clean and avoid contact with lubricating oils. Violation of these rules could result in property damage or even accidents.
Experts strongly recommend to disassemble all home appliances and electronics only in the turned-off condition. Even so, only insulated (dielectric) screwdrivers should be used. Protect blade and handle from heat. It is strictly prohibited to rotate the handle clamped in the pliers: instead of enhancing the effect, it will destroy the tool. Do not use a screwdriver to make notches or marks or to stir construction paint.
For a replacement for the triangular screwdriver if it is missing, see the video below.
- The easiest way is with a coin. It is mostly suitable for screws that can be driven into the groove.
- If the screw is loose, you can use your thumbnail.
- Place the knife in the cavity and twist the screw.
- A compact disc can also replace a screwdriver. The unscrewing process is carried out in the same way as with a coin.
- Saw through the head with a metal hacksaw and unscrew with a flat-blade screwdriver.
- A Phillips screwdriver can be substituted for a flat screwdriver of appropriate size.
- Melt the end of a toothbrush and insert it into the screw. Wait until the plastic cools and hardens, then just twist the brush.
- Insert a credit card into the slot and gently twist it counterclockwise.
- The “ear” of a tin can, that’s how you can replace a flathead screwdriver.
- A coin, the edge of which will fit into the slot of the screw.
- The fingernail is also suitable, but only for screws that are loose.
- Place the knife (horizontally) in the screw socket and turn it, just like a screwdriver.
- You can use the pliers. But it is suitable for screws with a high flat head that are tightened too loosely.
The easiest way is with a toothbrush. One end must be melted down and inserted into the slot of the screw. The method of unscrewing is the same as for the other options.
Screws are used everywhere for fastening various products. They provide a firm and easy hold, but are also easy to remove.
But it may happen that there is no screwdriver handy for unscrewing the screw. In such situations, the question arises, but what can replace the screwdriver.
How to undo a screw that has come undone?
When there’s enough room to use an adjustable wrench or pliers, that’s fine, but what about other situations??
How to unscrew an Allen or star head bolt
To remove the element use a gas wrench with compression of the detail, make a cut on the head angle grinder and unscrew with a screwdriver, extractor of appropriate size, special tools (nut wrench, stud wrench), which is advantageous to buy only if such problems are encountered quite often.
Pick up the TORX sprocket to size (it should not be too big and should fit through the hexagonal socket). Insert it firmly into the flat bar and unscrew the bolt with a jerk, in order to avoid tearing off the spline of the sprocket. The sprockets with holes in the center break off when hammered, so using them is not recommended.
Any construction or auto store sells extractor kits. On the outside, this device looks like a metal bar with a tapered thread on the left side and a faceted base on the right. Use them to unscrew the nuts with their facets torn off. To do this, drill a hole exactly in the center of the bolt, hammer in an extractor of the required size and unscrew with pliers. This is quick and easy to do because the extractor has the opposite cut.
Read also: How to make a pneumatic jack
Drill with reverse. an indispensable thing. Make a hole in the side of the bolt with a thin drill bit. Take a left-handed drill bit with a smaller diameter and drill out the damaged bolt in inverted rotation.
How to unscrew a screw on iPhone without a screwdriver?
Although the bolts have tiny threads, they are placed on the surface. Therefore, for unscrewing you can use a knife with a thin and sharp end. Other sharp objects such as needles, scissors and awl are also used.
If it really twists loose, with a strong magnet, you can simply pull it out. If there is no magnet, or get nowhere, and the screw is easy to twist, then you can epoxy epoxy mount a nail 40-50 mm flat to the screw, and then, after a day, unscrew carefully.
How to unscrew screws from the phone without a small screwdriver?
Another option is to use a toothbrush. Melt one end of it with a lighter, then immediately insert it into the recess on the head of the screw. After waiting a bit for the melted plastic to solidify, turn the brush counterclockwise.
- Fill the collins to the top with ice cubes
- Pour 50 ml of vodka
- Pour orange juice to the top and stir gently with a cocktail spoon
- Decorate with a circle of orange
How to make a Phillips screwdriver from improvised means?
The first thing you can try to do is twist or unscrew the screw with a knife or scissors. Select the tool preferably depending on the type of slot of the screw: for a screw for a Phillips screwdriver fit a knife or scissors with sharp ends, for metal for a flat screwdriver is better to use a knife with a round end.