How to Remove a Stuck Nut or Bolt With a Rusty Head

Even a rusty nail can be removed.

Removing an old screw should be a simple task; merely the first step in a remodeling or renovation project-- a simple case of using your screwdriver or pliers to pull out the old screw. However, this task becomes more complicated if the head of the screw is rusty and you have a difficult time to gain purchase; in this case, be resourceful. Think heat, oil or manual grooves as you try to remove the offending screw. Does this Spark an idea?

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Propane torch
Saw
Screwdriver
Lubricating oil
Pliers
Drill

Instructions

- 1
  
  Heat the area around the screw. This can cause any bonding agents which may be holding the screw in place to dissolve and loosen their grip. If this is the case, you may be able to slip the screw out using pliers.
- 2
  
  Oil the screw using a lubricating oil like you will find in any good hardware store. This will attack the rust and lubricate the area around the screw, hopefully creating enough "give" so that you can remove the screw with pliers.
- 3
  
  Create your own groove on the head of the screw. The major problem with rusted nail is the lack of groove for a screwdriver's head to slip into and force it to turn and come out from the structure. Use a small industrial saw to create a groove wide and deep enough to fit a screwdriver and allow it some purchase. Now, use a screwdriver or a drill with an appropriate drill-bit, spinning on reverse, to remove the screw.