Does this situation sound familiar? You need to remove some screws from a piece of furniture, remove screws from a wall, open your laptop or computer case, but don’t have a screwdriver?
Don’t worry – you aren’t alone in this! Many of us have experienced this situation and the frustration it brings. Even fantastic plumbers, electricians, painting and decorating professionals have experienced it. The good news is that we have gathered a list of everyday objects, which you can use to complete your task without having to leave your home to borrow or buy a screwdriver.
Removing a Phillips head screw
Phillips head screws have two grooves that form a cross on the top and are the most common type of screws in use. Be careful when using the following methods as it is very easy to strip or wear down the corners formed by the grooves and the head of the screw. Stripped screws become very difficult to remove.
Flathead screwdriver
If the only screwdriver you own is flat-headed, you can use this to remove Phillips head screws. Insert the end of the screwdriver into the longer of the two grooves and turn it counter-clockwise. Be aware that if the screwdriver is too small, you may end up stripping the corners inside the screw head.
Coin
Place the edge of a small coin (pennies work well for this) into the longest groove of the screw head and try turning the screw counter-clockwise. This method will generally only work on larger screws rather than smaller ones.
Butter knife
Similar to using a coin, place the flat edge of the butter knife in one of the grooves of the screw and try turning it counter-clockwise to unscrew. If the screw is very tight or the butter knife is of low quality, the knife may bend when you try to remove the screw.
Hacksaw
If the screw head is raised above the surface of the material it is fastened to and you don’t have a pair of pliers (or they didn’t work), find your hacksaw and saw along the line of one of the grooves to extend it. You should now be able to remove the screw using a flat-headed screwdriver or a coin.
Toothbrush
If you have an old toothbrush and a lighter, you can try this method as a last resort. Melt the end of your toothbrush with a lighter or another source of heat. Once the end is soft and melting, place it directly into the grooves of the screw head and allow it to cool down. Once the plastic has hardened, you may try turning it counter-clockwise to remove the screw.
This method is best suited for loose screws. Tighter screws will cause the toothbrush to snap, leaving some plastic inside the grooves of the screw head. When using a lighter, melt the plastic slowly and carefully to avoid any accidents and melted plastic dripping all over the place.
Old CD
If the screw is quite loose, you can use an old CD to remove it. Place the edge of the CD in one of the grooves and gently turn the CD counter-clockwise. If the CD starts to warp, immediately stop turning it. This means that the screw is too tight and the CD may break, which could lead to injury.
Pliers
If the screw is not screwed all the way through, you can try using a pair of pliers to remove it. Grip the screw head with your pliers and slowly turn them counter-clockwise to remove it.
Thumbnail
This method will only work if the screw is quite loose. If it is fastened tightly, do not attempt this method as this may lead to injury! Place the edge of your nail into one of the grooves and turn counter-clockwise until it is loose enough to remove with your fingers.
Removing a flathead screw
Flat head screws have a single groove running along the top of the screw head and are more commonly found in older furniture.
Some of the Phillips head screw removal methods can also be used for flatheads, these are:
- Using a coin;
- Using a kitchen butter knife;
- Using pliers;
- Using your thumbnail.
Other ways of removing flat head screws are:
- Using a card. Any type of plastic card can be used, be it credit or debit cards, library cards, ID cards, or National Insurance cards. Don’t use a card that cannot be easily replaced – if the screw is too tight, your card may snap. Place the edge of your chosen card into the groove and turn counter-clockwise until the screw can be removed.
- Using the tab from a can of juice. Remove the tab from the can and place the flat edge into the groove of the screw, then turn counter-clockwise to remove the screw.
Removing a small screw
Even with a proper screwdriver, small screws are a fiddly nightmare to remove due to their tininess, so the methods listed above will not work. Use caution when trying the methods below as it is quite easy to strip the screw head or cause the tool to slip.
- The tip of a knife. Insert the tip of a pointed knife into the head of the screw. If possible, tilt the knife a little bit for better stability. Carefully turn the knife counter-clockwise to remove the screw.
- Metal nail file. Place the tip of the nail file into the head of the screw and turn counter-clockwise. Don’t apply too much pressure when removing the screw as you may strip the screw head.
- Small scissors. If you have a pair of small vanity scissors, place the tip of one of the blades into the head of the screw and turn counter-clockwise to remove the screw. The scissors should be sharp as blunted scissors will not work well when attempting to remove the screw.
- Tweezers. Place one of the pointy tips of a pair of tweezers into the screw head and carefully turn them counter-clockwise. If the tweezers do not have a pointy end, you will not be able to insert them properly.
So there we have it, you can now remove screws without needing a screwdriver. We always recommend that you use the right tool for the job to reduce the chance of injury. However, if you have no other options or need to remove a screw in a hurry, there is no harm in properly using one of the methods above.
Header image source: supercavie/shutterstock.com
— Update: 13-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article How to Unscrew a Screw Without a Screwdriver: 4 (Mostly) Easy Ways from the website handymansworld.net for the keyword how to unscrew a nail without a screwdriver.
I will assume that since you are trying to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver, you are in a hurry. That you don’t have the time to buy a screwdriver.
Read more PowerPoint Tips to Nail Your Presentation
If that’s not the case, and you have the time, then simply head over to Amazon or to your local hardware store and get yourself a screwdriver set. There are some very cheap ones and having one will save you a lot of time and frustration.
If you found yourself here because you stripped a screw and it cannot be removed with a screwdriver anymore, then read this article instead.
Anyways, going back to the first case, below are five ways in which you can try to remove your screw right now.
5 Ways to Unscrew a Screw If You Don’t Have the Time to Buy a Screwdriver
Most of the methods below use everyday items. As such, you should be able to try them fairly easily. However, the results you will get will depend on the type of screw you are trying to unscrew, as well as on how hard it is tightened, and so on.
1. Use a Table Knife
Chances are that you’ve encountered this trick before. After all, it must be about as old as screws and knives themselves.
Just take a table knife out of your drawer, and use its tip as a screwdriver. One thing to keep in mind is that you should avoid knives with pointy tips and use one with a round tip instead.
This method works well with both slotted and Philips screws that are large enough to accommodate the knife.
2. Use a Coin or a Credit Card
Considering how thick coins and credit cards are, this trick won’t be helpful when trying to remove a small screw. It won’t work well with screws that don’t have a simple, slotted head.
For larger screws, though, it might work just fine. At the same time, using coins and credit cards is the most useful when working with screws designed to be used that way.
Some examples of those include camera tripod screws, screws on toy and other battery covers, and so on.
3. Use a Rubber Band
Just like when extracting damaged screws, using rubber bands can be helpful when trying to remove a screw without the right tool.
Placing a rubber band – ideally the one that is fairly wide – will create a surface with more friction than the screw itself. While you can then try turning the screw with your finger, you will be better off combining this method with one of the two above.
A combination of a rubber band and a table knife will work the best in most cases when the knife by itself doesn’t work.
4. Use Pliers
While chances that you have pliers if you don’t have a screwdriver are slim, I’m going to include this in the list.
In most cases, this method will not work as the screw head will be flush with or barely above the surface of whatever it is screwed into. And as such, you won’t be able to get a grip on it with pliers.
However, if you happen to have pliers at home and your screw is sticking out a fair amount, then this will very likely be your best bet.
5. Use Your Nail
Finally, if you are in a situation where you don’t have any of the items required with the methods above, you can try using your nail.
To begin with, you will have to have a long enough nail. Also, the screw will have to be fairly loose to begin with.
I don’t recommend trying this method unless you absolutely have to. Should you go for it, be very careful not to break your nail.
Frequently Asked Questions
The above should give you a fairly good idea of how to tackle your issue. However, if you can’t find what you need there, try reading through the questions and their answers below.
What Can I Use Instead of a Phillips Screwdriver?
If you need to remove a screw with Phillips drive, but don’t have the proper screwdriver, you can use a small flat-head screwdriver instead.
If you don’t have a screwdriver at all, then try a table knife. Keep in mind, though, that Phillips screws are some of the hardest ones to remove without the right tool.
What Can I Use Instead of a Hex or Torx Screwdriver?
Just like with Phillips screws, when it is possible – but quite difficult – to remove hex and Torx screws without the respective screwdrivers.
Likely, none of the methods I talked about earlier in this article will work. However, if you have a small flat-head screwdriver, you might be able to unscrew your screw.
If you are dealing with a security Torx screw, you will have to punch out the security pin first.
What Can I Use as an Eyeglass Screwdriver Substitute?
Because of their very small size, precision screwdrivers – or eyeglass screwdrivers as they are known in some cases – are quite difficult to substitute.
However, if you don’t have the time to get one, you can try tweezers or a razor-blade.
Summary
As mentioned in the beginning, if you don’t have a screwdriver, get a set now. While doing so, also consider getting other tools like a tape measure or a hammer that you might find useful every now and then.
If you need to remove some kind of screw before you can get a proper screwdriver, then trying with a table knife will be your best bet. Be careful, though, as trying to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver can result in damage to whatever it is that you are working with.
Also, keep in mind that many screws will be difficult or impossible to unscrew that way. That’s especially the case with very small screws and with screws that don’t have a simple slotted drive.
— Update: 13-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article How to Unscrew a Screw Without a Screwdriver from the website www.hanboost.com for the keyword how to unscrew a nail without a screwdriver.
Flathead Screwdriver
A flathead screwdriver is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from opening up an electronics enclosure to driving screws into a piece of wood. In most cases, unscrewing a screw with a flathead screwdriver is a simple matter of aligning the tip of the screwdriver with the slot in the head of the screw and turning the handle in a counterclockwise direction.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a flathead screwdriver to unscrew a screw. First, make sure that the tip of the screwdriver is properly seated in the slot in the head of the screw.
Second, apply pressure to the handle of the screwdriver in a smooth, even motion. Finally, if the screw is particularly stubborn, try gently tapping the handle of the screwdriver with a hammer before turning it. With these tips in mind, unscrewing a screw with a flathead screwdriver should be a quick and easy task.
Philips Head Screw
There are many ways to remove the Phillips head screw. Some of them are as follows:
Coin
Have you ever been in a situation where you need to remove a Phillips head screw but don’t have a screwdriver on hand? If so, there’s no need to worry – you can use a coin as a makeshift screwdriver.
First, take a close look at the screw to identify which way it needs to be turned in order to be removed. Then, insert the edge of the coin into the head of the screw and apply pressure.
Turn the coin in the same direction as you would a screwdriver, and the screw should begin to loosen. With a little patience, you should be able to remove the screw without any problem.
So next time you find yourself in a bind, remember that you can always turn to coins for help.
Butter Knife
While a screwdriver is an ideal tool for removing a Phillips head screw, it is not always necessary. In a pinch, a butter knife can also be used to loosen and remove the screw. The key is to look for a butter knife with a slim, tapered blade.
Read more How to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver?
Avoid using a table knife or chef’s knife, as the blade will be too thick and wide to fit into the slot of the screw. Once you have selected an appropriate butterknife, insert the blade into the slot of the screw and twist in a counterclockwise motion.
With enough patience and effort, the screw should eventually loosen and come out. Keep in mind that this method is more likely to strip the head of the screw, so it should only be used as a last resort.
Hacksaw
With a little ingenuity, you can use a hacksaw to get the job done. First, use the hacksaw to score the edges of the screw head. Be sure to make shallow cuts so that you don’t damage the surrounding area. Next, insert the blade of the saw into one of the scored lines and apply pressure.
The goal is to create a groove that you can use as a starting point for unscrewing the screw. Once you’ve made a groove, carefully twist the hacksaw back and forth until the screw begins to loosen. With a little patience, you should be able to remove the screw without too much difficulty.
Toothbrush
Many people don’t know this, but a Phillips head screw can be easily removed with a toothbrush. You need to find a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Then, you need to find the center of the screw head and insert the bristles into the center.
To use a toothbrush, put the bristles in the center and apply pressure to them. Then turn it clockwise using your fingers or an implement such as a pencil until you hear two clicks from within which indicates that there is no longer any rotation happening at this point.
The screw should come out easily. If it doesn’t, you may need to apply more pressure or try a different toothbrush.
Old CD
CDs are useful for more than just listening to music- they can also be used to remove Phillips head screws. The trick is to find a CD with a small hole in the center. Place the hole over the head of the screw, and then gently press down on the CD.
The friction will cause the CD to start spinning, and the screw will start to come loose. Once the screw has been loosened, you can remove it by hand. This technique can be handy when you don’t have a Phillips head screwdriver on hand. So next time you can’t find your screwdriver, reach for a CD instead.
Pliers
Pliers are versatile hand tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, including gripping, twisting, and cutting. They can also be used to remove screws, including Phillips head screws. To remove a Phillips head screw with pliers, first, grasp the screw head with the jaws of the pliers.
Next, twist the pliers in the opposite direction of the screw. Apply firm pressure as you twist until the screw loosens and can be removed. With a little practice, you’ll be able to remove Phillips head screws using quickly and easily nothing more than a pair of pliers.
Thumbnail
Insert the thumbnail into the slot at the top of the screw head. Next, apply pressure to the thumbnail and turn it counterclockwise. The screw should begin to loosen and can then be removed by hand.
If the screw is particularly stubborn, try using a small flathead screwdriver to pry it loose. With a little patience and some careful effort, most screws can be removed using just a thumbnail.
Torx Screws
Torx screws are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, from electronics to automotive manufacturing. Unlike traditional screws, which have a single slot for a screwdriver, Torx screws have a six-pointed star-shaped head. This design provides extra strength and resistance to tampering.
However, it can also make removing the screws without the proper tool very difficult. If you find yourself in this predicament, following are some ways to remove a Torx screw without the help of a screwdriver.
- One method is to use a pair of pliers to grip the head of the screw and turn it counterclockwise until it loosens.
- Second option is to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the head of the screw and insert it into the center of the head. Then, use a hammer to tap the drill bit until the screw loosens and can be removed by hand.
With a little patience and perseverance, it is possible to remove even the most stubborn Torx screw without the use of a screwdriver.
Tiny Screws
Following are the methods of unscrewing the tiny screws without the use of a screwdriver:
Small Scissors
If you’re working on a delicate project that requires removing tiny screws, you may be wondering what kind of tool to use. Small scissors can actually be a great option for this task. First, make sure that the scissors you select have sharp blades. This will help to ensure that you don’t damage the screws as you’re removing them. Next, open the scissors wide and place the tips around the head of the screw.
Slowly squeeze the handles of the scissors together to grip the screw. Then, simply twist the scissors to loosen and remove the screw. With a little practice, you’ll be able to remove even the most stubborn screws using small scissors.
Metal Nail File
A metal nail file can be a handy tool for removing tiny screws. The file can be inserted into the head of the screw and turned to loosen it. Be careful not to over-tighten the file, as this may damage the screw.
It is also important to keep the file clean so that it does not scratch the surface of the screw. Once the file has been inserted, turn it clockwise to loosen the screw. If the head of the screw is damaged, you may need to use a pair of tweezers to remove it.
Be sure to dispose of any tiny screws properly so that they do not become a safety hazard.
Knife
Many people are familiar with the common uses of a knife, such as cutting food or opening boxes, but did you know that the tip of a knife can also be used for removing tiny screws? If you find yourself in a situation where you need to remove a small screw but don’t have a screwdriver on hand, simply take the tip of your knife and insert it into the head of the screw.
Then, apply pressure to the handle of the knife and twist. The screw should start to loosen and can then be removed by hand. This technique can come in handy in a pinch and is worth remembering the next time you find yourself without a screwdriver.
Tweezers
Tweezers are great for removing small screws because they provide a firm grip that won’t slip. Plus, they are slim and precise, so you can easily get into tight spaces. Here’s how to use tweezers to remove tiny screws:
Start by lightly grasping the screw with the tips of the tweezers. Then, apply pressure and twist the tweezers to loosen the screw. If the screw is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a bit of nail polish remover or WD-40 to lubricate it before trying again.
With a little patience and perseverance, you should be able to remove any tiny screw with your trusty tweezers!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Your very own guide on how to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver. Just remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time – keep at it, and you’ll be an expert in no time.
Read more How to Unscrew a Screw Without a Screwdriver: 4 (Mostly) Easy Ways
— Update: 13-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article How to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver? from the website topcordlesstools.com for the keyword how to unscrew a nail without a screwdriver.
Have you ever needed to remove a screw from a chair or a bedroom wall or wanted to open a laptop but couldn’t find a screwdriver nearby to assist you? If yes, then there’s no need to be concerned because you’re not alone!
We generally encounter some hardware products that aren’t a great match in our busy lives, and you know how annoying the situation can be.
You unscrew a screw without a screwdriver by using your kitchen knife with a sharp tip. You can also try using your keys. Also, try a dime or fork. Hairpins, pliers, scissors, thumbnails are a few common household items you can use.
It’s not new to open or remove a screw without a screwdriver, and many people try various DIY methods to find a LIFE HACK.
Here, we’ll show you some of the essential ways for opening a screw, which you may also refer to as “alternatives to screwdrivers.” All of the goods listed below are readily available in any home, so no extensive hunting is required.
So, let’s see what we’ve got for you!
1. Keys
We have motorbikes and cars in our house and use the keys for the unlocking of the vehicle.
Use the keys with sharp and nice edges because it would be easy to unscrew the screw with that key. Put the key into the front side of the screw and rotate it in an anticlockwise direction. Keep doing it until you get the screw.
2. Kitchen Knife
To unscrew the screw, insert the flat edge of the butter knife in one of the grooves and attempt rotating it counter-clockwise. When you try to remove the screw with a butter knife that is too tight or poor quality, the knife may bend.
3. Coin
Insert the edge of a tiny coin (pennies work well) into the screw head’s longest groove and spin the screw counter-clockwise. This approach is more effective on bigger screws than on tiny ones.
4. Fork
It is commonly found in every kitchen of the house and thanks to the sharp edges of the fork that are very useful to unscrew a screw from a wall or a piece of furniture.
But the screw must not tighten. Otherwise, this trick will not work. You can use one edge of the fork and roll in an anticlockwise position in the screw. After using the fork, keep in mind to put that ‘important stuff’ again in the kitchen!
5. Tooth brush
You can utilize this method if all else fails if you have an old toothbrush and a lighter. With a lighter or comparable wellspring of warmth, liquefy the finish of your toothbrush. When the end is delicate and dissolving, embed it straight into the screw head’s furrows and allow it to cool. You might eliminate the screw by pivoting the plastic counter-clockwise whenever it has been set.
This method is great for free screws. However, more tight screws will break the toothbrush, leaving some plastic inside the screw head’s scores. To avoid incidents and liquefied plastic pouring everywhere, dissolve the plastic tenderly and cautiously utilizing a lighter.
6. Thumb Nails
Just if the screw is truly free, will this methodology work. Try not to endeavor this methodology in case it is safely gotten since it might bring about hurt! Instead, spot the edge of your nail into one of the sections and turn counter-clockwise until it’s free enough to pull out with your fingers.
7. Hair Pins
Ask your partner, girlfriend, or wife to give you a hairpin for this hack!
Try to loosen the screw from its place then you will have to rotate the hairpin on the + sign of the screw until it comes out.
8. Try your Fingernails
Again you need a girl to try this method because most girls have long nails and what would be the better use of them if they will not assist us in getting out the screw!
You will have to use the finger with the longest nail and then put the nail on the screw. This trick will work as the hairpins. Rotate your nail until you find that the screw has come out from its place.
9. Pliers
If the screw isn’t totally tightened, you can endeavor to eliminate it with a couple of forceps. To eliminate the screw, get the head with your pincers and gradually turn it counter-clockwise.
10- Some old Credit Card
Old Mastercards or participation cards are a deep-rooted screwdriver substitute.
There will not be much utilization for more modest screws, and because they’re so adaptable, you’ll battle to eliminate especially close screws with them.
However, for looser screws with little heads, they’re worth an attempt if you’re frantic and don’t approach a legitimate screwdriver.
We’d suggest picking an old card that you at this point don’t have any need for, as the possibilities are, you’ll wind up parting the card before you’re done!
PC screws are regularly fine with little heads that require a particular screwdriver size. However, on the off chance that the screw is overtightened or the screwdriver is some unacceptable size, the head can strip, passing on no real way to control and turn the screw. This is a significant irritation, and eliminating the screw isn’t generally a simple assignment.
A wide range of strategies can assist with recovering control and eliminate a tool screw from workstations.
Try to find out the actual Screwdrivers
The screws found in laptops or mobile phones are small, so it is advised to find the screwdriver to unscrew the screw. If you try to pull them out with any recommended thing, they will get damaged. You can also borrow the screwdriver from someone if you do not find one near you.
Try out a sharp pointed knife
Spot the tip of a sharp blade into the screw’s head. If it is at all practical, point the blade marginally to develop strength further. Then, to eliminate the screw, cautiously turn the blade counter-clockwise.
Small Scissor
Gadgets like scissors help us in many ways in our daily life. And if you have to unscrew a screw found in your laptop or mobile, you need a scissor that is very small in size.
The small scissor has a sharp and fine edge from which you can put out the screw from its place. You have to grasp the screw with both edges tightly and then rotate the screw until you pass the mission!
Nail File
There are a few nail files, but a pointed end works best for this method. You may use it in smaller flathead and Phillips screws if the end forms a sharp enough point. The file may also be inserted sideways into the slot of bigger screws, making it extremely DIY-friendly.
Tweezers
As long as they have pointed tips like the pair illustrated above, Tweezers are one of the finest alternatives to a small screwdriver.
As shown in the figure above, you can use both tips in the head if the screw is large enough, or you can use a single tip if the screw’s slots are smaller.
What’s better? Tweezers’ tips are often designed to provide a sharp angle on the edges, giving them a suitable alternative for small screws and a viable substitute for a specialist ‘watch screwdriver’ or a jewelers screwdriver set.
Additional Read:
- How to unscrew a stripped screw
- How to select a cordless drill
- Best Cordless drills under 50 USD
References
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