Trouble removing "stripped Screw" on outdoor fixture

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amother

Mon, Dec 13 2021, 8:34 pm

Ive tried everything!

No screwdriver is able remove what appears to be a "stripped screw (Phillips)"

I want to put a new bulb in, but cant get to the bulb because the 2 outer screws that keep the cover of the fixture in place, are super tight and arent budging.

There are tools on Amazon for removing "stripped screws" (I think thats what screws where the top part is damaged, are called).

Im wondering if theres a trick for removing the "stuck" screw, with no tool.

Ellie7

Mon, Dec 13 2021, 8:41 pm

Have you tried using a pliers to get it out?

amother

Mon, Dec 13 2021, 10:05 pm

Ellie7 wrote:

Have you tried using a pliers to get it out?

Yes, the head of the Philips screw is flat so theres nothing for the pliers to grab on to.

zaq

Tue, Dec 14 2021, 8:49 am

The screw may be rusted in place. Try injecting some WD-40 or lubricating oil and give it time to penetrate and loosen the rust.

amother

Tue, Dec 14 2021, 9:50 am

zaq wrote:

The screw may be rusted in place. Try injecting some WD-40 or lubricating oil and give it time to penetrate and loosen the rust.

Thanks, Ive done that too (no oil yet, but I tried WD40).

iluvy

Tue, Dec 14 2021, 9:54 am

You can try drilling down into the head of the screw to create a new tip for the screwdriver to grip. Sometimes pushing in very hard with an electric screwdriver does that for you.

singleagain

Tue, Dec 14 2021, 10:18 am

Rubber band hack. Put a rubber band between the screwdriver and the screw and the rubber band night help the screwdriver get traction

amother

Tue, Dec 14 2021, 11:05 am

singleagain wrote:

Rubber band hack. Put a rubber band between the screwdriver and the screw and the rubber band night help the screwdriver get traction

Thanks a mil, everyone.

I saw that on Youtube and that didnt work for me either, I think its time for a handyman...

amother

Hibiscus

Tue, Dec 14 2021, 12:04 pm

Have you tried a diamond tipped screwdriver?

amother

Tue, Dec 14 2021, 7:32 pm

amother [ Hibiscus ] wrote:

Have you tried a diamond tipped screwdriver?

No, is it worth buying one?

advocate

Tue, Dec 14 2021, 8:00 pm

two more ideas:

Glue a nut to the top of the screw and remove it with a wrench. This one will depend on your ability to get the nut to adhere to the screw without accidentally glueing it to the wood itself, so proceed with caution.

OR

Try adding a dab of superglue to the top of the screw. Set your driver into the screw head, and allow the glue to dry. Using a firm grip and downward pressure, give the driver a twist to remove the screw. Don't forget to clean the remains of the glue from the tip of your driver.

But you have to wonder why it was so difficult to turn in the first place. Did you spray it with WD40?

Hatzlacha!

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