How to remove a very tight screw from drywall?

I have tried everything I can with all my tools to remove these screws. Spanners, screwdrivers, adjustable spanner and reverse drill. They are very tight in the drywall. Unfortunately people that did repairs just didn't do any of the jobs properly so there's been a lot of hassles. I simply don't have enough leverage or force with any of my tools to get this out. Alot of things are fixed to plasterboard walls. I'm having this issue with alot if things round the house so looking for something that will definitely work for tight screws and ones that have been screwed in on the wrong angles.

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EricL

Hello @Innov8tive

I suspect that the screw has somehow binded either to the material it has been screwed into or is binded to the steel surface of the hook plate. I propose using Craftright 4 Piece Locking Pliers Set, it appears that your screw has a button head which should allow you to clamp the locking pliers onto the screw head. Your goal is to loosen the screw head which should then allow you to then turn it using a standard screwdriver.

Please give the suggested method a try and let us know if you manage to get the screw out.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

AlanM52

Hi @Innov8tive,

Been there before and I call them frozen screws.

Try one of these:

Trojan Impact Screwdriver Set.jpg

Trojan Impact Screwdriver Set.

Not guaranteed to work every time but for me often enough to warrant the space taken up in the toolbox.

Other things to try:

While turning tap the butt of a Phillips head screwdriver with a hammer to break the bond.

Use a butane torch to break the bond.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=butane+torch&sort=BoostOrder

Cut a slot with a dremel type tool and use a flat blade screwdriver.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=dremel+tool&sort=BoostOrder

Good luck

Innov8tive

@EricL I think this set is going to be my best bet. Thank you.

Innov8tive

Hey @AlanM52

Thanks for these suggestions. I used to have a Dremel. They are ok for small jobs and certainly a handy little tool also for when you need to get into tight compact spaces.

MitchellMc

Hi @Innov8tive,

You might find that the heads of the screws are not proud enough from the mount to get a grip on with the locking pliers suggested above. However, here's a neat trick that's got me out of trouble numerous times before. Take the set of locking pliers and lock them onto the handle of a standard Phillips screw driver. This creates a lever handle which allows you to put an incredible amount of torque through the screw. Ensure you place one hand on the back of the screwdriver and push, to keep it firmly locked into the screw head and to prevent skipping. Now, turn the locking pliers slowly. I've never encountered a screw I couldn't remove in this fashion.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Noyade

All of the above.

And expanding on @MitchellMc's idea - a ratchet T-Bar and/or a dedicated socket set with Phillips head sockets.

All about pressure and torque.

Otherwise - an impact driver.

Good luck @Innov8tive !

MitchellMc

That's a bit fancy, @Noyade! 😃

Mitchell

Noyade

Then you'll just love a Bit and Brace with a 4-jaw chuck @MitchellMc 😃

Massive torque with pressure at the end.

The screw heads will either move - or snap.

Cheers!

Innov8tive

@MitchellMc that's a pretty neat little trick. I bought a good set of screwdrivers so will try this if using the pliers alone doesn't work. You are right in the fact that the head of the screws are not protruding enough from the mount hence my difficulty in getting enough to torque to remove them.

Innov8tive

Totally another option @Noyade.

I think though I got to remember my budget. Doing a whole house Reno means my spending needs to be justified at this point.

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