How to unscrew a screw that just spins?

[JonnyH]

Hey, I've got a portable little BBQ I get from Bunnings but I need to move it and one of the screws just turns forever... what can I do? Will I need to drill it out?

Cheers

Jonny

[JacobZ]

Hi @JonnyH,

Generally, when you have a screw spinning without moving, the thread is not engaging anything, so it can not pull itself out.

Usually, this can be fixed by applying gentle outward pressure while rotating the screw. This might mean pulling on the screw while rotating it or using a flat tool like a chisel or flat head screwdriver to gently lever it outwards while rotating.

You just need to get the thread to bite a tiny bit, and then it should start to come out.

Give this a try and let me know how you go. Happy to help further if required.

Jacob

[JonnyH]

Cheers for that. That's why you're the man.

[Noyade]

Fascinating.

I have the same barby and trolley.

But the screw on mine is completely different and your trolley is missing the welded underside nut. There are two nuts to engage for a secure fit - one on the trolley and one on the barby.

A newer/older model maybe?

Yours looks very rusted and I'm wondering it the plastic has fractured around the nut head?