How to remove stuck screws off old desk?

[brenna]

I am recycling an old 4- drawer desk and I want to sand it first and then stain it, but I am having real trouble getting the handles off 2 of the drawers. I have used phillips head screwdrivers of different sizes but I can’t get the screws to move. I tried a pair of pliers but couldn’t get them to grip. Is there a product I can buy to loosen them? Does anyone have any other tips please? I think it is an old teacher’s desk, my guess it is maple. The handles are the old fashioned cup ones.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @brenna,

Are the screws not turning at all, or are they turning but not coming out?

If they aren't turning at all, try applying some WD-40, letting it soak in behind the screws, then trying again. 

If you can't get purchase on the screws, then a trick is to stretch a rubber band over the slots and press your screwdriver into the slots. The rubber band will help take up any space around them and give you better grip to turn the screw. 

If the screws are turning, but not backing out, then try turning the screws, while levering underneath the handle with a flat screwdriver.

If you have no luck with any of these options, let me know and I will try to assist further.

Jacob

[brenna]

Thank you @JacobZ . I found some WD-40 in the shed and gave it a go, but the screws wouldn’t budge. So I tried the rubber band and with a lot of persistence I got them all out! So thanks for the tip 🙂

[JacobZ]

Glad to hear it @brenna!

Don't forget to share some photos once you've restored your furniture.

I'd love to see the final result.

Jacob