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Bit Screw

Screws For You

A Little Bit of History:

According to records wooden screws were increasingly popular from 1BC for oil and wine pressers, most commonly in the Mediterranean but, it has also been suggested that the screw was originally invented by the Greek's from 3BC.

However, it wasn't until the 15th century that metal screws (now the most common type of screw) appeared in Europe but, in fact was not a popular choice until the end of the 18th century, possibly due to the fact hand held screwdrivers only came into exist in 1800.

Removing Damaged/Stuck Screws:

Are you currently repairing a house hold item? Have you come across a damaged screw you want to remove and a standard screwdriver doesn't work?

If this is the case, chances are the head has been broken and a stuck/jammed screw can be a real nuisance. A jammed screw is usually caused by rust and/or corrosion that accumulates and sticks around the body of the screw. Usually, to release the screw requires breaking loose the corrosion that prevents it from being removed.

Here are FOUR ways:

1) Chemical Removal:

To help dissolve the corrosion you can apply a number of products to loosen the screw – lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide and even Coke/Pepsi. As long as the product is left to soak in, it should easily soften the corrosion enough to remove the jammed screw.

If it still needs help, sometimes tapping the screw while the rust remover soaks through can help release the screw.

Make sure you don't use any solution that can stain or damage the materials the screw has been stuck to.

2) Force/Impact:

Make sure you have a certain sized screwdriver because a wrong one can strip the head off the screw and then could make the job even more difficult.

One way of breaking the corrosion is by trying to tighten it, which may seem like an odd thing, considering you want to remove it, however by tightening it, you may break it free from the corrosion that is holding it in place.

If the screw is slightly elevated, you may be able to grip it with a vice grip/pliers and turn it that way. If the head is not elevated, try inserting the screwdriver into the head slot's, lock your pliers/vice grip at the top of the screwdriver shaft and put pressure onto the screwdriver to help turn the screw.

Attempting to hit the screwdriver with a hammer (while the screwdriver is inserted into the screw head) but tap gently to avoid damaging your screw driver or surface you're removing the screw from. Hitting while you turn should help break the screw free from the corrosion.

3) Different Temperatures:

Before trying this method, make sure the material housing the screw/s can withstand different temperature changes.

You can use a propane or butane torch to heat and expand the screw, or even a soldering iron can heat up a frozen screw. Once expanded, you should be able to wiggle the screw free. Keeping ice on the screw's head will help cool it down, and reduce it back to its original size. Repeat the process if required but always take care when dealing with hot and severe cold temperatures.

4) Destruction:

If you are absolutely sure you need to remove the screw, then another option is to physically destroy the screw but, should be considered as a last resort.

First place a steel punch/small chisel slightly off centre of the screw's head and repeated hit with a hammer the top of the punch/chisel. Several impacts should hopefully loosen the screw enough to remove it.

Drilling is also another option, especially if you have access to left-handed drills bits and with enough pressure should eventually turn and release the screw.

If All Fails:

If all four options have failed, your best option is to call a repairman, rather than risk destroying your place.

About the Author

Written by Sam Swan (who works for the Double Glazing Doctor)

http://www.doubleglazingspareparts.co.uk/ © Double Glazing Doctor

If I lose a bit of weight, will it screw up my chest size forever?

I'm 14, and I'm thin allover, but I have huge, flabby love handles. I want to lose a few pounds and tone up so I can make them less noticeable, but I'm also very flat chested. I heard that if you lose weight as a teen, you might never "develop". If i lose a bit of weight now, will I ever fill out?
cestone: boobs are mostly fat, so i would most likely lose them in the process

That's a myth. Nothing will happen to your chest.

Anyone care to help me? Thanks!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090312161741AAn06oF

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