D.I.Y. by Example

With the common use of electric screwdrivers, many people have a hard time picking the proper screwdriver for the job.  They will try to force a screwdriver that is too large into the screw head or use one that is too small either of which will strip out the top of the screw head.

Using the right tool

Select the proper screwdriver for the type of screw you wish to install or remove.  For instance, don’t use a slotted screwdriver to install or remove a phillips head screw.  You will damage the screwdriver.  Worse yet, you might damage the screw.  If you are removing a screw with the wrong screwdriver and damage the screw head, you might not be able to get the screw out without a LOT of effort.

Size is everything

Now that you have the right screwdriver for the screw you are working with, do you have the right size screwdriver?  Choose a screwdriver that fits in the screw head snugly while seating itself into the bottom of the screw head.  If it is loose, it isn’t going to turn the screw properly and may strip the head.  The same thing is true if the screwdriver is too big and very little of the screwdriver tip goes into the screw head.

The proper screwdriver can help prevent hours of aggravation!

Helpful Hint: If you are having problems getting a screw into wood, try coating the threads with some candle wax.  For metal, try candle wax or machine oil.

The worst can happen

If the worst happens and you strip a screw head that you are trying to remove, can you use a pair of Vise-Grips to remove the screw?  If not, you only have two options and neither are that good.

The first is to use a tool called an EZ-Out or Grabit.  It is basically a special drill bit that has large teeth to grip the damaged screw head and help turn it.  If done improperly or if the screw is weak, the screw head will break off and you have to resort to the second option.

Your second and final choice is to drill the old screw out by using a drill bit a little larger than the existing screw.  Once complete, you have to use a tap and die set to rethread the hole (if needed) and insert a larger screw that fits the hole.

Conclusion

Using the proper tool for the job is always your best bet!  Things usually go quicker and without incidence.

A hacksaw is a hand held frame with a blade held tightly at the bottom.

This example is the Stanley 15-565 adjustable hacksaw. It can hold 10″ or 12″ blades and is used typically to cut metal or plastic pipe. The blades are made of a brittle metal and care must be taken to not apply too much pressure or the blade will break. Tension on the blade is controlled by tightening or loosening the wing nut to the right of the blade in the above picture. Too much tension and the blade can snap. Too little tension and the blade will come loose.

The hacksaw has been replaced by many power tools such as the reciprocating saw but with some projects, nothing beats a hacksaw.