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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to remove a screw from a wall or chair but don’t have a screwdriver handy? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place.
It’s possible to unscrew a screw without using a screwdriver. While you can drill out a screw, you’ll need different drill bits, a hammer, and some other tools to carry out this process. In this article, I’ll discuss simple methods that’ll teach you how to unscrew something without a screwdriver.
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How To Unscrew Something Without a Screwdriver – Different Methods
There are many household items that can help you unscrew a screw if you don’t have a screwdriver. Most methods discussed below are easy to follow and don’t require any specialized set of tools.
1. Use a Table Knife
Using a table knife as an alternative to a screwdriver is the most effective and popular option. In fact, any knife that has a curved point will do the job. It’ll fit nicely into both Philip and flathead screws.
All you need to do is to place the knife’s point in the screw’s head and start turning it anti-clockwise. I recommend you use an old knife that’s out of work or the one that you don’t use regularly.
That’s because it can get damaged during the process, especially if your screw is jammed. Wearing anti-cut gloves is also advisable to ensure your hand’s safety.
2. Use Pliers
While you can use both locking and non-locking pliers to remove screws, it’s easier to use pliers that come with a locking system as they require less effort.
The tiny surface area of the screw head is more than enough for pliers to grip. Place your pliers in an upright position and start turning the screw anti-clockwise.
It’s important to note that you can’t use this tool for countersunk screws because they have fully encased heads. You should not try to use this method for such a screw even if its head is slightly exposed. Not only will it damage the surface where the screw is tightened but it’ll also deform the pliers’ teeth.
3. Use the Ring Pull of a Drink Can
You can remove the ring pull of a drink to turn it into a handy homemade screwdriver. All you need to do is to move the ring pull in the forward and backward direction a couple of times. Be very careful while performing this step because the ring pull’s part that remains on the can’s opening is usually very sharp.
These little metal pieces are made of aluminum and they’re surprisingly strong. You can easily use them to remove a screw if you don’t have a screwdriver. Just place the ring pull on the screw’s head and unscrew it by turning it counter-clockwise.
The only drawback of this method is the small size of the ring pull. Not only is it hard to grab them properly, but you also need to put a lot of effort, especially if you’re dealing with a tighter screw. The end of a ring pull is also wide, which means this method is only suitable for Philip and flathead screws with oversized heads.
4. Use Expired Credit/Debit Card
You can also use old credit/debit or membership cards to remove screws. It’s also one of the most common alternatives to a screwdriver, just like a table knife. But unlike a knife, you can’t use an old card to unscrew small screws as they have pretty wide corners. In addition, they also don’t work effectively if you need to remove tight screws.
However, they’re worth a try if you can’t use any other technique, and removing a screw is really important. Make sure that you don’t use a credit/debit or any other card that’s still active because it can get damaged during the process.
5. Use a Nail File
Nail files come in different shapes and sizes. Consider opting for a small one with a pointed end if you want to use it as a screwdriver substitute. Depending upon the size and sharpness of your nail file, you can use it to remove Philip and flathead screws.
If you’re dealing with larger screws, you can also place the file sideways (horizontally) to make things easier. Again, use an old nail file that’s out of work because the process of unscrewing a screw can deform it.
6. Use Tweezers
Using tweezers is yet another great way to remove a screw without a screwdriver. Just like a nail file, you’ll need tweezers with pointed ends. You can use one or both tips of your tweezers depending upon the size of the screw you’re dealing with.
The tips of tweezers usually have sharp edges, making them an excellent option to unscrew small screws. You can use them as an alternative to a jeweler’s screwdriver set or watch screwdriver.
7. Use an Old CD
If you have an old CD or DVD that doesn’t work anymore, you can use it as an alternative to a screwdriver, depending upon the width of the screw’s head and the level of tightness. Never use a CD that still works because it’ll most probably get damaged during the screw removing process.
It’s also important to stop trying to unscrew a screw if it’s too tight and you feel that your CD is bending and can break. It can lead to an unwanted injury, as broken CDs are notoriously sharp.
8. Use a Toothbrush
Yes, you read that right. You can actually use a toothbrush to unscrew loose screws. Grab an old toothbrush and a heat source like a lighter. Melt the bottom part of your toothbrush and immediately place it into the grooves of the screw you want to remove.
Keep the toothbrush in place until it solidifies again. After that, try to turn the toothbrush anti-clockwise to see if the screw moved along with it. Keep in mind that this method will not work for screws that are too tight.
9. Use a Coin
Sometimes, an odd penny comes in handy if you don’t have a screwdriver to remove a screw. However, you should only try this if you can’t use any other method. Even the smallest pennies are pretty thick and they don’t make a great screwdriver alternative, especially if you need to deal with small screws.
However, this method works effectively if you need to remove large flathead screws. Just place the penny’s edge in the screw’s head and start twisting in the counterclockwise direction. It should not be one of the first methods you should try, but it works as a decent backup plan.
10. Use Your Thumbnail
You must not try this method unless you don’t have any other way to remove a screw. Consider it a last resort, and don’t try it to unscrew things that are too tight. Otherwise, you’ll end up having a damaged nail. Additionally, you also can’t use your thumbnail for small screws.
We’ve included it in my list because it’s one of the simplest methods. It has also helped me many times over the years to remove loose and large screws.
Final Words
Using the right tools is the best way to unscrew a screw. I recommend you get one for yourself and follow the safety tips while using this invaluable tool. But if you don’t have one and really need to remove a screw immediately, keep the methods discussed above in mind.
