How to Remove Corroded Metal Screws

by Carson Barrett
Rust often corrodes metal screws as they age.

Rust often corrodes metal screws as they age.

Over time, metal objects are subject to rust and corrosion. It can become a major complication if you're removing or replacing an object that is secured by the corroded screws. There are several steps you can take to remove corroded screws so you can successfully complete a project.


Apply a liquid that dissolves corrosion on the screw. A chemical product such as WD-40 can do the trick, but you can also use items commonly found around your house, such as hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or regular cola. Saturate the head of the screw and the area in the immediate vicinity with the dissolving agent and gently tap the head of the screw with a hammer. This creates vibrations which allow the agent to work its way down the threads. Try to unscrew and remove the screw. If it's still stuck, add a second application and try to remove the screw again.


Hit the head of the screw with a hammer to loosen it. As the corrosion develops, it forms a seal between the screw and the object containing the screw. The vibrations from the hammer can knock the screw loose enough that you can remove it.


Heat the object that the screw is stuck inside with a lighter if the object is made of metal. As the metal surrounding the screw heats up, it expands, which can break the corrosion seal between the object and the screw. Tap the screw head with the hammer to further break the bond. Do not use this step if you applied a flammable dissolving agent to the screw to try to loosen it.


Remove the screw with a screw extractor. The extractor should only be used if the screw head was damaged to the point where you couldn't fit the end of the screwdriver into the head of the screw. Drill into the screw head slowly with a cobalt metal drill bit. Insert the screw extractor into the drill. The screw extractor is essentially a drill bit that's machined in the opposite direction of a standard drill bit. Switch the drill to the reverse setting, and place the tip into the hole you drilled in the top of the screw. Squeeze the trigger to start the drill at a very slow speed, and allow the extractor and drill to pull the screw out of the object.

Things You Will Need

  • WD-40
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Lemon juice
  • Cola
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Lighter
  • Screw extractor
  • Cobalt metal drill bit

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