How to Get a Screw Out of a Metal Cabinet

Inspect the Screw and Surrounding Area

Before attempting to remove the screw, take a close look at it and the surrounding area:

• What type of screw is it – flathead, Phillips, hex, Torx, etc? Identifying the type of screw will determine which screwdriver you need to use.
• Is the screw head stripped or damaged? A damaged screw will be much harder to grip and remove.
• Is the screw stuck in wood or metal? Metal cabinets require a different approach than wood.
• Is there paint, grime, or rust built up around the screw? This can make it harder to grip. Try cleaning the area with a wire brush first.

Use the Proper Tools

Having the right tools for the job will make removing the screw much easier:

• Screwdriver – Make sure you have the right type and size screwdriver for the screw’s head. Avoid oversized drivers that can strip the screw head.
• Lubricant – A few drops of penetrating lubricant like WD-40 or PB Blaster around the screw can help loosen it. Allow it to soak in for 5-10 minutes.
• Vise grips – These can help grip a stripped screw to unscrew it. Pad the jaws to prevent scratching the cabinet surface.
• Hammer – Tapping lightly around the screw with a hammer can help jar it loose. Use a block of scrap wood to prevent cabinet damage.
• Power drill – A cordless drill with a screwdriver bit can supply extra torque to free a stubborn screw. Set the clutch low to avoid stripping the screw head.

Remove the Screw

With the right preparation, removing the screw is straightforward:

• Clamp vise grips or place the screwdriver firmly on the screw head and pull back with steady force as you turn counterclockwise. Too much force may strip the head.
• If the screw won’t turn by hand, carefully use a power drill on a low setting to back it out, taking care not to strip it.
• For stuck screws, apply penetrating lubricant daily for several days to allow it time to work. Gently tap the screw with a hammer to loosen corrosion while lubricant penetrates.
• Heating the area with a hairdryer can expand the metal slightly and break up corrosion. Let it cool before attempting to unscrew.
• If the screw head is stripped, try gripping it with vise grips or using screw extractor pliers. If the screw won’t budge, you may have to drill it out.

Remove Damaged Screws

For screws with damaged heads or that are completely stuck, additional measures may be needed:

• Drill out the screw – Use a drill bit slightly larger than the screw shaft (not the head) to drill into and remove the screw.
• Use an extractor set – These use left-hand threads that back screws out when turning clockwise. Impact rated extractors apply extra torque.
• File a slot – Carefully file a straight slot in a stripped screw head to use a slotted screwdriver. Take care to not file too large.
• Glue and unscrew – Coat a cotton swab with super glue and allow it to dry in the screw head. Then turn counterclockwise with pliers.
• Cut a notch – Use an angle grinder or hacksaw blade to cut a notch in the screw head to fit a flathead screwdriver.

Preventing Stuck Screws

To avoid stuck screws in the future:

• Lubricate screws periodically with silicone or graphite lubricant to prevent corrosion.
• Ensure screws are screwed into supports or anchors, not just the cabinet surface.
• Avoid using too much force when tightening screws.
• Consider replacing flathead screws with Phillips or Robertson which resist camming out.
• When reinstalling, clean out old screw holes and use new fasteners for maximum holding power.

With patience and the proper techniques, you can remove pesky screws from metal cabinets. Just take care not to damage the cabinet surface or stripping the screw head.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Screws from Metal Cabinets

What is the easiest way to remove a stuck screw from a metal cabinet?

Using penetrating lubricant like WD-40 or PB Blaster is the easiest method. Letting it soak in for several minutes before trying to unscrew can help break the bolt free. Gently tapping the screw with a hammer while lubricant penetrates also helps.

How do you remove a stripped screw from a metal cabinet?

For stripped screw heads, use a pair of vice grip pliers or screwdriver extractor pliers to grab and turn the screw. If that doesn’t work, you may have to drill out the stripped screw or file a new slot in the screw head to remove it.

What tools do you need to take out a screw from metal?

The basic tools needed are a screwdriver suited for the screw head type (flat, Phillips, Torx), penetrating lubricant, hammer, vice grips, and optionally a power drill and drill bits. For damaged screws, you may also need an extractor set, hacksaw, or file.

What is the best drill bit to use for removing screws?

The best drill bit for removing stubborn screws is a left-handed bit. These are made to back screws out in a counterclockwise direction instead of boring in. Cobalt steel extractor bits are also effective for removing screws by drilling.

Can you use WD-40 to remove a rusted screw?

Yes, WD-40 works very well for loosening rusted and corroded screws. The lubricant penetrates and displaces moisture while also inhibiting rust. Allow WD-40 to soak for 10 or more minutes before trying to unscrew the fastener.

Conclusion

Removing stuck screws from metal cabinets can be a difficult task, but is certainly doable with standard tools most homeowners possess. The key steps are using the right screwdriver, lubricating the screw, gently loosening it with tapping, and finally unscrewing with steady force. For damaged screws, additional techniques like drilling, extracting or filing may be required. With the proper preparation and tools, you can conquer the most stubborn metal cabinet screw. Just be careful not to damage the cabinet surface when employing force.