You never know when a simple life hack might save the day, whether it concerns nuts and bolts, or whether it is one of a number of screw hacks in common knowledge.
If you’re a keen DIYer and like to fix things around the house, we’re certain you’ve had your fair share of frustration dealing with tight, old, or damaged screws, or even dysfunctional nuts and bolts. So if you find yourself in a bind, these 5 screw hacks could help you finish the job.
Screws are the binding force that keeps projects together, so when they malfunction, it can be very inconvenient. Screw hacks come in handy, as screws fill a place that nuts and bolts can’t come close to.
Each piece of hardware comes into its own for a specific purpose, with screws having that particular threading that makes them fit for certain applications rather than others, where nuts and bolts are more appropriate.
At any rate, no matter what your current DIY project is, knowing a few screw hacks can only serve you well, preventing annoyance by helping you to know exactly what to do when you are in a bind. Read on to find out about our top 5 screw hacks you need to know.
REMOVING A STRIPPED SCREW
The first of our screw hacks is to remove a stripped screw. You can drill it, use a hacksaw or weld it to another piece of metal. But before you rush to the tool shed or hardware store, be sure to check if you have a rubber band handy first.
By putting the rubber band between the screw head and your screwdriver, you should be able to fill the gap where the screw is stripped, allowing you to undo it. If that fails, you may need to employ one of the other methods mentioned below.
MAKING A MAKESHIFT WRENCH
Rummaging through your toolbox only to discover you don’t have the right wrench size can be irritating. Well, if you have a spare nut and bolt you’re in luck. Who knew that nuts and bolts could be so handy in a tight spot?
By screwing the spare nut and bolt together, you essentially create an adjustable wrench. Simple and easy!
TURNING A HEX SCREW
If you don’t have spare nuts and bolts around, that’s okay. You can also use a coin or flat screwdriver to undo the nut or bolt. Simply fill in the gap between the wrench and the nut/bolt, then turn both simultaneously to loosen the bolt, and voila, you’ve done it!
USING A ZIP TIE
Zip ties can be used for many things, and yes, they can also be used to turn nuts and bolts in the absence of an appropriate tool (or any of the aforementioned methods). Just tighten the zip tie around the nut or bolt and turn. Use a bigger zip tie to gain more leverage.
RUSTED SCREWS
Stainless steel is great at fighting off the rust on screws but in the event that stainless steel screws aren’t available, rust can appear. Over time, rust will compromise the integrity of the screw which could be unsafe depending on what it is being used for. But, before you rush to buy screws from the nearest hardware store, check if you have a spare lemon lying around the kitchen – you might be able to save the screws if the rust hasn’t reached the internal metal.
This could well be one of our least likely screw hacks, but it really works! The acidic properties of lemons are great for removing rust. Stick the screws into the lemon and leave them in. After a couple of hours, pull the screws out of the lemon, and the rust should have dissolved. Don’t leave them in for too long, as this can eventually damage the screw.
If you have a slightly larger object like a big bolt or an old wrench, you can also mix vinegar, baking soda, and salt to remove the rust.
CONCLUSION
There you have it, 5 screw hacks that can help you out in a tight spot, some involving nuts and bolts too! These are not old wives’ tales, but real tips that can help you when you don’t have the exact right equipment at hand. Keep these screw hacks in mind, and you will be that little bit more resourceful when in the middle of your DIY project with nuts and bolts all around you.
