Stubborn Tap Head Screw.

[Sellergarth]

Has anyone any ideas how to remove a `stubborn` screw to allow me to remove the tap head from the hot tap of the bathroom washbasin? I`ve tried soaking with WD40 and leaving for a few days on several occasions but it still wont budge. Thanks in advance.

[Gizmonster]

I don't know if it'll be too "heavy duty", but have you tried an impact driver ??

[bookbinder]

If it's a 'standard' slot head screw, try using a fine-point nail punch and a hammer. Put the point of the punch at the appropriate end of the slot to unscrew the screw, and tap it lightly several times.

[Old_Geezer]

Worse comes to worst you can buy tools that dig into the head and unscrew it, used in an electric drill put in reverse with controllable speed. Screws not reusable afterwards.

[Gizmonster]

/////// Worse comes to worst you can buy tools that dig into the head and unscrew it //////

That's what an impact driver is - you can use a manual one, or a powered one:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_driver

I've got a manual one and I've used it a few times. It does exactly what it says on the tin :)

[Old_Geezer]

I don't have an impact driver but from the name it has always implied to me it delivers a major wallop downwards. The tool I refer to (and I can not recall the name but feel sure a web search will come up with them) simply bites in as the drill rotates it anticlockwise, and turns the screw out. But whatever works.

[douglas9401]

I think Old_Geezer is referring to a damaged screw remover, Gizmonster, something completely different from the heavy handed impact driver.

[in a mo]

Can this not be drilled out ?

[ChillDoubt]

There is a school of thought that says you should first try to TIGHTEN the screw ever so slightly first, then untighten.
Orthopaedic Surgeon in work employs that technique without fail, never seen him snap one yet!

[Old_Geezer]

Snapped femurs galore, but never a snapped screw eh ;-)

Yes that is one of the first things to try along with hitting it not too hard to listen any grip.

[ChillDoubt]

Snapped femurs galore, but never a snapped screw eh ;-)
------------------
Only usually during THR(Total Hip Replacement) OG, when the prosthesis is a bit tight and the femur splits.
Then we have to get out the heavy duty cable!
Thankfully it's not that common.

http://jbjs.org/content/jbjsam/92/Supplement_1_Part_2/176/F16.large.jpg

[bookbinder]

I think that Old_Geezer might be referring to these things:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/screw-extractor-5-piece-set/18643
You drill a hole in the stubborn screw, then you put one of these into a carpenter's brace (or maybe an electric screwdriver), insert it in the hole and turn it to extract the screw.

[Old_Geezer]

Ah yeah. I have a prograbbit hiding somewhere in the garage.

[carrust]

Drill the head off, remove the tap head, then get some mole grips on the screw.

[alavahalf]

Dear oh dear ... I wonder if anyone has ever been sued on AB for giving out such bad information resulting in damage to personal property.
There are some snippets on this thread, and when you add them together, you have got the answer to your question .... "how to remove a stubborn screw"
To use an impact driver you need a certain amount of resistance or something to hammer against and I'm afraid neither a porcelain basin nor a fibreglass one are known for being something you should hammer against.


Having done 100's and 100's of them the way I would tackle it is as CD stated .. give the screw a bit of a turn as though you are trying to tighten it.
I know for a fact that the screws CD is using will take that extra turn without snapping. But I will bet my shirt on it, that the one you are dealing with is made of brass. Or if it's a really cheap tap then it may be chromed steel.
Assuming the soft brass screw snaps, which often happens... you are left with the tap head/wheel spinning freely. Remove it and it is a fairly simple job from then on. Turn the water off ... you can grip the tap body and remove the head assembly. Buy a replacement head set and when you fit the new heads put some vaseline around all screw threads. I couldn't be bothered with drilling the screw out, as it is far easier to buy a replacement head.
So don't worry if you have already damaged the screw head struggling to remove it. Either snap it or as carrust says "drill it out"

... Really surprised no one has mentioned trying ... TNT ...

[RATTER15]

Or you could try TNT!!

[jomifl]

Try pouring boiling water and cold water alternately on the tap for a while, the expansion and contraction might just free it enough for the assorted techniques described to be unecessary.

[The Builder]

Differing materials in close contact over time will create a "seal" between them. Almost a weld. This seal prevents it from unscrewing.

Perversely though, it can invariably be tightened slightly. It only needs a "gnat's". This breaks the seal so that it can be undone.

The crack is to do it before the screwhead is mashed up.

[Sellergarth]

Wow! Many thanks to everyone for the advice. I`ll give most a try and hope for the best. Thanks again all, brilliant response.