So I’ve got some rusty old floor screws that I can’t loosen with a Phillips head (they’re old, so I’m betting it’s not posidrv). The notches are all rusted and it hardly bites at all.

If I drill them out, I know I’m in for a hard time but am I better off going for a really fast rotation or slower?

And should I start with a narrow drill bit and work my way up (historically I’ve broken a few doing this in the past) or just begin at the intended diameter?

Yes, in fact I do work with computers - isn’t it obvious?

  • GreatAlbatross
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    71 year ago

    Another tool (which I use) is a screw extractor. They come in sets, and are a conical reverse-direction screws.

    You drill into the non-moving screw to give the extractor an area to purchase (unless the screw is already pretty gone), put the extractor on a drill/impact driver (the other kind), then run it in reverse until it catches.
    When it does, the screw turns backwards with the drill/driver.

    https://www.toolstation.com/screw-bolt-extractor-set/p51010