It happens to the best of us. You’re working on a home improvement project, painting your deck perhaps, and you accidentally get paint on the screws holding your deck in place. Now you’re stuck with screws that are difficult – if not impossible – to remove.
But don’t despair! There is a way to remove those pesky screws without damaging your deck.
- Get a screwdriver that fits the deck screws
- Put the tip of the screwdriver on the head of the deck screw
- Apply pressure to the handle of the screwdriver while twisting it in a counterclockwise direction
- The deck screw should start to back out of the hole
- Keep turning the screw until it is completely removed from the hole
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How Can I Remove Deck Screws That are Filled With Paint
If you’re trying to remove a deck screw that’s painted over, you’ll need to use a little elbow grease. First, try using a power drill to see if you can get the screw out that way. If the screw is stripped, you may need to use a screw extractor.
You can buy these at most hardware stores. To use one, first drill a pilot hole into the center of the screw head. Then insert the extractor and turn it counterclockwise.
With enough torque, the screw should start to back out.
What is the Best Way to Remove Paint from Deck Screws
One of the best ways to remove paint from deck screws is to use a power washer. Set the power washer to a low setting and hold the nozzle about 6 inches from the screw. Move the nozzle in a circular motion around the screw until all of the paint is removed.
You may need to go over the screw a few times to get all of the paint off.
How Do I Clean Up After Removing Paint from Deck Screws
Assuming you are talking about paint that has gotten on the threads of screws:
The first step is to remove any excess paint from the screw using a sharp object. Next, apply a solvent such as acetone, alcohol, or mineral spirits to the threads.
Allow the solvent to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a wire brush or toothbrush. Once all the paint is removed, rinse the area with water and allow it to dry completely.
Screws Filled With Paint? TRY THIS! (Remove Painted Screws / Back Out Painted-Over Screws)
Conclusion
Most people have experienced the frustration of trying to remove a deck screw that is filled with paint. The good news is that there are a few tricks that can make this task much easier.
First, try using a putty knife or another thin tool to pry under the head of the screw.
This will help to break the seal between the paint and the screw. Next, use a power drill to remove the screw. Start by drilling a pilot hole in the center of the screw head.
Then, use a larger drill bit to finish removing the screw.
If these methods do not work, you may need to use a chemical stripper to remove the paint from around the deck screw. Be sure to follow all safety precautions when using chemicals.
Once you have removed the paint, you should be able to easily remove the deck screw.
