How to Unscrew a Screw Without a Screwdriver: 10 Easy Ways

If you’ve ever needed to unscrew a screw without screwdriver, you’re not alone!

Maybe you can’t find yours, or you simply don’t have one available. Well, don’t worry! There are plenty of simple, clever ways to get the job done using tools you already have! sometimes even without any tools at all, just your hands! Stick with me today, and I’ll show you these surprisingly easy and genius (yet simple) solutions!

10 Ways to Unscrew a Screw Without Screwdriver

If you’re wondering how to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver, there are several creative methods you can use. Whether it’s a quick fix with your thumbnail or using specialized tools, you don’t always need a screwdriver to get the job done. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 different ways to help you out. Keep these methods in mind for when you’re in a pinch and don’t have a screwdriver on hand.

The Kitchen Butter Knife: A Handy Tool in Every Home

If you need to remove a screw at home but don’t have a screwdriver on hand, simply head to the kitchen and grab a butter knife. Insert the tip of the knife into the longer groove of the screw and twist counterclockwise to unscrew it.

Keep in mind, this method usually works well, but if the screw is very tight, the knife might bend. So, be cautious when using it.

Pull A Coin Out of Your Pocket and Give It A Shot!

If you’re not at home and need to unscrew a screw without screwdriver, just take a look around. There’s probably a coin lying around on the floor, or you can check your pants—you’re bound to find one. Once you do, try inserting a small coin into the longer groove of the screw and see if it will turn. Dimes and pennies work especially well for this trick!

Pliers Can Practically Do It All!

If you have your toolbox nearby but forgot your screwdriver, don’t worry! If you have pliers on hand, they can do the job. Needle-nose pliers work especially well. Simply grip the sides of the screw head with the pliers and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it.

Your Thumbnail Is Always with You, So Put It to Good Use!

 If the screw is loose, simply insert your nail into the longer groove and turn it counterclockwise. But if the screw is tight, don’t even try—it’s not worth sacrificing your nails!

Grab Your Kid’s Scissors for A Quick Fix!

If you’re looking for different ways to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver, head to your kid’s room and borrow their craft scissors. Simply insert the point of the sharp scissors into one of the grooves on the screw head and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the screw.

Got Some Useless CDs Lying Around? Great, Grab A Bunch

you’re going to need them! Just a heads-up: stick to old CDs for this method because they tend to break easily (trust me, I’ve been there). Also, watch out for your eyes! Carefully insert the edge of an old CD into the longer groove of the screw and turn counterclockwise. If the screw is loose enough, this trick will work. But if it’s too tight, you’ll just end up with shattered CDs.

Grab An Old, Useless Toothbrush! It’s Time to Turn It Into Something Handy!

This is one of my favorite methods, and it works on almost any screw, so pay attention and don’t skip a step.

Take a plastic toothbrush and carefully melt the end using a lighter or another heat source. Once the plastic softens, press it firmly into the head of the screw and let it cool and harden. Once it’s solid, twist the toothbrush counterclockwise to unscrew it. I’ve used this method on different types of screws, and to my surprise, it’s been incredibly effective!

Your Credit Card Can Do the Trick!

Need to unscrew a screw without screwdriver right away but don’t have a screwdriver around? No problem! Just reach into your pockets and grab a credit card or any card you have on hand. Insert the edge of the card into the longer groove of the screw and twist it counterclockwise to loosen and remove it.

No Tools? Check Your Fridge for A Soda Can!

 The next time you need a screwdriver but don’t have one, try new ways to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver! Head to the fridge and grab a can of soda. Remove the tab from the can and use it as a makeshift tool. Insert the tab into the groove of a flat-head screw, then twist it counterclockwise to loosen and unscrew it.

Tweezers? Yep, They Can Handle It All!

Don’t have any of the tools we mentioned? Hard to believe, but no worries—I’ve got another secret for you. Use tweezers! Just insert the sharp tips into the groove of the screw head and turn counterclockwise. You’ll be amazed at how well it works!

Unscrew A Tiny Screw Without a Screwdriver

So, what do you do if you’re faced with a tiny screw and no screwdriver in sight? Small screws, especially in electronic devices, can be tricky, but don’t worry—you’ve got options! Here are a few handy alternatives to try:

• The tip of a thin knife
• A small nail file
• Tweezers

Unscrew A Phillips Screw

Those cross-shaped screws, commonly used in many devices, can be tricky to remove without a screwdriver. But don’t worry! there are several options I’ve shared that can get the job done:

• A kitchen butter knife
• A coin
• Pliers
• Your thumbnail
• A CD

These simple tools can help you unscrew those cross-shaped screws so easy!

Unscrew A Stripped Screw

If you suddenly come across a stripped screw, it might be due to using the wrong screwdriver, or the screw could be rusted or old. But what if you need to remove it without a screwdriver? You can try using flat tools like:

• A knife
• A razor blade
• A coin

These tools can help you grip and unscrew a stripped screw when you don’t have the right screwdriver.

Unscrew A Flat Head Screw

A flat-head screw is easily recognized by its single groove running across the head. If you find yourself without a screwdriver, don’t worry! You can use almost any flat surface to get the job done. Here are a few handy options:

· A credit card

· The tab from a soda can

· A knife

Just insert the flat edge into the groove and twist counterclockwise to unscrew it.

Unscrew A Torx Screw

With their star-shaped pattern, Torx screws are some of the most commonly used screws out there. If you don’t have the proper tool, here are a few creative ways to work with them:

· Break out the pin on the security Torx screws.

· Drill a small hole in the tip of a regular Torx driver.

· But remember when I mentioned my favorite way to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver? That’s right! the toothbrush method! It’s a perfect trick, and it works perfectly for Torx screws.

Unscrew A Hex Screw

Hex screws, with their signature hexagonal shape, are often found in everyday items like furniture, faucets, and handles. But what if something breaks, and you don’t have a screwdriver on hand? No need to panic! Here are a few clever tricks to help you unscrew it and get things back in place:

· use a Coin

· use pliers

These simple solutions can save the day

Unscrew A Triangle Screw

Triangular screws are typically used in tools and items that require extra security and are tamper-proof, such as toys and appliances. If you’re wondering how to unscrew a triangle screw without a screwdriver, you can try one of the methods listed above. My top picks for unscrewing these screws are:

· Scissors

· Key

· Knife blade

Unscrew A T5 Screw

T5 screws have a star-shaped design, so you’ll need something that can fit into their grooves to turn them. These screws are commonly found in small gadgets and devices like electronics, gaming controllers, and tools like electric toothbrushes. To unscrew a T5 screw without a screwdriver, you’ll need a tiny, precise tool. Here are some handy alternatives:

· A hairpin

· Tweezers

· A paperclip

· Or my favorite trick: the toothbrush hack!

Unscrew A T8 Screw

T8 screws, like other Torx screws, have a star-shaped design and are commonly found in everyday items such as laptops, smartphones, cameras, and gaming consoles. If you need to fix something urgently but don’t have a screwdriver handy, don’t worry! Try these tools instead:

• A small flathead screwdriver
• A paperclip
• Tweezers

conclusion

Keep in mind, all these methods can be a bit tricky. They might damage the tools you’re using, and there’s even a chance you could hurt your hand if you’re not careful. But hey, next time you’re stuck without a screwdriver and need to unscrew a screw, take a chance and give these tricks a try—you never know when they’ll come in handy! Just proceed with caution!

FAQ

Is it possible to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver?

Yes, it is possible to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver by using tools like a coin, a knife, pliers, or even a piece of string, depending on the type and size of the screw.

How to unscrew a damaged screw?

To unscrew a damaged screw, you can try using pliers or carefully drill it out.