1. Opening Very Small Screws
Small screws are commonly used in items like watches, glasses, electronics, etc. These tiny screws can be very difficult to open without the proper tools. If possible, use a glasses repair kit, which includes small screwdrivers. Glasses repair kits are inexpensive and easy to find.
If you don't have a glasses repair kit, try one of these methods:
Method 1: Using a Knife Tip.
- Use the sharp tip of a knife to turn the small screw counterclockwise.
- Insert the knife tip into the groove, angling it slightly to increase the surface contact between the knife and the screw.
Method 2: Using a Metal Nail File.
- Insert the edge of a metal nail file into the groove on the screw head.
- Turn the screw counterclockwise carefully to avoid damaging the screw head.
Method 3: Using the Point of Small Scissors.
- Insert the point of small scissors into one of the grooves on the screw head.
- Turn the screw counterclockwise.
- Note: Avoid using scissors with large tips to open very small screws.
Method 4: Using Tweezers.
- Insert the pointed end of tweezers into the groove on the screw and turn counterclockwise.
- The tweezers must have sharp points and fit precisely into the screw groove for success.


2. Important Tips When Using the Above Methods
- Remember, using a screwdriver is always more effective than makeshift methods. Always use a screwdriver if available, as it is specifically designed for opening screws.
- For special screws, such as those on electronic devices, you should use the proper tools to avoid voiding warranties or damaging the screw to the point where it can only be removed by drilling.
- Be cautious when using knives or makeshift tools to open screws, as these tools can be dangerous if misused.
- When using any of these methods, always proceed slowly and steadily to avoid damaging the screw head during removal.
- Always carry a small tool kit with you to avoid having to improvise when a screwdriver isn't available.
- Finally, investing in a good screwdriver set for repairs or installations in the household is essential. This ensures you won't damage screws by trying to open them without the proper tool.


3. Opening Cross-Head Screws (Bake Screws)
Bake screws are a type of screw with relatively strong torque and a high level of aesthetics, making them suitable for various installation positions. They are simple in structure, consisting of two parts:
- The screw body, with threads cut according to the standard of each type.
- The bake head, which has a cross (+) shape with two grooves of different lengths, depending on the design.
When opening these screws without a screwdriver, you should use the longer groove for quicker rotation, as there are more makeshift tools that can be used with the longer groove. Be cautious, as bake screws are prone to chipping when the angles formed by the two grooves wear down. Therefore, be careful when using alternative tools instead of a screwdriver to turn the bake screw.
Method 1: Use a Dull Knife (e.g., for spreading butter).
- Find a dull knife, typically used for spreading butter.
- Insert the knife tip into the longer groove (if the two grooves are of different lengths) and turn counterclockwise to unscrew.
- Note: Apply moderate pressure when turning to avoid damaging the knife.
Method 2: Use a Coin (This method is more effective for larger screws than small ones).
- Similar to the dull knife method, place the coin into the longer groove and turn counterclockwise to unscrew.
Method 3: Use Pliers (Effective when the screw head protrudes from the surrounding surface).
- Use pliers to grip the edges of the screw head and turn counterclockwise to unscrew.
- Note: Needle-nose pliers may be more effective than regular pliers for opening the screw.
Method 4: Use Your Thumb (When the screw is already quite loose).
- Place your thumb into the longer groove and turn counterclockwise.
Method 5: Use an Old CD.
- Insert the edge of the CD into the longer groove and turn counterclockwise.
- Note: Only use an old, no-longer-needed CD as this method will likely damage the CD. Also, this method may not work for very tight screws.
Method 6: Use a Plastic Toothbrush.
- Take a plastic toothbrush and soften the handle using a lighter or another heat source.
- Once the plastic handle is soft, insert it into the screw head and wait for it to harden.
- When the handle has hardened, turn the screw counterclockwise to unscrew it.
- Note: This method typically only works for screws that are not too tight and relatively easy to turn.
Method 7: Use a Metal Saw to Create a Groove Similar to a Flat-Head Screw.
If the screw head protrudes above the surface, you can use a metal saw to create a groove similar to that of a flat-head screw.
- Hold the saw vertically and carefully cut the screw head to create a groove.
- Avoid cutting into the surrounding surface or any material holding the screw.
- The method of removing the screw will be similar to the techniques for flat-head screws (covered in the next section of this article).


4. Opening Flat-Head Screws
Flat-head screws are commonly used across various industries such as automotive manufacturing, mechanical products, construction design, and even in furniture. These screws feature only one groove that cuts across the head. If you don't have a flat-head screwdriver, you can use any flat tool to open the screw.
Method 1: Use a Card.
For this method, you can use a credit card or any similar card.
- Insert one edge of the card into the groove and turn counterclockwise to unscrew it.
- Note: It's best to use an old, sturdy card as it may break while in use.
Method 2: Use a Pull Tab from a Can.
- Take a pull tab from a can and insert it into the groove on the flat-head screw.
- Turn the screw counterclockwise to unscrew it.
Method 3: Use a Coin.
- Place a small coin into the groove and turn counterclockwise.
- A larger coin will make the process easier, but it must fit the groove precisely.
Method 4: Use a Dull Butter Knife.
Similar to the bake screw method, a dull butter knife is also an option to consider. However, be cautious that a weak knife may break if excessive force is used.
- Insert the knife blade into the groove and turn counterclockwise to unscrew it.
Method 5: Use Pliers.
- Use pliers or locking pliers to grip both sides of the screw head and turn counterclockwise to unscrew.
- This method works more efficiently with needle-nose pliers.
Method 6: Use Your Thumb (Works only if the screw is loose enough).
- Insert your thumb into the groove and turn counterclockwise.


5. Opening Counter-Sunk Hex Screws
Counter-sunk hex screws are crucial in industries like machinery installation, electronics, and aluminum window frames. They have a round body with continuous threading, and the head is stamped into a recessed hexagon shape.
Method 1: Use a Small Flat-Head Screwdriver.
If you don’t have a dedicated hex screwdriver, you can still use a small flat-head screwdriver.
- Insert the flat screwdriver’s head between two opposing sides of the screw head.
- Turn the screw counterclockwise to unscrew it.
- Note: Turn slowly to avoid damaging the screw head.
For counter-sunk hex lock screws, insert the screwdriver between one of the external grooves and the locking pin at the center of the screw. This process is similar to opening a regular counter-sunk hex screw, but it’s important to rotate clockwise to unscrew a locked hex screw.
Method 2: Break the Locking Pin on the Counter-Sunk Hex Lock Screw.
If you have a regular hex screwdriver instead of the one designed for lock screws, you can break the locking pin in the center of the screw head.
- Use a hammer and chisel to target the base of the pin.
- Tap gently on the chisel to break the pin.
Method 3: Drill a Small Hole in the Hex Driver Tip.
If you're dealing with a locked counter-sunk hex screw and want to use a standard hex screwdriver or drill bit, you can drill a small hole in the drill tip. This will allow the hole to fit with the locking pin in the center of the screw.
Method 4: Use a Plastic Toothbrush Handle.
- Take a plastic toothbrush handle and heat it with a lighter or other heat source until the plastic becomes soft.
- Once the plastic softens, insert it into the screw head and wait for it to harden.
- Once the plastic has solidified, turn the screw counterclockwise to unscrew it.

