How do you unscrew a small screw without a screwdriver?

Some likely candidates include:

1. A kitchen knife. Choose one with a rounded tip, such as a butter knife.
2. A coin — preferably a dime, which is thin enough to fit in most screw slots.
3. A credit card.
4. A rubber band.
5. A chisel, which does an even better job of turning single-slot screws than a flat-head screwdriver.

What screwdrivers are interchangeable?

Phillips, reed, and prince screwdrivers are interchangeable.

Are Phillips screwdrivers are universal for screws?

Phillips head screws are as close to a universal screw as you can get in the U.S. You’ll find them almost everywhere, including in electronics and most home hardware applications. Phillips head screwdrivers and their corresponding screws were invented for the automotive industry in the 1930s.

What can I use instead of a Phillips head screwdriver?

The change in your pocket can actually substitute for a cross-tip screwdriver in a pinch. Small coins will work better, like dimes or pennies, but they will still likely fit only in a larger screw, where the rounded edge can get more grip. 5. Washers Like a coin, a round washer can sometimes be fitted into the slots of a larger Phillips head screw.

What kind of screws can you unscrew without a screwdriver?

Torx screws have a star-shaped pattern on the head and are very popular screws for all purposes. Security torx screws will have a nub in the middle of the screw head that needs to be accounted for. Torx screws can be easy to damage so be very careful when using an alternative tool to unscrew these screws.

Why are Phillips head screws difficult to unscrew?

Phillips head screws are particularly prone to being stripped, when the corners formed by the grooves are worn. This makes it very difficult to unscrew your screw because there are no longer solid grooves in which to insert your tool. Be very careful when using these methods so as not to strip your screw.

Where can I find a replacement flat head screwdriver?

You might be surprised to learn that many substitutes can be found in your kitchen junk drawer. If you open your eyes and try to use your imagination combined with some simple common logic, you will be rather amazed at how easy it is to track down a good replacement in a pinch.