How to repair a pot with rusted screw on handle
Expanding on How to reattach handles on 30 year old pots?, I have a specific example. This pot has a screw-on handle that has rusted over time. I guess this is common since it is easy to get water in it that doesn't dry easily.
At this point the handle cannot be removed with a screwdriver. It occurred to me to try WD-40 but not being food safe I am not confident enough to try it.
So I would like to know if someone has had some experience in this kind of situation. I particularly like this pot because it is heavy gauge, non-stick and has 1 cup marks on the inside.
Best Answer
If the screw doesn't go all the way through to the inside of the pot, there is no issue with using WD-40. It should help, but that screw is so far stripped that it might still be difficult to remove
Standard practice is to either use screw extractor bits (drill out the head slightly, then use the bit to grab on so you can work it free) or to cut a slot in it, so that you can use a standard screwdriver (if it were exposed, you just need a hacksaw.. with that you'd need a dremel or needle files to cut the slot)
It's also worth making sure that you're using the correct type and size of bits when removing screws. Too small of a philips bit can strip the head of the screw. Also learn to identify positive (used in Europe, e.g. IKEA furniture), while philips is mostly US.
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Can you fix a rusted screw?
After striking the screw head several times, apply a liberal amount of rust penetrant around the screw head. Let it soak for a few minutes. Then apply several more hammer blows. Next, take a 15-minute break to let the rust penetrant work.How do you remove a rusted damaged screw?
Use a hammer and screwdriver to remove a rusted screw Strike the screw 2-3 times with a metal hammer. This will break the rust seal causing the screw to be stuck. Spray on a commercial rust penetrant. This will soak the screw and help to loosen the rust and act as a lubricant.How do you fix a handle on a cooking pot?
Cookware loose handle fix
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Answer 2
This is more of a Lifehacks question than a Seasoned Advice one, but you can always drill out the screw, tap new threads in the hole and re-attach the same handle with a bigger screw, or just drill through-and-through and re-attach with a nut and bolt.
Answer 3
Normally 10 w 40 for about a week. Tap with a hammer 1 time a day for vibration to move oil down threads. Try again to remove. No? Next step take to the area bike shop or such. Have him cut a grove in screw head & remove with regular screw driver. Takes a mototoll for this.
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