How to unscrew a screw that has no inner screw pattern?

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to unscrew a screw with no inner screw pattern. One suggestion is to drill it out using an oversized drill bit. The possibility of the screw being a type of rivet is also mentioned, and the dangers of disassembling an AC Mains extension plug are highlighted. The conversation is ultimately closed for safety reasons.
  • #1
abdulbadii
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How do we unscrew a screw with no inner screw pattern?

Just saw one on other place so is not on hand now, it has no engraved pattern at all hopefully its pic, could be brought in
 
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  • #2
abdulbadii said:
How do we unscrew a screw with no inner screw pattern?

Just saw one on other place so is not on hand now, it has no engraved pattern at all hopefully its pic, could be brought in
Wha? Do you have an image that you could post? Your description is not adequate . . .
 
  • #3
abdulbadii said:
How do we unscrew a screw with no inner screw pattern?

Just saw one on other place so is not on hand now, it has no engraved pattern at all hopefully its pic, could be brought in
Do you mean that the screw head is flat and has no pattern for a tool to unscrew the screw?

1631897599698.png

https://previews.123rf.com/images/lior2/lior20901/lior2090100037/4178113-recessed-screw-head.jpg
 
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  • #4
abdulbadii said:
no inner screw pattern?
You mean a "rivet?"
 
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  • #5
abdulbadii said:
How do we unscrew a screw with no inner screw pattern?
If it has only a small hole in the centre then it is probably a pop-rivet.

To remove an aluminium rivet, drill it out with a twist drill about 2.5 times the diameter of the hole.
If stainless steel, drill it with a cobalt drill, or carefully grind the head off flush with the surface.
 
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Is it a carriage bolt?
1631912642845.png
 
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  • #7
Bystander said:
You mean a "rivet?"
Very likely, some white thing around it, suspect it's like common hot glue. It's on China Krisbow outlet extension plug having 3 parallel plugs
 
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Can you post a picture? You can use the "Attach files" button below the Edit window to upload a JPEG or PDF file.
 
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  • #9
P_20210918_093915_1.jpg
 
  • #10
Here is a "re-focused" copy of the image with a little more detail:
physicsforums.com_p_20210918_093915_1-jpg.289235_1.png


Two possibilities here:
(1)
Those look like rivets. Your best bet is to drill them out using a slightly oversized drill bit. Oversized because often the body of the rivet is also expanded, so you have to get slightly below the head.

Even then, you may have to drive the rivet out because the rest of the body has also expanded to a tight fit in the hole. This occurs when the rivet is a soft material, used because less force is needed in manufacturing to 'mushroom' the end.

It is often possible to do the operation using a hand-held drill but you WILL need to hold the work in a vice; being plastic you probably will not be able to just clamp it securely enough to the work surface.

(2)
Those could be something like "press screws" (I don't know their correct name), essentially nails with several grooves cut in them, often spiral grooves with a very shallow pitch. There is a hint of grooves on the brightly lit one on the right side of the photo, at about the 7 or 8 o'clock position. If the grooves are there and they have an obvious head on only one end they can be pressed out, or driven out if you do not have a press.

Hope this helps! Please let us know your progress.

Cheers,
Tom
 
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  • #11
abdulbadii said:
Very likely, some white thing around it, suspect it's like common hot glue. It's on China Krisbow outlet extension plug having 3 parallel plugs
By using rivets instead of screws, the manufacturer may have tried to discourage any attempt of disassembling and repair.
How do you plan on putting the assembly back together?
 
  • #12
Tom.G said:
Here is a "re-focused" copy of the image with a little more detail:
Very cool, Tom! How did you "re-focus" the image?

abdulbadii said:
It's on China Krisbow outlet extension plug having 3 parallel plugs
Why are you wanting to take apart an AC Mains extension plug assembly? Sounds a bit dangerous...
 
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  • #13
Inside it, it's installs some pressing spring for clasping/fastening the 2 metal plug, which is too strongly tight, so try to detach them
Though have done the same China's stuff with triangular screw but bit surprised this time
 
  • #14
abdulbadii said:
Though have done the same China's stuff with triangular screw but bit surprised this time
As has already been mentioned...
Lnewqban said:
By using rivets instead of screws, the manufacturer may have tried to discourage any attempt of disassembling and repair.
 
  • #15
abdulbadii said:
Inside it, it's installs some pressing spring for clasping/fastening the 2 metal plug, which is too strongly tight, so try to detach them
Without that spring, the electrical contact may not be good, making it a fire hazard. To avoid danger, leave it alone.
 
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  • #16
Since we now know what this OP is asking about, this thread is now closed for safety reasons.

@abdulbadii -- please don't hack into AC Mains stuff.
 
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1. How do I unscrew a screw without an inner screw pattern?

There are a few methods you can try to unscrew a screw without an inner screw pattern. One option is to use a rubber band or a piece of duct tape between the screwdriver and the screw head to provide more grip. Another method is to use pliers to grip the screw head and turn it counterclockwise. If the screw is stuck, you can also try using a drill with a reverse setting to loosen it.

2. Can I use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew a screw without an inner screw pattern?

Yes, a flathead screwdriver can be used to unscrew a screw without an inner screw pattern. However, it may not provide as much grip as a screwdriver with a matching head. You may need to apply more pressure and be careful not to strip the screw head.

3. How do I unscrew a stripped screw without an inner screw pattern?

If the screw head is stripped, meaning the grooves have been worn down, it can be more challenging to unscrew. One method is to use a screw extractor, which is a special tool designed to grip onto stripped screws and remove them. Another option is to use a rotary tool with a cutting wheel to create a new groove for the screwdriver to fit into.

4. What should I do if the screw is stuck and won't turn?

If the screw is stuck and won't turn, you can try using a penetrating oil, such as WD-40, to loosen it. Let the oil sit for a few minutes before attempting to unscrew the screw again. If that doesn't work, you may need to use a drill with a reverse setting to force the screw out.

5. Is it possible to unscrew a screw without any tools?

In some cases, it may be possible to unscrew a screw without any tools. If the screw is not too tight, you may be able to use your fingers to turn it counterclockwise. However, this method may not work for screws that are stuck or have a stripped head. It is always best to use the appropriate tools for the job to avoid damaging the screw or injuring yourself.

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