Once I wanted to remove a hex screw off of my table. But when I searched for the methods, I got lost in the kinds of screws.
Have you ever experienced anything similar? Most probably, and for that you are here. No worries, I got your back.
How to remove hex screws without a hex screwdriver?
It’s simple to take out the hex screws. Use a plastic toothbrush and heat the end of it so that it softens. After that, stick it in the screw’s tip and wait for it to dry. After that, when it hardens again, turn it counterclockwise. Don’t put too much pressure. Otherwise, the connection might break.
If you have a few minutes to yourself, we have an article ready for you. Let’s dig in!
Are Hex And Allen Key the Same Thing?
First, clear a common confusion before I start the main part. You may get confused by matching hex screws with the Allen key. A similar thing happened when we compared wood and deck screws as well.
The main confusion is between the hex key and the Allen key. A hex key is also known as an Allen key or an Allen wrench.
It’s a little, portable tool. Bolts and screws are driven into hexagonal sockets with the help of this tool. They all share the same hexagonal-shaped tip, which offers a range of sizes.
What Liquid Coating Can You Use To Remove Hex Screws?
In dire cases, tap the hex-key wrench with a hammer. Spray a few droplets of kitchen oil or a spray of aerosol lube.
It’s best to use it on screw tips that don’t come loose with the extra tools. Wait for 20 minutes. So the lubricant can sit in between the threads before trying to remove it.
How to Remove Hex Screws Without a Hex Screwdriver?
It might happen that you don’t have a hex screwdriver at your home. This is like a situation where you have to compact pavers without a plate compactor.
In that case, I’ve got 3 methods for you to follow. Let’s pay a look at them.
Method 1 – Using Spanner
It’s just a 5 step process and won’t take a long time. Let’s go for it.
- Include a pair of nuts on the threaded side.
- Lock them up firmly.
- Insert the tip of the bolt into the hex bolt’s head.
- To turn the bolt, make use of a spanner on the nut or thread grips.
- The spanner will spin the hex bolt.
Isn’t it easy? So far it is the easiest method to accomplish the task.
Method 2 – Using Hacksaw
Another quick hack is here. Try to track down a standard-size screwdriver. It should fill the space between two of the screw’s points. There should be no room for movement.
Get a hacksaw and fit it with a tiny toothed blade. Cut steadily with the end of the saw.
You would not want it cut too deeply. As this would damage the surface around the screw and possibly shatter it. Adjust your cut according to the thickness of the screw head.
Use a regular screwdriver that fits tightly into the hole you’ve just created. Turn the screw slowly and cautiously as the screw head is not as powerful as it was.
Your screw should easily back out without damaging the surface it was screwed into.
If you ever need to change the screw later, use some other standard screw.
Well, this step is fast but requires lots of equipment. When we compared drywall nails and screws, we realized you can also try this method to remove them.
Method 3 – Using Plastic Toothbrush
Have a plastic toothbrush at home? Then let’s jump into this easy method:
- Take a plastic toothbrush.
- Using heat, lightly melt the base of a plastic toothbrush.
- After the plastic has soothed, put it in the tip of the screw and let it set again.
- When it becomes hard to take out the screw, try turning it anticlockwise.
So far this is the most convenient way to remove hex screws.
So, these are the 3 very simple and handy methods that you can seek. The tools used here can be found in every store near you. You can try the one that goes with you best.
What Can You Use as an Alternative to a Hexagonal Screwdriver?
If you want to use an alternative to a hexagonal screwdriver, use small flathead screwdrivers.
By putting the end into the socket, you can use it as a hex wrench too.
A screwdriver’s two edges can be utilized as leverage in the socket to spin it. You can
Here I have a few suggestions on wrenches:
| Product- 1 | |
| Product- 2 |
The wrenches are of high quality. You can use them for different jobs such as removing showerheads, steel tubes, etc.
Things You Need To Know
In this case, using the wrong tools can damage the hexagon socket. If you insert the wrong tool in the socket, it might work. But, the socket will be damaged.
The first time, you can try a Torques bit because they are hexagonal as well. Also, there are torques, screwdrivers, and pieces that will fit nicely.
The squarehead screwdrivers might work, but the socket will be damaged. And the hex screw will not be reusable.
Also, if the hex screws are not too hardened, then you are lucky, my friend.
FAQs
Are the hex wrench and Allen wrench the same?
Answer: Allen wrenches are also known as hex-key wrenches or hex keys. They have a hexagonal cross-section. It fits hexagonal-shaped recessed holes in general machine screws and set screws.
Are crescent wrench and adjustable wrench the same?
Answer: An adjustable wrench can be used on a wide range of fastener sizes. It allows the wrench to be flipped over and used in two different holding positions.
How to loosen an Allen key?
Answer: To break the Allen bolts, unscrew the suitable sized Allen key and rotate it in the opposite direction. Until the bolt can be held within your fingertips, keep loosening it. For greater clearance, you may need to use a grinder to shorten the short arm.
Conclusion
This is all from our end. And now you have the idea about how to remove hex screws without a hex screwdriver.
We have provided you with all the hacks. Also, you need to be very cautious while removing the screws or you might get hurt.
Hope it will be helpful for you!