They are installed in the standard way with a screwdriver but can't be removed with a screwdriver because their sloped slots will make the screwdriver slip out. Several methods are recommended to remove a one-way screw, ranging from the fairly simple to drilling it out.
Things You Will Need
Easiest Approach
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Place locking pliers on the head of the one-way screw, and turn the screw counterclockwise until it comes out.
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If you can't initially get a strong (or firm) enough grip on the one-way screw with the pliers, use a file to flatten the opposite edges of the head. This should improve the grip.
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Turn the pliers counterclockwise, and remove the screw.
First Alternative
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Buy a one-way screw extractor, which is a tool designed for you to place into the head of the screw. A screw extractor functions in the same way as a regular screwdriver but has two pins instead of a regular full-width head. These pins provide grip and won't ride up the the sloped slots of the screw's head.
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Place the one-way screw remover into the the head of the screw.
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Turn the one-way screw counter-clockwise until it comes out. The one-way screw extractor reverses the screw out of its frozen position.
Third Choice
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Drill a hole into the head of the one-way screw with a power drill. Start with the smallest bit, and work your way up.
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Use pliers to place the bit of a regular screw extractor into the head of the one-way screw.
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Tap the head of the screw remover with a hammer.
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Turn the bit counterclockwise to release the screw.
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Tap the bit more firmly into the screw if it does not initially come out. If it still won't come out, enlarge the hole and try again.
Last Resort
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Cut off the head of the one-way screw off with a hacksaw, or remove the head with a drill.
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Grip the remaining shank of the screw with pliers.
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Turn the pliers counterclockwise, and remove the screw.
The Drip Cap
- One-way screws are different because they can be turned in only one direction.
- They are installed in the standard way with a screwdriver but can't be removed with a screwdriver because their sloped slots will make the screwdriver slip out.
- Turn the pliers counterclockwise, and remove the screw.
- Turn the one-way screw counter-clockwise until it comes out.
- Use pliers to place the bit of a regular screw extractor into the head of the one-way screw.