Removing difficult screws  

Hi
I would make sure that...
Hi
I would make sure that you are using the correct screwdriver
Pozdriv vs phillips
From wikipedia
The differences lie in the way that the drivers are machined. The Phillips driver has 4 simple slots cut out of it, whereas in the case of the Pozidriv each slot is the result of two machining processes at right angles. The result of this is that the arms of the cross are parallel sided in the case of Pozidriv, and tapered in the case of Phillips. The pozidriv has four additional points of contact, and does not have the rounded corners that the Phillips screw drive has. In ANSI standards it is referred to as type IA
This design is intended to decrease the likelihood that the Pozidriv screwdriver will slip out, provide a greater driving surface, and decrease wear and tear.[2] The marker lines on a Pozidriv screwdriver will not fit a Phillips screw correctly, and are likely to slip or tear out the screw head. Phillips screwdrivers will fit in and turn Pozidriv screws, but will cam out if enough torque is applied, potentially stripping the screw.
The chief disadvantage of Pozidriv screws is that they are far less common than Phillips, thus many people are unaware or do not own the correct drivers for them, and use incorrect screwdrivers. This results in difficulty in unscrewing the screw and in damage to the slot, rendering any subsequent use of a correct screwdriver unsatisfactory
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozidriv

Thanks, Pete.
I'll look more closely at the screw and get a pozdriv if needed.

In addition to the correc...
In addition to the correct type and size of screwdriver, a good whack with a hammer at the end of the screw driver while inserted firmly in the screw will often times assist in the removal process.

Good stuff
on Posidrive vs Phillips -- the "Euroscrews" (as we called them) that are associated with European-sourced cabinet hardware (cup hinges, slides, assembly hardware, etc) are sometimes easily damaged by Phillips screwdrivers.
Have you tried first applying penetrating oil ?
An auto mechanic recently suggested that I try loosening screws by rotating slowly, followed by a return movement in the direction of tightening, alternating the two movements to prevent overstressing a tight old screw.

WD-40
oughtta do the trick.

Penetrating oil
Those are good suggestions. I'll carefully apply the oil after first covering the orange hopsack. Thanks!

Yes.
.

Hand
If you end up doing it by hand, make sure to keep firm pressure towards the screw when reversing(so it won't slip and strip). SDR's advise sounds good to me.

Stop inviting them to your place?.
Rim shot.

True
🙂

Generous squirts of PB...
Generous squirts of PB Blaster and letting it sit for a few hours did the trick for me in unscrewing 4 severely rusted bolts off a fiberglass Eames chair.