How to Remove a Stuck Screw

If you are close to giving up on a repair project because you can’t remove stubborn old screws from wood, you are in the right place! Whether your screws are painted over, rusted in place, or simply screwed too far, these nifty tips and tricks will give you the knowledge and ability to finally unfasten old, stuck screws from wood.

Continue reading to get started!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612
Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

What You Will Need

You do not want to use a power drill when attempting to remove old, stubborn screws. Not only can this quickly strip the head of the screw, it can potentially damage whatever item you are working with. Instead, rely on your good, old-fashioned screwdriver for the best results. Overall, the materials you will need to successfully remove an old screw will depend on the method you choose to use, which might depend on the circumstances of the particular screw in focus.

~ Rusted Screws

Rusted screws are particularly challenging to remove since they are essentially cemented into place. But sometimes a little lubrication can help loosen them just enough for you to pull them out of their spot. Try applying some standard WD-40 or similar spray-on lubrication product directly over the top to break up the rust, and then try again.

~ Painted Screws

For screws that are glued in place with old paint, you can solve the problem with a chisel or a razor. Simply scrape away the paint until you reveal the screw head. Be sure to start on the outer perimeter of the screw, and then work your way to the center where the screwdriver slot is located. If this still doesn’t work, you can move onto other methods.

~ Screws That Won’t Budge

For those screws that won’t seem to move no matter how much force or traction you provide, rely on your trusty hammer. Being very careful and controlled, hold your screwdriver in the slot, and while slowly turning it, tap the screwdriver with the hammer. This can widen the hole and dislodge the old screw.

When the Job is Too Big

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612
Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis home remodeling and handyman services at competitive prices. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

Tips for Commercial Building Maintenance and Repair

Commercial buildings, such as stores, banks, offices, and even apartment complexes, need regular cleaning and care to enhance durability, increase longevity, prolong aesthetic appeal, and protect the overall investment value. Just like a vehicle, a building also needs regular maintenance and care. Not only does routine maintenance and repair protect a proprietor’s investment, it also protects any guests, residents, customers, or visitors within the building each day. So what type of maintenance does a building require, and how often? Continue reading to learn about building maintenance and care, and who to call for professional handyman and remodeling service you can trust.

Commercial Handyman 317-454-3612

Commercial Handyman 317-454-3612

Building Maintenance

A building or commercial complex has several maintenance needs, and will eventually need common and predictable repairs along the way. It is important for building managers to inspect and assess a property’s condition on a regular basis, for safety reasons and to avoid larger and more costly disasters down the road. Regular building maintenance can stop a small problem from becoming a large and expensive problem, or worse, a liability. This can include aesthetic damages like peeling paint or wallpaper, broken floorboards, crumbling concrete, holes in drywall, and more. But it can also include plumbing and electrical repairs, structural repairs, siding repairs, and more. Below you will find some more common commercial building maintenance needs.

☑ Broken Stuff

When a door jams, a lock breaks apart, a window cracks, or a toilet clogs, a handyman or general contractor can provide assistance and find a solution right away. They can fix broken desk drawers, busted hinges, ripped carpet, and much more. More maintenance repair needs includes everything from office equipment and lighting, to major components like escalators, elevators, and security equipment. There is no end to the type of maintenance and repair needed on a daily basis, especially for larger properties. Large properties like shopping malls, movie theaters, hospitals, apartment complexes, and office buildings are guaranteed to need a repair almost every day. It is vital for all repairs to be fixed in order to avoid workers’ compensation claims, lawsuits, and more. It is suggested to keep a record of all the needed repairs over a month’s time, and then at the end of every month, call a trusted handyman to resolve them all at once.

☑ Door Locks and Keys

A handyman retains the tools and resources to replace door locks, door knobs, lost keys, security codes, and more. Most maintenance workers retain copies of office keys and can make a new one for someone that misplaced theirs; however, if your building does not have in-house maintenance staff, you are left to deal with these responsibilities on your own. If an automatic security lock is being stubborn, a handyman can usually find the override codes and fix the problem. This ensures protection over the building at all times.

☑ Emergency Repairs

Disasters happen and commercial buildings are no stranger to the feeling. Water leaks, flooding, no heat, no electricity, and more are all areas in which a handyman or remodeling contractor can save the day. They retain the training, knowledge, and equipment to quickly combat these kinds of disasters and get the building back in order, as soon as possible. Even a busted office window can count as an emergency when its 30 below outside! In this case, they can replace the glass or provide a temporary solution while waiting for the window warranty company to arrive.

Indianapolis Commercial Building Repairs

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Building Repairs and Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable commercial building repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions regarding commercial restoration and repair. We provide a wide range of services for commercial buildings, and retain the experience, skills, and resources to keep your building in tip-top shape! Request an estimate, today!

Safety Tips for Choosing and Using a Ladder

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Now that spring is officially here, homeowners are already thinking about summer. “Spring cleaning” is the priority of the season right now, but pretty soon, spring cleaning will transition into summer preparation chores, namely exterior home maintenance and repair. During this time, many people will require the use of a ladder in order to access windows, tree limbs, gutters, rooftops, garage shelves, attic storage, and other high-up areas. For those who are not familiar with using ladders, it can be tricky determining which ladder to choose, and how to use it properly.

If you are in the market for a ladder to keep for home maintenance needs, it is very important to learn proper ladder knowledge. Not only will this provide protection for yourself, it will allow you to pass your knowledge of ladder safety onto friends and family who wish to borrow yours!

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for choosing the right ladder, and using it safely.

Choosing a Ladder

Ladders come in several difference styles, sizes, weight capacities, and even material. For this reason, it is important to select the right ladder for the purpose you intend to use it for. While shopping around, you will find a wide selection of ladders; including:

• Step stools
• Step ladders
• Extension ladders
• Platform ladders
• Multi-purpose ladders
• Telescoping ladders
• Folding ladders
• And more

Each ladder provides a different range of uses. For simple, not-so-high areas, a person might choose a step stool or step ladder. For someone who needs to utilize space wisely or transport their ladder often, a folding ladder might be the right choice. And as for those who wish to have a ladder at home for exterior maintenance needs, a multi-purpose will do the trick. It can extend and change size, and can open up into a step-ladder style, making it climbable and fully self-supporting.

Ladder Safety

Once you have chosen the right ladder, it is time to review some safety tips for using it around the outside of the home. Improper use of a ladder is easy to do, and can lead to serious long-lasting injuries. So it is vital to always stay focused and remind yourself of the rules while using a ladder for work purposes. Also consider purchasing additional ladder accessories for safer utilization, including ladder stabilizers and tie-off belts. Here are some tips that will help you remain safe and supported on your ladder:

1. Set up your ladder at a 75 degree angle for full stability. TO ensure you have the proper angle, place your toes at the bottom, and extend your arms out towards the rungs. If your fingertips touch, you have the right angle.

2. Always position a ladder on a dry level surface, away from opening doors. Never set up a ladder in water, puddles, or mud. A stable surface is vital for ultimate safety.

3. Before climbing a ladder, always double-check the ladder locks and extensions to ensure they are set right.

4. Always make sure the ladder extends at least 3 feet above the working line. So if the roof-line is your working area, be sure the ladder is 3 feet above it.

5. Never use the top step of a ladder, and never stand or climb on the rear section of a ladder.

6. Focus on your balance while using your ladder, and never try to over-reach while on it. Immediately take a few steps down if you feel unstable, dizzy, or anxious. And always take the time to step down and re-position your ladder rather than trying to overreach.

7. If metal, never use your ladder near power lines or electrical equipment. A fiberglass or wood ladder is safest for areas like these.

8. Always be sure to put your ladder away as soon as you are done using it. It is very common for others to get hurt from a ladder that is not put away properly, or at all. Keep in mind that children see it as a toy, when really it poses several dangers.

If you are preparing your home’s exterior for summer, and you notice some needed repairs or renovations, trust a professional home remodeling contractor for safe, secure, and affordable service. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to manage your home repairs professionally, and in a convenient time-frame.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis IN

Indianapolis General Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for home remodeling and handyman services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of experienced general contractors, provide a wide range of home renovations, restorations, remodels, and repairs at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, Restoration By L & B, LLC will BEAT any competitors price, guaranteed! Call 317-454-3612 and speak directly with a friendly and knowledgeable general contractor in Indianapolis, IN today.