I need a tool usage tip, please

[wurm]

I've read lots of tips about how to get a screw started in a place that's very hard to access, but before I get to that point of replacing it, I'm going to have to unscrew the screw from the impossible spot. Once said screw is loose, how do I carefully remove it from a birdsnest of wires and cables without it most certainly dropping off the tip of the screwdriver and into the abyss?

I don't think a magnetized tip will be strong enough. I foresee an experience not unlike the old Operation game.

[pdq]

That can be a toughie. Depending upon the situation, you could start it with a screwdriver, and then clamp a long-nosed vice-grip on it and turn it the rest of the way manually.

Otherwise, I’d try the magnetized method, but put something to catch the darn thing below it.

[Thrift Store Scott]

A bit of modeling clay under the screwdriver tip can help keep it in place. Something else that might work without being permanent is the gooey stickum that holds things to cardboard or two pieces of glossy-finished cardboard to each other.

[lost in space]

Start it with a regular screwdriver, then switch to a screw holding screwdriver. This is for Phillips head; for slot head are also available.

amz

edit: Used them working on robots. If we dropped a screw, not only could it get lost, it could ruin sensitive machinery.

[NewtonMP2100]

.....just the tip [ of the tool ]....????

[Ombligo]

IF you can get the screwdriver bedded into the screwhead easily, put a tiny drop of superglue on the tip of the screwdriver, press it into the screw, wait 10-15 seconds and unscrew it. Then just snap the screw off the tip.

[mrbigstuff]

this is incredibly useful

[mattkime]

What kind of abyss are we talking about?

[NewtonMP2100]

.....Mother.....abyss....???

[wurm]

Thanks for your thoughts. I was wondering if something like that screw-holding screwdriver existed, lost. Is that a fixed sized end on it or does it expand and contract around a screwhead?

I was thinking about superglue, Ombligo. That could be a good option.

I have a couple of those magnetic pickup tools mrbigstuff. Yes, they are useful but I don't think there's enough room to maneuver. Likewise for vice-grips, pdq.

That stick stuff on junk mail is another option, Scott, yes.

I knew you all would have some thoughts. As for how inaccessible...

mattkime wrote:
What kind of abyss are we talking about?

This kind. BTW, those aren't my dirty fingers in the pic. It's the best still shot I could grab off a video, that sort of shows the screw in question. BTW, that just one of three similarly tricky ones to get to. Even if I get them out without losing them, I'm going to have to screw them back in once I replace the filter(s) in question.