How to losen a stuck screw?

[Shad]

I need to take the hoop part of my boot catch apart to remove a shim so it closes a bit tighter, to stop some noises and a leak. Anyway, even after covering the bolts (bolts with Philips heads) and shim in WD40 last night, they wouldn't budge.

Has anybody any ideas on what to try next?

[Rob]

Sometimes tapping the bolt head with hammer/something heavy works. Note tap, not bludgeon

*edit* just noticed philips heads - in that case, get screwdiver (not your best) that EXACTLY fits the philips, put into head and tap screwdriver

Failing that... Beg/borrow/steal an impact driver

[Rave]

If tapping doesn't work, use a heat gun or a small blowtorch to slowly heat the metal around the screw, that should do it. If using a flame make sure all the WD40 is cleaned off first!

Rich :¬)

[CrapshoT]

A tip my Dad told me,Try tightening the screw a little first as this breaks the "lock" of the screw.You should then find the screw does loosen.Dont know if this will work in your situation though.It works on wood etc..

[Shad]

Thanks for the tips guys. Unfortunately it's actually on the tail gate, so applying pressure is a bit difficult because you have to hold the tailgate down so it doesn't stress the gas struts too much.

Anyway, will have another bash when I get home