Stuck screws in my lawnmower

[Noodle1138]

Hi everyone,

Hopefully I've posted this in the right forum. I have a Flymo VisionCompact 350 that I haven't used in a while due to the drive belt snapping. I have been using a friends since. He has recently moved and I no longer have access to his mower. I have decided to fix mine and have read how to change the belt and bought the replacement. However, due to the fact I haven't used it, 2 of the screws that hold the bottom skirt on have rusted shut, I have soaked them in WD-40 and tried using the proper screwdriver (the star shaped one) but I cannot get them to move.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get the screws out?

Thanks

 

[Burnerman]

Make sure the screw heads are cleaned out, and use a large screwdriver pressing down with as much weight as you can. Tap the screwdriver into the screw head with a hammer.
The screws are likely to be Philips rather than pozidriv so make sure you use the correct one.
The screws go in to plastic (I think) so heat isn't possible.
At the end of the day, you may have to drill the heads off, and remove the stub with mole grips.
John

 

[Pigeon85]

If there is enough of a head on the screw then try a pair of pliers. If not then drill it out.

 

[Mursal]

Use a heavy spanner or even a proper hammer (small one with a short handle) to tap the head of the screw. You are trying to crack/break the corrosion around the head of the screw and slightly damage (in a controlled way) the head so that the screwdriver will be a tight fit. Then tap the screwdriver into the star while turning the handle.

You may need an assistant.

PS It may not come first time but keep doing as above, while spraying WD40 as you go.

Alternative is to drill the head off, not recommended until essential. Did the pliers/vice grips work around the outside?