Stuck Chicago Screws

[Abilene]

Howdy y'all, this is a problem that could affect anyone, but I figured this would be the best place to ask.  I'm trying to change the buckle on a shotgun belt.  The Chicago screws holding it in place have probably been there 5 years or so, but I must have really torqued on them (I hate losing screws or conchos, especially at a match!).  I've tried holding different rubber things against the smooth side to try to get a purchase, but it still slips, and tried wedging something between the two leather pieces, and between the two screws, to get some prying action while turning the screw, but no joy.  Is there a trick I haven't thought of?  Well, I did think of squeezing a bit of oil between the leather pieces with a needle oiler to get some into the threads, but I don't think I could get that close to the threads, too tight, and don't really want to oil up the leather.  The only other thing I can think of is to try to cut a slot in the smooth side with a dremel, which is something I've never done before to any screw but can try.  If that is what it needs, it will be a while before I get to it.

[St. George]

Try a pair of parallel-grip pliers.

Open them to catch the side of the smooth head - insert your screwdriver in the slotted head and twist - install new screws later.

Verdigris may well be the culprit -avoid that forming with clear nail polish.

Scouts Out!

[Major 2]

 Or try a pair of Diagonal-Cutting pliers (Dikes) sometimes called Klein Tools,
these will get under the head and tighten.

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[Abilene]

I have some dikes but I don't think I can get it under the leather without damage because it is so tight, same with grabbing the edges with pliers.  But I will check it out!  Thanks.

[Abilene]

Could only get one edge of the dikes under the screw - thanks for the suggestion, though.  Tried the pliers - the only pair I have here is a cheap pair, but put them on the "loose" setting and it took some effort to get a grip but it worked on both!  Didn't hurt them any, either.  Thank you St. George! 

[St. George]

De nada - glad it worked out.

Might want to get a better pair - maybe the ones made by 'Sargent', with the wire-cutter - they come in handy.

Scouts Out!

[Coffinmaker]

   Abilene 

Ah Ha!!  NONE OF THE ABOVE.  I have encountered the exact same problem.  I have and use a pair of flat Wire Stripping pliers.  Really thin by comparison, have serrations in the jaws and slip in between pieces of leather really well.  give 'em a try.

[Major 2]

I use Blue Loctite on Chicago screws, ii will break free, and you don't need to over tighten the screw.

[Abilene]

Hmm, maybe I should invent "Texas screws".

The smooth part would be shaped like a (Lone) Star, which would be easier to both tighten and loosen. 

[1961MJS]

 
AND you could sell a socket to help put them in and take them out.
later

[Professor Marvel]

Hmm, maybe I should invent "Texas screws".

The smooth part would be shaped like a (Lone) Star, which would be easier to both tighten and loosen. 

Or sand 2 flats on the blank side edge

[Major 2]

Hmm, maybe I should invent "Texas screws".

The smooth part would be shaped like a (Lone) Star, which would be easier to both tighten and loosen. 

That is a pretty good and possible marketable idea 

[Major 2]

Well, seems they already exist apparently 

[Abilene]

Cool beans!  Did you just find a pic or a place to get them?

[St. George]

Tandy Leather.

Scouts Out!

[Major 2]

Yep, Tandy and

 https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Screws-Clothes-Decoration-Bronze/dp/B08P45JP5B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DNRHTCXUQ8KQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-w3zk7TUtjlvH15o2jabvva4bnL9DiSdzn8ZgfGqfccFIGV__eEXl1YcPX9djXVFbXUnoVYenRiWrxfnbA9Do04cemfvl66pZtcMrDTRxHkbAzYVoAh-MNlAMq0ex0RGoC6XFV_56R5ZlscLZ83N9p1lEag6hqjmI0l5zIUWQY8pALWOh9WWpDIn3-gqsJqd0TNt_hNZaV6MH2B9QM5-XZiUVP6y91KPVdyxe9K3o3M.hHO6SK7hW0BQhr-OQ5d0UHT78vYcvEiePfb-D4uy-s0&dib_tag=se&keywords=texas%2Bstar%2Bscrews%2Bchicago&qid=1716563528&sprefix=texas%2Bstar%2Bscrews%2Bchicago%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1&th=1

[Abilene]

 Now that I know they exist, I'll do some looking/shopping, thanks again, y'all.

[Coffinmaker]

  don't ferget yer Wire Stripper too!! 

[Abilene]

I have lotsa tools at home but it's 90 miles away.  I'm at my mom's house to which I will be slowly moving permanently since she passed at age 99 (still had all her marbles, too)