Decayed screw in door latch

[exharris]

The latch is stuck inside, but I cannot get it out because the screw at the top is damaged and my screwdriver won't work on it - any ideas?

For some unknown reason this forum is displaying the image the wrong way around.. sorry. It is the screw on the left (top)

[ayjay]

Three choices:-
1) Cut a slot in the screw head with a Dremel and use a slotted screwdriver
2) Drill the head of the screw off and once the latch is out remove the remainder with pliers/mole grips
3) Use an old slotted screwdriver like a crowbar, drive it under the top of the latch and beast it out - remove the other screw first - it'll give it a bit more wiggleability.

Don't forget to remove the spindle first.

[exharris]

Don't forget to remove the spindle first.

Sorry, what's the spindle?

[ayjay]

Don't forget to remove the spindle first.

Sorry, what's the spindle?

A square length of metal that operates the latch when you use the handle, take one handle off and remove the spindle, the latch can't come out with the spindle in place.

[big-all]

i would start with the correct screwdriver bit pz2 [not ph2]
tap it home with a hammer then try and unscrew
this can often work as the main damaged edge is the tightening edge

[Dave54]

Looks to me as if it might, just might, still come out with the right size and type of screwdriver, or a slotted head screwdriver the right width to engage in the remaining "notches".

[etaf]

if you can get a screwdriver on it - if it is tight , slightly tighten before unscrewing - ie turn clockwise a small amount then turn anticlockwise - I have done this on hinge screws that were like that , and after spending ages on one screw, ws told about this little trick and boom , it then unscrewed with a lot of pressure