An old screw can look worn out when its recess is simply packed with sawdust. If the driver sits high or rocks before you even turn it, put the drill aside. Cleaning the head first gives you a better chance of removing the hardware without making the job harder.
Empty the crate and support it on a steady surface so the part cannot shift. Brush loose dust away from the screw head and use a bright light to see what remains. Wear eye protection for the clean-out, and keep your free hand out of the path of any pointed tool.
Work out loose debris with a small, suitably sized hand pick, using light pressure rather than digging into the metal. Brush the loosened material away and check again. The aim is to uncover the original recess, not carve a larger one. Stop if the tool slips or the head is too damaged to work on safely.
Choose the driver type and size only after you can see the recess clearly. Similar-looking heads are not always interchangeable. Seat a sound bit fully and test the fit without turning: it should engage the recess rather than perch on its rim. A worn bit can still slip in a clean screw.
Try a controlled turn with a hand screwdriver, keeping it aligned with the screw. If it starts to climb out, stop instead of adding speed or force. A clean recess will not cure corrosion, a rounded head or a seized screw; those may need a different removal method or help from someone equipped for the repair.
Practical takeaway: brush, inspect, clear and fit before turning. That short pause helps distinguish a dirty screw head from a damaged one, and keeps a small crate repair from becoming an avoidable extraction job.
Crate RepairsHand ToolsHardware