A proper paint job calls for removing hardware, but, unfortunately, screw head slots often are filled with paint. Here's what to do when you can't remove the screws because of this problem. You have numerous options beyond trying to scrape it out with a screwdriver. This practice often results in stripped screw heads, scratching the woodwork and gouging fingers. Before getting frustrated and reaching for a hammer or worse, a drill, try trimming it out with a sharp utility knife. If that doesn't work, use a heat gun to soften the paint, then pick the paint out with a sharp tool. Or you can use a drop or two of paint stripper to soften the paint for easy removal. Finally, there's our favorite -- the old ?four-penny-nail-in-the-electric-drill? trick, where you put in the nail point first and clear the slot with the edge of the spinning nail head -- just like a mini-grinding wheel. And that's the On The House tip for today.