work loose

On impulse he stopped to measure it, sure he could squeeze through here, if he could work loose the grid.

Because if grease were used, the spokes would work loose, and soon the whole wheel would collapse.

We pulled on the knots hard—and they weren't any granny knots, either, that would work loose.

I calked the seams the best way I could, but the wood's a bit rotten, and there's always danger that the oakum may work loose.

The latter plan is to be preferred as the head can be removed more quickly and is not so likely to work loose.