A method for operating a power tool having a motor for removing a screw from a counterpart is disclosed. A rotary element connects to the power tool to the screw. In a first section, if a first power limit is exceeded for a first duration, a change is made to a second section in which a temporal profile of the power is recorded for a second duration. A change is made into a third region when the power is above a second power limit for the second duration and a temporal fluctuation of the power is within a fluctuation value. A third power limit is determined based on power recorded in the second section. A change is made from the third section into a fourth section when the power drops below the third power limit within a third duration. In the fourth section, the power of the motor is reduced.