Blue,
I'd use a roller if possible. Your local hardware store will have small 3-4" trim rollers that should work on the tighter areas. Brushes, except the really expensive camel hair ones, will likely leave ridges and brush marks in your paint.
The only thing I've found for getting out the rusty screws is patience and LOTS of WD40 (or a drill - sorry).
Good luck, and take some pictures for us.
