How to Remove Stripped Screws: 10 Tips and How to Prevent the Problem

When you face a stripped screw, don't worry. There are many effective ways to get it out without damaging your project. Try these methods, starting with the easiest ones first.

1. Use a Manual Screwdriver Instead of Power Tools

Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think. Put down your electric drill and pick up a regular hand screwdriver. Manual screwdrivers give you better control and feel. Press down firmly on the screw head while turning slowly. The extra pressure might help your screwdriver catch the remaining grooves in the damaged screw head.

2. Try a Different Size or Type of Screwdriver

A different screwdriver might work better than your first choice. If you used a Phillips head screwdriver, try a flathead one instead. You can also try a slightly larger or smaller screwdriver tip. Sometimes, a square drive or Torx bit will grab onto the damaged metal better than your original tool.

3. Use the Rubber Band Method

This simple trick works surprisingly well for many stripped screws. Take a wide rubber band and place it flat over the screw head. Push your screwdriver firmly through the rubber band into the screw. The rubber fills the gaps in the damaged grooves and gives your screwdriver a better grip to turn the screw out.

4. Apply the Hammer Technique

Screws that strip easily are usually made from soft metal. You can use this to your advantage with a hammer. Place your screwdriver tip in the stripped screw head and tap the handle gently with a hammer. This pushes the screwdriver deeper into the soft metal, creating a better grip for turning the screw.

5. Grab the Screw with Locking Pliers

If part of the screw head sticks out from the surface, you can grab it with pliers. Locking pliers work best because they stay clamped on the screw head. Grip the screw head tightly with the pliers and turn it counterclockwise to remove it. Be careful not to damage the material around the screw.

6. Cut a New Slot in the Screw Head

When the screw head is too damaged, you can make a new groove for your screwdriver. Use a rotary tool with a cutting wheel to carefully cut a straight line across the screw head. Make the cut deep enough for a flathead screwdriver to fit. Then use the flathead screwdriver to turn out the screw.

7. Use Penetrating Oil

Old screws often get stuck because of rust or dirt. Spray penetrating oil like WD-40 on the screw and wait several minutes. The oil will soak into the threads and make the screw easier to turn. After the oil has time to work, try removing the screw with one of the other methods.

8. Try a Screw Extractor Tool

Screw extractors are special tools made just for this problem. First, drill a small hole in the center of the stripped screw head. Then insert the screw extractor into the hole and turn it counterclockwise. The extractor grips the inside of the screw and pulls it out as you turn.

9. Use Steel Wool for Extra Grip

Steel wool can help your screwdriver get a better grip on a stripped screw head. Press some steel wool into the damaged grooves of the screw head. Then push your screwdriver through the steel wool and turn the screw. The steel wool fills the gaps and creates more friction.

10. Drill Out the Screw as a Last Resort

If nothing else works, you can drill out the entire screw. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw head. Drill carefully into the center of the screw until the head comes off. Then you can remove the remaining screw shaft with pliers. This method destroys the screw, so only use it when other methods fail.

The best way to deal with stripped screws is to prevent them from happening. These simple tips will help you avoid this frustrating problem in your future projects.

1. Choose the Right Screwdriver Size

Always use a screwdriver that fits properly in the screw head. The tip should sit firmly in all the grooves without wiggling around. A screwdriver that is too small will damage the screw grooves. One that is too large won't fit properly and can also cause damage.

2. Apply Steady Downward Pressure

Push down firmly on your screwdriver while turning the screw. Many people reduce their pressure as the screw gets close to the surface, but this is when stripping often happens. Keep pushing down steadily throughout the entire process to maintain good contact between the screwdriver and the screw.

3. Keep Your Screwdriver Straight

Hold your screwdriver perfectly straight up and down when driving screws. Even a small angle can cause the tip to slip out of the grooves and damage them. Take your time to line up the screwdriver properly before you start turning.

4. Use Manual Tools for Delicate Work

Electric drills are powerful and fast, but they can easily strip screws if you're not careful. For small screws or delicate materials, use a manual screwdriver instead. You'll have much better control and can feel when something isn't right.

5. Choose Quality Screws

Cheap screws are more likely to strip because they're made from soft metal. Invest in better quality screws, especially for important projects. Look for screws with heads that have more contact points, like Phillips or square drives, rather than simple slotted heads.

6. Pre-drill Pilot Holes

Drilling small pilot holes before inserting screws reduces the resistance and makes driving them easier. This is especially important in hard materials like hardwood or metal. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the screw shaft diameter.

With these methods and prevention tips, you'll be able to handle any stripped screw situation that comes up in your projects. Remember to start with the gentlest methods first and only move to more aggressive techniques if needed.