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Stripped screws. We’ve all encountered them. You’re busy working on your next DIY project and your screwdriver just can’t grip the head of the screw properly. Maybe you’ve used the wrong drill bit or screwdriver, or just applied too much pressure. Either way, you’re left with a damaged screw head that’s rounded out and there’s nothing for the screwdriver to grab on to. 


But, not to worry! With a steady hand and the right tools we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll be covering some of the easiest ways on how to remove a stripped screw so whether you’re assembling furniture or fixing a dripping tap, you can get back to work in no time.

Best Tools To Remove A Stripped Screw

5 Easy Ways To Remove A Stripped Screw

Method 1: Use an Elastic Band

Give this method a go first, as it’s by far the easiest and quickest way to shift that stubborn, stripped screw. It works by providing extra friction between the damaged screw head and the screwdriver, allowing the tool to get a better grip. 

 

 

  • First off, get hold of a thick elastic band.
  • Stretch it over the rounded screw head, making sure that it’s completely covered.
  • Next, press your screwdriver firmly into the band-covered screw and turn slowly. 

 

 

The texture from the elastic band should give your screwdriver improved grip so that you can turn the screw. It might take a bit of patience, but with some gentle force, the damaged screw should eventually come free. If not, try one of the other methods below.

Method 2: Use an Impact Driver

If you’ve got an impact driver and a hammer, this will give you a bit more firepower. So, for a stripped screw that just won’t budge with regular hand tools, give this method a try. When done properly, the impact driver gives you a bit of extra torque allowing you to break through the stripped’s screws resistance.

 

Before you start, make sure you have the best drill bit for the job. Ideally, it should fit into the screw head as snugly as possible. If the head is significantly damaged and completely rounded out, try a drill bit that’s slightly wider as this may help to catch the sides a little easier.

 

  • Place the impact driver onto the screw as you normally would, making sure that it's properly aligned and keeping it as straight as possible. 
  • Before you start driving the screw, give the back of the impact driver a light tap with a hammer. This adds a bit of shock to the system and can help break the screw's grip in the material it’s lodged into. Don’t go mad – a few gentle taps should do the trick.
  • Once you’ve done that, pull the trigger on the impact driver (making sure it’s going in the right direction). The driver uses quick bursts of torque which should help to loosen off the screw.

Method 3: Use a Screw Extractor

If the elastic band trick and impact driver haven't worked, a screw extractor is a handy little tool that could be just what you need. That’s because it’s designed specifically for this kind of job, making for the perfect solution. Screw extractors often come in sets of different sizes, so choose the one that best matches the size of the stripped screw head. 

 

 

  • If the screw’s head is really stripped, you’ll need to make a small pilot hole in the centre of it. Use the drill bit from the extractor kit and drill a hole straight down into the middle of the screw. Take your time – you just need enough of a hole for the extractor to grip, just a few millimetres should be enough.
  • Once you’ve drilled the pilot hole, remove the screw extractor bit from the drill chuck, which usually has a reverse thread (it’s designed to grip and turn the screw out). Flip it over and load it back into the chuck. 
  • Now, switch your drill to reverse and apply firm and consistent downward pressure onto the screw head. The screw extractor should start to bite into the stripped screw and, as it turns, will slowly begin to extract the screw out of the hole.

Method 4: Use a Pair of Pliers

Provided the stripped screw isn’t flush with its material, or deeper, you may be able to get the job done using just a pair of pliers. This method works best when the screw’s head is still slightly raised or if it’s in a spot where pliers can get a decent grip on it. Keep in mind that there are a few different types of pliers, and long nose pliers are best for intricate jobs like this one.

 

 

  • If the screw head is still slightly protruding above the surface, place your pliers around the edges of the screw head. If the screw is sunk too deeply into the surface, this might be tricky, but it’s worth a go!
  • Once you’ve got a firm hold with the pliers, try turning the screw in an anti-clockwise direction. You may need to use a bit of force, but avoid going too heavy-handed, as you don’t want to damage the surface around the screw.
  • As you twist, try to maintain a consistent grip on the screw. You may need to alternate between applying firm pressure and then slightly wiggling the pliers to get the screw to start loosening.
  • If successful, loosen off the screw just enough so you can then proceed to removing it by hand.

Method 5: Use a Rotary Tool

Probably one of the more complicated methods for removing a stripped screw, but if you have a rotary tool stashed away in your toolbox, it’s definitely worth a try if all else has failed. This technique can be a little more aggressive due to the power of the tool and the speed at which the attachment spins, so take care not to damage the surrounding surface or material you’re working on.

 

 

  • Start off by attaching a cutting disc to your rotary tool. Make sure the disc is the right size for the job, so that it can easily cut into the screw without impacting the surrounding area.
  • Pop on a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes from any flying debris. 
  • Hold the rotary tool steadily and carefully cut a straight groove across the top of the stripped screw. The goal is to create a new slot that you can use a flathead screwdriver in. 
  • If the screw is small or the groove is hard to get into, you might want to carefully use the rotary tool to grind away a little bit around the screw’s edges to expose the metal beneath.
  • The newly created groove should now allow you to remove the screw in the normal way using a flathead screwdriver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a stripped screw?

How do you stop a screw from stripping

Are there any tools specifically designed for stripped screws?

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