How to Remove a Stripped Screw

If enough of the screw is above the surface, try using pliers. Knowing how to remove stripped screws requires a bit more muscle than most. Pliers will allow you to get a firm enough grip on the screw to pull it out. Locking pliers or vise grip pliers work best. Grip the screw on the sides. Twist the screw gently right and left until you’ve loosened it enough to pull it out.

Knowing how to remove stripped screws begins with figuring out how to add traction. A common household rubber band can do the trick. Simply place part of the rubber band over the head of the screw. Insert your screwdriver into the rubber band. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise to remove the stripped screw.

Tip: You can use a piece of steel wool in the stripped head of a screw instead of a rubber band.

Here’s how to remove stripped screws using a drill. Try drilling a hole into the head of the screw. Place a drill bit designed for metal in your drill. Use a low speed so you don’t split or break the screw. Drill down into the screw until you feel the bit catch. Put your drill in reverse. If this doesn’t remove the screw, load a special screw extractor bit in your drill. Drill the extractor bit into the screw and then drill in reverse.

The head on a stripped screw can still have one or two slots that still work. See if a different type of screwdriver or size of screwdriver will work. If your stripped screw has a Phillip’s head, use a flat screwdriver. Or try a smaller or larger size screwdriver in the slot.

Tip: If a screwdriver doesn't work right away, don’t force it. You don’t want to strip the screw further.

Knowing how to unscrew a stripped screw can depend on if it is made of a soft metal. If it is, you can create a new slot. Stick a flat head screwdriver into the screw. Use a hammer to gently drive the screwdriver down. Drive the screwdriver in deep enough to catch. Next, twist the screwdriver to remove the screw.

Sometimes every slot in a stripped screw is worn out. In those cases, cut in a new slot. Use a thin cutting disk on a rotary saw or oscillating tool. Make sure the disk is made to cut metal. Carefully cut a new notch into the stripped screw. Push a flat head screwdriver into the new slot and twist.

When you’ve exhausted every other method, it’s time to give the screw an entirely new head. You can do this by spot-welding a nut onto the screw. Choose a nut that is the same size or slightly smaller than the screw. Once the weld is set, use a wrench to remove the stripped screw.

If you want to know how to remove a broken screw, follow these simple steps:

• The first step when learning how to remove a broken screw, select a screw extractor bit that is correctly sized for the job.
• Secure the extractor bit into the drill.
• Hold the drill at a perpendicular angle to the broken screw.
• Slowly drill into the center of the screw with minimal pressure.
• Switch the drill to reverse once the extractor bit catches onto the screw.
• Slowly back the screw out.
• If the screw remains stuck, apply penetrating oil to loosen it up.
• Grip the screw head with pliers or locking pliers if available.
• Apply steady pressure to avoid causing further damage.