To remove a stripped or damaged screw, you'll need to employ specialized techniques or tools designed to grip the compromised screw head.
How to Remove a Stripped or Damaged Screw
A stripped or damaged screw, often referred to as a "screwed screw" in common parlance when it's difficult to extract, has a head that no longer allows a standard screwdriver or drill bit to get a proper grip. This often happens due to excessive force, using the wrong bit size, or poor-quality fasteners. Removing such a screw requires patience and the right approach.
Understanding the Problem
When a screw's head is "stripped," the indentations (Phillips, Torx, flathead, etc.) that allow a driver to turn it are worn down, rounded, or otherwise compromised. This means a standard tool will just spin without engaging, making extraction impossible.
Effective Methods for Stripped Screw Removal
Several methods can be employed, ranging from simple household tricks to specialized tools. The best approach depends on the severity of the strip, the type of screw, and its accessibility.
1. The Rubber Band or Abrasive Material Method (Minor Stripping)
For screws with minor stripping where some of the head's definition remains, a simple trick can provide the necessary grip.
- How it works: Placing a thin, flat piece of material between the screw head and the screwdriver increases friction and fills in the gaps, allowing the driver to engage.
- Materials: A wide rubber band, a piece of steel wool, or even a small scouring pad can work.
- Steps:
- Place the rubber band (or material) flat over the stripped screw head.
- Insert your screwdriver into the screw head, pressing down firmly to create a new grip.
- Slowly turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise to loosen the screw.
2. Using a Screw Extractor Kit (Most Reliable)
For more severely stripped screws, a dedicated screw extractor kit is often the most effective solution. These kits typically include drill bits and reverse-threaded extractors.
- How it works: The drill bit creates a pilot hole in the center of the stripped screw head. Then, the extractor, which has a reverse (left-hand) thread, is driven into this pilot hole. As you turn the extractor counter-clockwise, its threads bite into the screw, providing a strong grip that allows you to back out the damaged fastener. Once the extractor bites, there is a very good chance that it will actually remove the screw.
- Tools: Screw extractor kit, power drill.
- Steps:
- Select a drill bit from the kit that is slightly smaller than the core of the screw (not including the threads).
- Using a drill, carefully drill a pilot hole into the center of the stripped screw head. Drill slowly and steadily.
- Switch to the appropriate-sized screw extractor from the kit.
- Insert the extractor into the newly drilled hole.
- Using your drill on a reverse setting (or a tap wrench), slowly turn the extractor counter-clockwise. The extractor's threads will bite into the screw, creating the necessary grip to turn and remove it.
3. Pliers or Vise Grips (Accessible Heads)
If the head of the stripped screw protrudes slightly from the surface, pliers or vise grips can be used to grab and turn it.
- How it works: These tools provide a strong, clamping grip around the exterior of the screw head, allowing you to manually twist it out.
- Tools: Locking pliers (Vise Grips), needle-nose pliers for smaller screws.
- Steps:
- Clamp the pliers or vise grips firmly onto the very edge of the screw head.
- Twist the pliers counter-clockwise to slowly unscrew the fastener.
- If using vise grips, lock them into place for a continuous grip.
4. Cutting a New Slot (Rotary Tool Method)
For screws with a completely destroyed head that is flush with the surface, you can create a new slot using a rotary tool.
- How it works: A thin cutting wheel is used to carve a straight line across the screw head, transforming it into a makeshift flathead screw.
- Tools: Rotary tool (e.g., Dremel), cut-off wheel attachment, safety glasses.
- Steps:
- Don safety glasses.
- Attach a thin cutting wheel to your rotary tool.
- Carefully cut a straight slot across the diameter of the stripped screw head. Ensure the slot is deep enough to accommodate a flathead screwdriver.
- Once the slot is created, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screw.
5. Drilling Out the Screw (Last Resort)
If all other methods fail and the screw simply won't budge, drilling it out completely may be your only option. This method will destroy the screw and potentially damage the material around it if not done carefully.
- How it works: A drill bit that matches the screw's shaft diameter (or slightly larger if needed to remove the head) is used to drill through the screw, effectively destroying it or its head.
- Tools: Power drill, metal-rated drill bit, safety glasses.
- Steps:
- Don safety glasses.
- Select a drill bit slightly larger than the screw's shaft but smaller than the head.
- Carefully drill straight down into the center of the screw head. The goal is to drill away enough material so the head pops off, or the screw is destroyed enough to be removed.
- Once the head is removed, the remaining shaft can often be extracted with pliers or by carefully drilling further.
Summary of Stripped Screw Removal Techniques
| Method | When to Use | Tools Required | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber Band/Abrasive | Minor stripping, some grip left | Screwdriver, rubber band/steel wool | Low to Medium |
| Screw Extractor Kit | Moderate to severe stripping | Power drill, screw extractor kit | High |
| Pliers/Vise Grips | Screw head is accessible and protrudes | Locking pliers (Vise Grips), needle-nose pliers | Medium to High |
| Cutting New Slot | Flush, severely stripped head | Rotary tool, cut-off wheel, safety glasses | Medium |
| Drilling Out | All other methods fail, destructive removal | Power drill, metal drill bits, safety glasses | High (but destructive) |
Always choose the least invasive method first to avoid further damage to the screw or the surrounding material.
