Stripped screws can be a pain. They’re one of the most common problems a person might face during construction, a DIY project, or around their house.

Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to remove these pesky screw-heads. This can help you get your project back on track. Let’s learn how to remove a stripped screw.

How to Remove a Stripped Screw?

The problem with a stripped screw can be solved using a screw extractor. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a drill to remove the screw.

The first step is to find the head of the screw. If it’s not visible, use a flathead screwdriver to pry up on the head of the screw. You can then use your fingers to feel for it.

Once you’ve found it, insert your fingers into the hole and pull outwards on the head of the screw until it comes out.

If you’re trying to remove a stripped screw, it is best to do it with a flat-head screwdriver and a pair of pliers.

#1: Loosen the screw with the screwdriver. This can be done by hand, but it’s easier if you use pliers.

#2: If the screw still won’t come out, hold the head of the screwdriver in place and try to turn the pliers counter-clockwise to loosen the screw. Be careful not to move the screwdriver, or you’ll end up stripping your screw even more.

#3: If this doesn’t work, try again using an ice pick instead of a flat-head screwdriver. The pointed tip will help get under the lip of the hole in your stripped screw.

#4: Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the stripped screw. You should be able to grip it while also holding onto your project.

#5: To avoid stripping screws entirely, make sure that your drill bit isn’t too large for your intended hole and that you have enough room to clamp down on your project without hitting other parts of it before drilling into it.

Flat-Head Screwdriver

Flat-head screwdrivers are most often used on slotted screws because of their ability to keep the screwdriver tip in line with the handle.

This helps prevent the user from applying too much force and stripping the head of the screw.

Larger Driver Bit

Using a larger driver bit to remove a stripped screw can also be helpful. The larger bit will fit over the heads of the screw, allowing room for the drill to work more effectively.

Again, you will need to clamp down on the screw and use a socket wrench instead of your drill’s usual attachment.

Use caution when using this method, as it can be quite dangerous if the screw can come free from the wall and fly around your workspace.

Use Pliers

A stripped screw is a common problem that can be solved with the help of pliers. The process of removing a stripped screw is straightforward.

The first step in removing a stripped screw is to use the pliers to grip the head of the screw. Next, you need to use your other hand to pull out the shaft of the screw while holding onto it with your pliers.

Finally, you need to use your other hand to pull out on the shaft while holding onto it with your pliers.

Manual Screwdriver

Using a manual screwdriver to remove a stripped screw is a delicate process that requires careful attention and careful execution. This is a tedious process, but it can benefit you a great deal when executed well.

Steel Wool

If you’re trying to remove a stripped screw, there are multiple ways you can go about doing it. You could try a rubber hammer (but probably end up with a broken screw head instead), you could use an easy-out (but that’s only useful if the screw is metal), or you could try using steel wool to remove the screw.

It may sound crazy, but it actually works! Just wrap some steel wool around the end of your screwdriver and apply pressure until you hear the magic “pop”.

Tap the Screwdriver with a Hammer

If you’re attempting to remove a stripped screw, it’s best to use a screwdriver. Simply tap the screwdriver with a hammer, gently applying force until the screwdriver can pierce through the screw.

Then insert an appropriately sized head screwdriver in the hole and rotate it clockwise, using enough force for it to be effective. Repeat these steps if necessary until the screw is removed.

Use an Abrasive Powder

Abrasive powders remove rust, paint, and other materials from metal surfaces. They can also be used to strip screws and bolts.

The abrasive powder should be applied around the screw head. The screw should then be turned in the opposite direction of the circular motion until it comes out of the hole.

Drill into the Screw

To take off a stripped screw, drill into it. This will allow you to grip the screw and remove it from the hole. Next, use a wrench or pliers to turn the screw counterclockwise until it comes out of the hole.

Rubber Bands for Grip

You’ve got a stripped screw, and you need it out. You’ve tried everything: pliers, a hammer and nail, a butter knife—anything that might give you enough grip to turn the screw and get it out of your car, stereo, or furniture piece. And you’re at your wit’s end.

The solution is simple: rubber bands! Just wrap them around the head of the screw (but not too tightly), and use them as an extra grip to remove the stripped screw.

The rubber band’s elasticity gives you just enough pressure on the head of the screw to make it easy to turn with a wrench.

Final Thoughts

You’ve probably seen stripped screws in your life: they’re the ones where the head of a screw has been stripped so much that it’s been completely removed.

This can be frustrating when you’re trying to assemble things (like furniture) because you don’t want pieces to fall apart. Use some of the tips above to try and remove your stripped screws.