Stripped screws are a construction nuisance that plagues expert builders and DIY newbies alike.

They happen when the head of a screw becomes damaged, making it difficult to grip and turn, as the indents have been smoothed away. This causes the screw to strip the harder you press, making it difficult to salvage the situation (but not impossible.)

You might run into this problem if you use poor-quality tools, the wrong-sized drill bit, or even if you work too quickly without being cautious and using the correct techniques.

Just when it seems like there is no solution, ASP is here to save the day. We’ll tell you how to remove a stripped screw with 9 simple methods, giving you clear, precise instructions as we go.

What is a stripped screw?

Are you struggling to get a firm grip on a screw to remove it? It’s most likely that the head of the screw has become so damaged that the drive has become rounded off and lost its shape.

Once this happens, tools like screwdrivers can’t be used to unscrew the fixture, causing it to rotate and slip without actually moving the screw with it. When a screw head is this badly worn, it becomes very difficult to tighten or remove the screw using normal methods.

Stripped screws typically happen when the driver bit slips out of the screw’s head and grinds away at the metal instead of turning the screw properly. The drive recess eventually wears down until the driver can’t get any traction at all.

Here are some ways this is most likely to happen:

Using the wrong size or type of screwdriver for the screw or not fully seating it in the screw head.
Applying too much torque (turning force) too quickly, causing the bit to ‘cam out’.
Over-tightening the screw until the driver slips and strips the head’s recess.
Failing to hold the driver perfectly in line with the screw at a 90° angle, causing the bit to slip out and grind the slot into a round hole.
Using cheap screws that are made from softer metals, as these are more likely to deform from slight force or pressure.
Working with rusty or corroded screws, as the rust eats away at the shape of the screw slot and makes the screw require extra force to turn.

Which screw head types are most prone to stripping?

Certain types of screw heads are more prone to stripping than others, which means you’ll have to take extra care when installing and removing them.

Factors like the shape of the drive and how many contact points it has with the screwdriver increase the risk of stripping, which is why the following screws are more likely to strip:

Philips screws (cross-head): One of the most common types of screws, this is more prone to stripping, as it was intentionally made to cam out (slip) if too much torque is applied. For this reason, they tend to lose their shape easily.
Slotted (flat-head) screws: This popular, single-slot screw offers just two points of contact, so it’s very easy for the driver to slip out of a slotted screw and damage the head in the process.

If you want something that is more resistant to stripping, then a torx (star) screw is your best bet. These have six points of contact for the driver, spreading the force across the surface of the head so it’s less likely to slip under high torque.

That’s why they’re so common for automotive and mechanical applications. Similar drives like hex/Allen or Robertson square drives are also a great option!

9 Ways to remove a stripped screw

1. Pliers or vice grips

If the screw isn’t buried all the way, using pliers or vice grips can be a quick and simple fix.

Locking pliers, also known as vice grips, work best because you can clamp them down and get a strong hold. If not, a pair of regular old pliers will do the trick!

Grip the screw head firmly with the pliers until you have a solid hold on the screw.
Start to slowly twist the pliers anticlockwise and the screw along with it until you can feel it becoming loose (you may need to wiggle it back and forth a bit).
Then, using a wrenching motion, start to slightly pull up from the screw to try and lift it out. Go slowly so you don’t end up gouging the material.
Once it’s loosened, continue unscrewing it with the pliers until it’s free.

2. Impact driver

Impact drivers provide a strong rotational force: this manual tool is excellent for removing threaded or rusty screws, so long as you use a top-quality bit. In fact, they look like a chunky screwdriver and are designed to be struck with a hammer.

Before you begin, though, check whether you need a Flathead or Phillips screwdriver bit and tighten it into your impact driver.

Clear the area around your stripped screw of debris, ensuring your drill bit is in the correct position.
Put on a pair of safety glasses and hammer the drill bit into your screw head several times before applying quick, rotational bursts in the anticlockwise direction.
A single hammer should dislodge it, but if not, hit the impact driver again once or twice until it becomes loose.
Once the screw has started to move, you can switch to a regular screwdriver or continue with the impact driver to unscrew it all the way.

3. Manual screwdriver

One of the simplest tools you can use, a manual screwdriver is ideal for a stripped screw that isn’t in the worst position it could be.

In fact, a manual screwdriver can offer a better grip than any other tool, allowing you to take better control when removing the damaged screw. This method is best if there are one or two edges of the drive slot left for you to grip onto or if using a trick to increase friction.

If you’re dealing with a Phillips (cross) head, use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the stripped screw. If not, a slightly larger screwdriver will offer better contact for a screw with more grooves.
Line up your screwdriver with the head and apply downward pressure to keep the bit in the head and prevent cam-out.
Turn the screwdriver anti-clockwise while slowly pressing down to maintain a good grip, keeping the pressure on the screw as it turns.
You’ll need to be patient and keep a firm grip to avoid slipping.

4. Screw extractor

If you’re struggling with a particularly damaged screw head, then this method is sure to do the trick. Screw extractor bits have a reverse-threaded design that bites into a damaged screw as you turn them anticlockwise.

These are what professionals will use when a screw is too damaged to remove with normal methods.

First, look at the size of your stripped screw head and choose an extractor that fits.
Then, drill a small pilot hole into the head of the screw with a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw head.
Put the extractor into your drill check and tighten the chuck securely. You will need to Set your drill to run in reverse (anti-clockwise) and slowly drill in a straight line, applying steady pressure.
The extractor will turn the screw out as it rotates, which you can then remove with pliers.

5. Left-handed drill bits

A left-handed drill bit (also called a reverse drill bit) is another clever tool for removing stripped screws and bolts.

Unlike your run-of-the-mill drill bit, these are designed to cut while the drill runs in an anti-clockwise direction to quickly dislodge a stripped screw.

As you drill into the stuck screw with a left-handed bit, the bit’s reverse rotation causes the screw to unscrew itself out of the material once it catches, which is ideal for screws that have completely lost their drive socket or have a broken screw shaft.

Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the head of the screw and put the drill into the bit, tightening it until it’s secure. For example, if the screw head is 6 mm wide, a 3 or 4 mm left-hand bit is ideal.
Insert the left-handed bit into your drill and make sure the drill is set to run in reverse (anti-clockwise).
Then, place the tip of the bit on the centre of the screw head and start drilling slowly, maintaining a slow speed and firm pressure onto the screw for a better grip.
You should feel the bit catch or snag on the screw as you drill deeper, which at this point should start to rotate out with the bit and unscrew from the surface. Stop drilling as soon as it’s free!

6. Hammer

Many people choose to use a hammer for a stripped screw, as tapping the protruding head of your stripped screw with a hammer or manual screwdriver can make it easier to remove it.

While this may seem counterintuitive (tapping something in further to get it out), it can actually help with grip. For example, tapping a screwdriver into a stripped head can help form a new slot or lodge the driver bit firmly into the damaged head.

This is ideal for screws that have started to strip but still have some material left in the head. A hammer can also help to loosen a screw, then using the clawed side to pull it out. For today, we’ll go through the hammer and screwdriver technique.

Pick a flat-head screwdriver that is narrow enough to fit into the stripped screw head and position it into the most solid part of the stripped screw head.
Hammer the screwdriver lightly straight down into the screw head so the tip is embedded into the screw metal, creating a new groove or deepening the existing damaged one.
Keeping the screwdriver seated in this new groove, slowly turn it anti-clockwise until it starts to break free. If it begins to slip, tap the screwdriver in a bit more with the hammer.
Once the screw starts turning, continue unscrewing it by hand.

7. Rotary Tool

A rotary tool is a more destructive way to remove a stripped screw that is too damaged for a clean removal.

These feature a small cutting wheel that can cut a fresh slot across the screw head, ideal for screws in wood or metal where you don’t mind sacrificing the screw to get it out.

By cutting a straight groove, you can then use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screw (just make sure to wear protective glasses, as this method will cause spark and pieces of metal to fly up).

Fit your rotary tool with a thin cutting disc that’s meant for metal and align the spinning disc perpendicular to the screw head, exactly where you want the new slot to be.
Then, gently cut a straight line across the centre of the screw head, creating a groove that is about the width of a flat screwdriver tip.
Once the slot is cut, turn off the rotary tool and take a flathead screwdriver, slotting it into the groove you just created until it sits snug.
Apply firm pressure down on the screwdriver and slowly twist it anti-clockwise until it begins to rotate.

8. Rubber-band method

One of the most famous DIY tricks for a stripped screw is to use a rubber band. It sounds odd but a rubber band actually has many uses, one of which helping to remove a damaged screw.

How exactly do they work, you ask? They help to improve your grip on the screw, turning a job that could take hours to being finished in just a few minutes.

Grab a wide rubber band (the wider, the better) and place it flat over the top of the screw head.
Press your screwdriver down through the band into the screw and slowly turn the screwdriver anticlockwise while applying downward pressure.
The rubber band will fill the gaps and grip both the screw and the driver bit, adding friction so the screw will dislodge much easier. Just avoid going too fast, as you can shred the rubber band that way.

9. Super glue hack

Sometimes using super glue can help to help dislodge a stripped screw, especially since you won’t be using the screw again after removing it (since the glue is likely to get everywhere).

We suggest using a standard (non-gel) super glue for the task and making sure you put some sturdy gloves on.

Put a drop of super glue into the stripped head recess.
Quickly press the tip of an old screwdriver into the screw head until it’s fully seated and hold it in place for a few minutes.
Once the glue has hardened, the screwdriver and screw head will be bonded together, so twist the driver until the screw becomes free.

Choose ASP for High-Quality Screws!

Learning how to remove a stripped screw is a process of trial and error.

At ASP, we want our customers to have a stress-free experience, and we hope one of our methods will help you remove a stripped screw in a few minutes.

If you’re looking for some high-quality screws to replace your damaged ones, we offer screws for plastic, drywall screws, wood screws and concrete screws for all manner of professional and at-home projects. Just browse our collection today for a great deal!

FAQs

Are there any preventive measures to avoid stripping screws in the first place?

Yes, there are a few preventive measures you can take to avoid having to deal with a stripped screw altogether.

For this, you’ll need to make sure to use the correct screwdriver size and type when first installing any screw, as the wrong one can cause the bit to slip and grind down the screw head.

You should also always apply steady pressure while turning and avoid using excessive force to prevent it bending or wearing away the head. When installing a screw into wood or a dense material, drill a pilot hole first so you won’t have to apply any extra force.

If you decide to use a drill, always go at a steady pace and use a controlled torque setting.

What should I do if none of the methods work for removing a stripped screw?

If you have exhausted all the methods and the stripped screw still won’t come out, you may need help from a professional contractor. A professional will have a few advanced techniques up their sleeve in order to get the screw out without any issues.

They can also assess the situation to avoid things like accidentally drilling into important components or splitting the material.

Can I reuse a stripped screw after removing it?

No, you should always throw stripped screws away and use a new screw for any future applications.

Stripped screws won’t provide the same level of grip and stability as undamaged screws, causing your installation to fail, which is especially dangerous for foundation work or public buildings where you’re putting pedestrians at risk.

Plus, if the screw ever needs to be unscrewed again, you’ll have an even harder time removing it the second time around.

Can I use heat to remove a stripped screw?

We do not recommend using heat to remove a stripped screw, such as a soldering iron, heat gun, or small torch.

You may be working with flammable materials or near fire-sensitive components that could cause damage to your tools or property. Even if nothing ignites, heat can melt or deform nearby plastic/rubber components and ruin finishes or coatings.

In a worse-case scenario, if you try to heat a screw on a circuit board or an appliance, you could damage electronic components, wiring, or seals

Is it necessary to use a lubricant when removing a stripped screw?

If the screw still won’t dislodge, lubricants, such as WD-40, PB Blaster, and Liquid Wrench, can help loosen a stuck screw, breaking down any rust or debris that’s binding it in place.

Apply the lubricant around the screw head and directly into the screw hole or threads if possible. Then, let it sit for around 5 to 10 minutes before attempting removal.