How to Remove Stripped Screws: Every Method That Actually Works

We've All Been There

The screw head is chewed up, your bit just spins, and you're staring at a screw that won't come out. Whether you did it or some previous muppet did, it needs to come out. Here's every method that actually works.

Prevention First

Before we get into extraction, let's stop it happening:

• Use the right size bit - too small strips heads
• Apply firm pressure while driving
• Don't overdrive - stop when the screw is seated
• Use quality bits that don't wear quickly
• Impact drivers reduce cam-out on stubborn screws

Method 1: Rubber Band Technique

For lightly stripped screws:

1. Place a wide rubber band over the screw head
2. Press your screwdriver firmly through the band into the head
3. The rubber fills gaps and improves grip
4. Turn slowly with firm pressure

Works best on: Phillips and Pozidriv heads with minor stripping.

Method 2: Bigger Bit or Flat Head

Sometimes a different bit works:

• Try a slightly larger bit that grips the remaining edges
• A flat head screwdriver in a Phillips can sometimes grip
• Impact driver bits often grip better than standard

Method 3: Screw Extractor Bits

Purpose-made for this job:

1. Drill a small pilot hole in the screw head (left-hand drill bit ideal)
2. Insert extractor bit - they're reverse threaded
3. Turn counterclockwise - extractor bites in and turns the screw
4. Apply firm pressure while turning

Tips:

• Use correct size extractor for the screw
• Go slowly - too much speed can break the extractor
• Works best with impact driver on low setting

Method 4: Cut a New Slot

If the head is accessible:

1. Use a rotary tool (Dremel) or small hacksaw
2. Cut a slot across the screw head
3. Use a flat head screwdriver in the new slot
4. Apply pressure and turn

Works well on: Raised heads with enough material to cut into.

Method 5: Locking Pliers

If the head is exposed above the surface:

1. Grip the screw head with locking pliers (Mole grips)
2. Lock them tightly
3. Turn counterclockwise
4. May damage the head further but gets it out

Method 6: Weld a Nut On

For metal screws when other methods fail:

1. Weld a nut onto the screw head
2. Use a spanner on the nut to turn the screw
3. Works even on totally destroyed heads

Requires welding equipment but very effective.

Method 7: Drill It Out

The nuclear option:

1. Centre punch the screw centre
2. Drill through the screw with progressively larger bits
3. Once the head is drilled off, pull the material away
4. Use pliers on the exposed shank

Caution: Easy to damage surrounding material. Go slowly.

Specific Situations

Countersunk screws flush with surface:

• Harder to grip with pliers
• Extractor bits are best option
• May need to drill a small recess to access head

Screws in softwood:

• Often can dig around with a chisel
• Expose the shank, grip with pliers
• Easy to fill the damage afterward

Screws in metal:

• Penetrating oil (WD-40, Plus Gas) helps
• Heat can help loosen (careful with surroundings)
• Extractor bits work well in metal

Essential Kit for Screw Extraction

Worth keeping in your hand tools:

• Screw extractor set (various sizes)
• Left-hand drill bits
• Locking pliers (Mole grips)
• Quality screwdriver set
• Penetrating oil

The Bottom Line

Start with the simplest method and escalate. Rubber band, different bit, then extractors. Drilling out is the last resort. With the right technique and tools, every screw comes out eventually.