Removing a Stripped Screw
Featured pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
There's no need to get frustrated when you try (and fail!) to remove a stripped screw. Eric Stromer shares his trade secrets for tackling this annoying problem with a few simple tools.
Step 1:
Everyone has faced the problem of getting out a stripped screw. Here are a few ways to tackle the problem. First, if you're using a power drill, try switching to a manual screwdriver. Use a screwdriver with a head slightly larger than the stripped head.
Step 2:
You can also place a wide rubber band on the screw and then try the screwdriver. This may give you enough grip to loosen the screw.
Step 3:
If that doesn't work, try using a screw extractor. This is basically a screwdriver head with strong, metal threads on the tip that burrow into the head of the screw, allowing you to get more torque.
Step 4:
If all else fails, you can drill out the screw. Use a drill bit that is about the same size as the shaft of the screw. Drill through the head until you have displaced the screw. Just be sure to remove all the metal shavings.
Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret
- screwdriver
- wide rubber band
- drill
More Trade Secrets
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But don't brush away the metal shavings with your hand, as he implied, or you'll have some nasty splinters.
March 18 2011 at 8:25 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyIt appears that rather than the screw being stripped in the example, it's the wood into which it was scrwed in tshe first place. If one is talking about an actual stripped screw in metal, or the threads into which it was inserted to begin with, how about an "easy out" or other screw extractors?
March 17 2011 at 1:42 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyEric, you missed one. This works especially well for machine screws. You can get a "left handed" drill bit, which runs in reverse. Drill a small pilot hole down the center of the screw. Put your power drill in reverse and drill out the offending screw with the reverse bit. Often times the drill bit will bind during the process and the torque of the drill motor will back the screw right out. Try it some time, it will amaze you how easy this works.
March 17 2011 at 1:24 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Replythat is a very helpful hint.
thx
An old Irish proverb : "any day that ends with a good screw hasen't been all bad "
March 17 2011 at 1:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIVE TRYED THE RUBBER BAND AND IT DOES WORK,THXS
March 17 2011 at 1:00 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyBut how do you screw a stripper out?
that is the question
Using a dremel or similar tool with the cut off wheel. Use the larger wheel for larger screw. Grind carefully to obtain a fit for slotted screwdriver. Sorry cannot help if screw head is stripped and in deep pocket.
March 17 2011 at 12:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyFar out, yoou guys rock!
March 17 2011 at 12:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyGet our latest tips in your inbox
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