How to Remove a Stripped Screw

A stripped screw — where the head is so worn that your screwdriver just spins — is one of those problems that makes a simple job impossible. Here are six methods to remove one, starting with the easiest.

Method 1: Use a Rubber Band

Before trying anything invasive, try this. Place a wide rubber band flat over the screw head and press your screwdriver firmly into it. The rubber fills the gaps in the stripped head and creates enough friction to grip.

Use a manual screwdriver with firm downward pressure rather than a drill. Works surprisingly often on lightly stripped screws.

Method 2: Increase Friction With an Abrasive

If the rubber band doesn't work, try putting steel wool, a small piece of sandpaper, or even a bit of steel wool under your screwdriver bit. Press down hard while turning slowly. The abrasive material grips the worn metal better than the bit alone.

Method 3: Use a Better Bit

A damaged screwdriver or worn bit makes the problem worse. Switch to a sharp, new bit — sometimes the right bit makes all the difference. Also try a bit that's very slightly larger than the screw head, pressing it in firmly to catch any remaining metal.

A screw extractor bit (also called easy-out) is specifically designed for this. Available at any hardware store for a few dollars, these reverse-threaded bits drill into the screw head and grip as they turn counterclockwise. Highly effective.

Method 4: Use Pliers or Locking Pliers

If any part of the screw head protrudes above the surface, grab it firmly with locking pliers (Vise-Grips) and turn counterclockwise. Even a millimetre of protrusion is often enough.

For screws that are slightly proud of the surface, try a wide pair of regular pliers.

Method 5: Cut a New Slot

Use a rotary tool (Dremel) or a thin hacksaw blade to cut a new flat slot across the top of the screw head. Then use a flathead screwdriver in the new slot to remove it.

This works even on badly stripped Phillips screws because you're creating fresh metal to grip rather than working with the damaged original.

Method 6: Drill It Out (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, drill out the screw entirely.

1. Start with a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw shaft
2. Drill down through the center of the screw head — this removes the head and releases whatever the screw was holding
3. The screw shaft will still be in the material — use locking pliers to extract it, or drill it out completely with a larger bit

After drilling out, you'll need to re-drill and use a slightly larger screw or fill the hole with a wood anchor and start fresh.

How to Prevent Stripped Screws

• Always use the correct size and type of bit (Phillips 1, 2, or 3 — sized for the screw)
• Press the bit firmly into the head before turning — most stripping happens from a spinning bit that's not fully seated
• Use a screwdriver for the final turns, not a drill at full speed
• If a screw is going in hard, it may be cross-threaded — take it out and try again