4 Best Ways to Remove a Screw with a Stripped Head

Four Methods for Removing a Screw with a Damaged or Stripped Out Head. One is Guaranteed to Work for You.

Nothing can grind a project to a halt like a screw with a stripped head. One of these removal methods is bound to solve the problem. I like to thing of screw removal tools as a sort of first aid kit. You don't need it often, but when you need it you're glad you have it on hand.

Removing a stripped screw with a rubber band

Step 1

Try the Rubber Band Trick

If the screw head is not too badly damaged, this simple trick can work. Use plenty of downward pressure and turn the screw slowly.

Step 2

Increase the Friction

This product, called Screw Grab, is a thick fluid with gritty crystals suspended in the solution. Often, this added friction between the screw and screwdriver tip is just enough to do the trick.

Step 3

A Tool Meant for Screw Removal

This double-ended tool was designed just for screw removal. One end features a reamer to create a shallow hole, the other end has an extractor. Watch the video to see how this works.

Step 4

Cut a Screwdriver Slot

If you have a rotary tool this is slick method that almost never fails. Put a metal cut off disc in the collet and grind a slot deep enough and wide enough to accommodate a flat blade screwdriver.