Learn about the best hacks and tools to use when you can’t get a screw out

Does your screwdriver keep slipping when you're trying to remove an old screw? Chances are the slots on the screw head are stripped and your screwdriver can't find a good place to grip. It may feel like a stripped screw is stuck for good, but there are tons of fixes you can try when screws in wood and metal won't budge. Keep reading to find out about all the tools and household objects you can use to help get that stripped screw out.

Things You Should Know

  • Use a screwdriver that’s a different style or larger size than the screw to get an extra grip on it.
  • Set a rubber band or duct tape over the screw head to help your screwdriver catch on the threadings easier.
  • ​​Apply friction drops to the screw head so the screwdriver gets a better grip.
  • Grip the screw head with a pair of pliers if it’s raised above the surface.
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Try using a different screwdriver.

  1. A different size or style of screwdriver can get a better grip. If you’re trying to get a stripped Phillips-head screw out, pick a screwdriver with a slightly larger bit. Apply firm pressure so the screwdriver catches on the stripped head and try loosening it like normal. If that doesn’t work, then switch to a flathead screwdriver since it can fit into the slots better.[1]
    • If a different screwdriver doesn’t catch, then stop trying to use it so you don’t damage the screw even more.
    • If you’re using a screwdriver bit in a drill, then try unscrewing with the next largest bit size to try getting a better grip.
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5

Tap the screw with a flathead screwdriver and hammer.

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Cut a new slot in the screw with a rotary tool.

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10

Weld a nut onto the screw.

Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    How do I put a metal bed together when one screw hole is crooked?
    Mark Spelman
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
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    You'll have to re-tap the thread of the crooked screw hole on the metal bed to make it straight.
  • Question
    How do I get a screw that is stripped out of a toy plastic gun?
    Mark Spelman
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Try and use needle nose pliers to pull the screw out a little. While applying pressure, try and unscrew.
  • Question
    How do you take out a stripped screw with a raised head?
    Gino Colucci
    Gino Colucci
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check.
    Gino Colucci
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If the screw has a raised head, you can try to use pliers to remove it. If that doesn't work, you can use a screw extractor kit. It's a good idea to have one in your tool box—they're usually about $10-$20 and reusable.
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Warnings

  • Avoid applying a lot of force or drilling too quickly so your tools don’t slip or get damaged.[17]
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About This Article

Gino Colucci
Co-authored by:
Home Improvement Specialist
This article was co-authored by Gino Colucci and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check. This article has been viewed 4,315,435 times.
6 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 55
Updated: January 30, 2023
Views: 4,315,435
Article SummaryX

To remove a stripped screw, first check to see if there is any space between the head of the screw and the surface it's screwed into. If there is, grip the top of the screw with a pair of pliers and turn it manually until it's loose enough to remove. If there isn’t any room, place a rubber band over the top of the screw. Then, insert a screwdriver into the threading of the screw through the rubber band. The rubber band should provide enough grip for the screw to catch the screwdriver. Press down while turning the screw counterclockwise to loosen it. If that doesn’t work, try lightly hammering the handle of the screwdriver to drive the end into the threading of the screw. After striking it a few times, try turning it to loosen the screw. Keep doing this until you've raised the screw enough to grip it with pliers. To learn more from our Contractor co-author, such as how to remove a stripped screw using an impact driver or screw extractor, keep reading!

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