7 Clever Ways to Remove a Stripped Screw Without Damaging the Screw Head

One minute your do-it-yourself project is going according to plan, and the next, you find yourself fighting with a stripped screw that you can’t seem to get removed. Does this mean you’re stuck with the screw in there for good? Not at all! Although you will need to demonstrate patience, with a few different tools (that you likely have lying around your home!), you’ll be able to remove the stripped screw without damaging the screw head in no time.

Whether you’re installing new kitchen cabinets, adding funky hardware, or remodeling your bathroom, we have some advice for you. Follow along as we share seven tried-and-true methods for removing a stripped screw without causing any additional damage.

How to Remove a Screw with a Stripped Head

Don’t stress out over a stripped screw ? it happens to the best of us. Read through the various methods and determine which makes the most sense depending on the project you’re working on. A method that works best for a bathroom remodel project may not be the most effective for putting together dining room furniture. Here are seven methods you can try.

1. Pliers

You likely already have your toolbox out, making it easy to grab your set of pliers. Depending on how deeply the stripped screw is embedded in the material, pliers are one of the most effective ways to remove a stripped screw. If the stripped screw head is protruding from the item, you can use your pliers to gently wiggle or twist the screw to try to loosen it. As the screw loosens, use the pliers to pry the screw out easily. Replace the stripped screw with a new one, and you’re onto the next step of your project.

2. Flathead Screwdriver

Another tool you likely already have in your toolbox is a flathead screwdriver. If pliers didn’t work or the stripped screw was already too embedded in the material, a flathead screwdriver may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Grab your flathead screwdriver and press the screwdriver firmly into the stripped screw at a slight angle using a solid hand. The wider head of the flathead screwdriver will allow you to hit the stripped head in a new position and help you pry the screw out of the item.

3. Rubber Band

Now that we’ve exhausted the two items that you already had next to you in your toolbox, it’s time to extend the help to other household items, such as a rubber band. When a screw gets stripped, the screwdriver cannot grip the indentations properly and cannot turn and tighten or loosen the screw. One option for removing the stripped screw during your kitchen remodel is to add a bit of extra grip to the surface area. To do this, place a wide rubber band tightly over the tip of the screwdriver or drill bit. Press down extra hard with the screwdriver to ensure the grip snags the bits of the screw that it can, allowing you to remove the embedded stripped screw safely.

4. Duct Tape

If you don’t have a wide rubber band lying around, you can follow a similar process with duct tape. Place a piece of duct tape directly over the stripped screw. Then, press firm pressure into the stripped screw and turn the screw counterclockwise. The duct tape will be pressed into the stripped head, helping to fill some of the gaps and allowing the screwdriver to more easily grip (and remove!) the stripped screw.

5. Glue

Another way to add grip to the stripped screw head is to add a dab of glue, such as super glue or Gorilla Glue. Wait for the small dab of glue to dry before placing the screwdriver into the stripped head. This will help fill the space and more easily form to the screwdriver’s tip, allowing it to grip the screw and twist it out. Be sure to remove any glue residue from the tip of the screwdriver.

6. Hot and Cold Temperatures

Still looking for a way to remove a stripped screw from your kitchen hardware installation project? If none of the options we’ve already mentioned have worked (or you don’t have the right tools on hand), another method is to use a heat source and a cold source to remove the screw. The changing of h and cold temperatures can cause materials to expand and contract, which can help loosen a screw that is stuck in place. Using a hair dryer or heat gun, heat the head of the stripped screw. Once the screw has been thoroughly heated, remove the heat and immediately expose it to cold temperatures with ice, repeating as needed. The expansion and contraction can help dislodge the stripped screw from the material. Even if it doesn’t remove it completely, this method may loosen it enough to make one of the previously mentioned options more effective.

7. Screw Extractor Kit

Last but certainly not least is a screw extractor kit. Sometimes household items won’t be up for the task. When that happens, you aren’t out of luck. Instead, you can purchase a screw extractor kit from your local hardware store, providing you with the tools and the know-how to remove a stripped screw properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I hire a professional to help with a stripped screw?

Unfortunately, you may experience a hiccup in a home improvement project where the stripped screw is lodged so deeply in a material that the DIY methods for removing it haven’t worked. When that happens, it may be time to seek professional help to remove the stripped screw. Depending on the project you’re working on, you can call in a carpenter, locksmith, or other contractor for assistance. They have years of experience removing stripped screws and can help take it out without causing any additional damage.

How can I avoid stripping a screw?

The easiest way to strip a screw is to use the wrong tools when trying to remove it. Make sure you are using the properly sized screwdriver to safely and effectively remove the screw. If the screwdriver’s tip is too small or too large, it can cause damage and prevent the screwdriver from gripping the head.

What type of screw is least prone to stripping?

Do you find yourself constantly dealing with stripped screws? It may be time to switch up the materials you’re using and switch from Phillips head screws to Torx screws. Instead of the traditional X-shape you’re accustomed to on the top of the screw head, a Torx screw has a star shape with six points of contact that reduces the chances of it stripping.

How do I fix stripped screw holes?

Once you have the stripped screw removed, you’ll likely find yourself with a hole in the material that is slightly too large for a new screw to properly grip in place. To ensure a new screw can be inserted, you will need to prep the hole. We recommend filling the space with a small wood dowel or toothpicks broken down into the right size, followed by wood filler. Once this has time to set, you can reinsert a new screw in place.