One minute you think your DIY project is going according to plan and the next you find yourself wrestling with a stuck screw. Does this mean the screw is permanently stuck in place? Not at all! It takes patience, but with a few tools (which you should have around the house!), you can quickly remove a stripped screw without damaging the screw head.
Whether you’re installing new kitchen cabinets, adding some funky hardware, or remodeling your bathroom, we’ve got some advice for you. Follow these steps for seven proven ways to remove a stripped screw without causing additional damage.
How to remove stripped screws
Do you get frustrated with broken screws? It happens to the best of us. Read on for the different methods and decide which one makes the most sense for the project you’re working on. The best method for a bathroom remodeling project may not be the most effective for assembling dining room furniture. Here are seven methods you can try.
1. Pliers
You’ve probably already pulled out your toolbox, so you can easily pick up a set of pliers. Depending on how deep the stripped screw is embedded in the material, pliers are one of the most effective ways to remove stripped screws. If the knocked-down screw head is sticking out of the item, you can use pliers to gently wiggle or twist the screw to loosen it. Once the screw is loose, use pliers to easily unscrew it. Replace the stripped screws with new screws and move on to the next step in your project.
2. Flathead screwdriver
Another tool you’re likely to already have in your toolbox is a flathead screwdriver. If the pliers didn’t work, or the crushed screw was already too embedded in the material, a flathead screwdriver might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Grab a flat-blade screwdriver and use a firm hand to push the screwdriver firmly into the stripped screw at a slight angle. A flat-blade screwdriver has a wide head so you can pry the screw out of the item by placing the stripped head in a new position.
3. Rubber band
Now that you’ve run out of the two items next to your toolbox, it’s time to branch out to other household items like rubber bands. If the screw is blunt, the screwdriver will not be able to grip the indentation and turn to tighten or loosen the screw. One option for removing crushed screws during a kitchen remodel is to add a little extra grip to the surface area. To do this, place a wide rubber band firmly on the tip of your screwdriver or drill bit. Pushing harder with the screwdriver ensures that the grip catches on the screw bit and safely removes the embedded crushed screw.
4. Duct tape
If you don’t have a wide rubber band, you can do a similar procedure with duct tape. Apply duct tape directly over the screws you just removed. Then apply firm pressure to the stripped screw and turn the screw counterclockwise. Duct tape is tucked into the stripped screw head, helping to fill some of the gaps and making it easier for the screwdriver to grab (and unscrew!) the stripped screw.
5. Adhesive
Another way to add grip to a stripped screw head is to add a small amount of glue, such as superglue or gorilla glue. Wait for the small amount of glue to dry before inserting a screwdriver into the stripped head. This fills the space and forms the driver tip more easily, allowing the driver to grip the screw and twist it out. Be sure to remove any adhesive left on the tip of the screwdriver.
6. Hot and cold
Still looking for a way to remove a blunt screw in your kitchen hardware installation project? The trick is to use a cold heat source to remove the screws. Changes in temperature and cold can cause materials to expand and contract, which can loosen screws that are stuck in place. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the stripped screw head. Once the screw is fully heated, remove heat and immediately expose to cold with ice. Repeat this as necessary. Expansion and contraction can remove crushed screws from the material. Even if it doesn’t eliminate it completely, this method may loosen one of the above options to the extent that it can be more effective.
7. Screw extraction kit
Last but not least is the screw extractor kit. Household items may not be available. You are not out of luck when that happens. Alternatively, purchasing a screw removal kit from your local hardware store will give you the tools and know-how to properly remove blunt screws.
FAQ
When should I call a professional if a screw is crushed?
Unfortunately, home improvement projects sometimes run into problems with loose screws digging deep into the material, making the DIY method of screw removal unsuccessful. In such cases, you may need to seek professional help to remove the missing screws. Depending on the project you are working on, you may seek help from a carpenter, locksmith or other contractor. They have years of experience removing crushed screws and are able to remove them without causing additional damage.
How can I avoid licking the screws?
The easiest way to remove the screws is to use the wrong tool when removing the screws. Make sure you are using the correct size screwdriver to safely and effectively remove the screws. A driver tip that is too small or too large can cause damage and prevent the driver from gripping the head.
What is the least familiar type of screw?
Have you found yourself dealing with stripped screws all the time? It may be time to change the materials you are using and switch from Phillips screws to Torx screws. Torx screws have a star shape with six contact points, rather than the familiar traditional X on the top of the screw head, which reduces the chances of the screw stripping.
How do you fix a stripped screw hole?
When you remove the stripped screw, you’ll notice that the material has a slightly too large hole to properly seat the new screw. The holes must be prepared to ensure that the new screws can be inserted. It is recommended to fill the space with small wood dowels or toothpicks crushed to the appropriate size and then use wood filler. After this has had time to harden, reinsert the new screw in place.
Andrew Saladino
Andrew Saladino is the co-founder of Kitchen Cabinet Kings, who has helped over 10,000 customers with their renovation projects. He is a nationally recognized kitchen and bathroom expert from his NKBA, and his advice has been featured in major publications such as his Forbes, Huffington Post, Mashable, and Yahoo!. small and medium enterprises, etc.
