A stripped screw, where the head has worn smooth and the screwdriver just spins without gripping, is a common frustration in DIY projects. The good news is that several reliable household techniques can remove one without needing to drill it out.
How Do You Remove a Stripped Screw?
To remove a stripped screw, first try applying firm, steady downward pressure while turning the screwdriver slowly, and if that fails, use a rubber band between the screwdriver and screw head, or switch to a larger screwdriver, screw extractor, or pliers depending on how much of the head is accessible. Working through these methods from simplest to most involved resolves the vast majority of stripped screws without power tools.
What You Will Need
- A selection of screwdrivers in different sizes
- A wide rubber band
- Pliers, for screws protruding slightly from the surface
- A screw extractor kit, for more stubborn cases
- A drill, if using a screw extractor
How to Remove a Stripped Screw: Step by Step
1. Apply Firm Downward Pressure
Push down firmly on the screwdriver while turning slowly and steadily. Often, a stripped screw just needs more consistent pressure than usual to regain enough grip to turn.
2. Try a Larger Screwdriver
A slightly larger flat-head or Phillips screwdriver can sometimes bite into the remaining undamaged grooves of a stripped head better than the original size.
3. Use a Rubber Band
Place a wide rubber band flat over the screw head, then press the screwdriver through it into the screw. The rubber fills in the worn grooves, creating extra grip that often allows enough turning force to remove the screw.
4. Try Pliers on a Protruding Screw
If the screw head sits slightly proud of the surface, needle-nose or locking pliers can grip the sides directly, letting you turn it without relying on the damaged grooves at all.
5. Use a Screw Extractor
For a screw that will not budge with the above methods, drill a small pilot hole into the centre of the screw head, then insert a screw extractor bit, which has a reverse thread designed to bite into the hole and back the screw out as you turn it anticlockwise.
6. Cut a New Slot
As a last resort on a badly stripped Phillips or Pozidriv screw, a rotary tool or hacksaw blade can cut a fresh, straight slot across the head, allowing you to remove it with a flat-head screwdriver instead.
How to Avoid Stripping Screws in Future
- Use the correct screwdriver size and type: a mismatched driver is the most common cause of stripping.
- Apply steady downward pressure while turning: insufficient pressure lets the driver slip and round out the head.
- Avoid over-tightening: excessive force on the final turns is a common cause of damage, particularly with a power drill.
- Use an impact driver for stubborn screws: it delivers rotational force in short bursts, reducing the chance of cam-out compared with constant pressure from a standard drill.
If a stripped screw is part of a wider hardware update, our guide to brass door handles covers fittings you may be replacing at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What household item works best on a stripped screw?
A rubber band placed over the screw head before inserting the screwdriver is one of the most effective simple household fixes, since it fills the worn grooves and restores grip.
Do I need a drill to remove a stripped screw?
Not always. Many stripped screws can be removed with a rubber band, a larger screwdriver, or pliers. A drill is only needed if you move on to using a screw extractor.
How does a screw extractor work?
A screw extractor has a reverse thread that bites into a pre-drilled pilot hole in the screw head, gripping it firmly enough to back the screw out as you turn the extractor anticlockwise.
Why do screws strip in the first place?
Using the wrong size or type of screwdriver, applying insufficient downward pressure, or over-tightening with a power drill are the most common causes of a screw head stripping.
Can I prevent a screw from stripping while removing it?
Applying firm, steady pressure and using the correctly sized driver from the start significantly reduces the risk of a screw stripping during removal.
Wear eye protection when using a drill or rotary tool, and work carefully to avoid slipping and damaging the surrounding surface.
About the Author
Spire Homes Editorial Team researches and writes practical, UK focused home improvement guides covering renovation planning, financing, interior design, and property maintenance. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
