5 Hacks to Remove a Stripped Screw

Nothing can throw a wrench in your home improvement projects quite like a stripped screw! We're talking about those stubborn screws that have been over-tightened so much they won't turn properly or simply refuse to budge. If you're a home improvement enthusiast, these can quickly become the bane of your existence! 

Next time this happens to you, take a deep breath. All is not lost. There are actually several simple ways to remove a stripped screw. Once you learn these techniques, you'll be able to fix the problem in a matter of seconds and get your home improvement project back on track.  

1. Try a Different Screwdriver
   This is a very simple solution, but it often works. If you're dealing with a Phillips screw, try switching to a flat-head screwdriver. You might need to dig through your home improvement tool kit to get one that's the appropriate size. A properly-sized flat-head should have the perfect amount of space to get a good grip. Press it as hard as you can into the screw and attempt to turn it.

2. The Rubber Band Trick
   You might be surprised to learn that the simplest solution to your problem is likely floating around in your junk drawer. Grab a wide rubber band and place it on top of your screw head. Then, press the screwdriver down really hard while slowly unscrewing. The rubber should give you the extra grip you need to get the stripped screw out. 

3. Use a Dremel
   Depending on the type of home improvement projects you've been doing, you might have a Dremel or similar tool available. If so, you're in luck. You can use it to make a notch in the head of the screw. Then, grab your flat-head screwdriver, push it into the notch, and put some muscle into unscrewing the stripped screw. 

4. Get Out the Drill
   The king of home improvement projects to the rescue! You likely use your drill a lot -- but did you know you can use it to remove a stripped screw? Simply use your drill to create a small hole in the middle of the screw head. Just be careful not to go too deep. All you're trying to do here is allow your Phillips screwdriver to get a better grip when you start to turn it. 

5. Try Needle-Nose Pliers
   If some of the methods above have worked at least slightly, there's a good chance that part of the screw is now exposed above the surface. In this case, head back to your home improvement tool kit and get a pair of needle-nose pliers. Clapping ones will work best, but regular ones might also work. Just grab the screw with the pliers and use them to finish unscrewing it. 

6. Take a Hammer to It
   It's so frustrating to have a home improvement project stalled by a stripped screw, you might think about grabbing an oversized hammer using it to smash the screw. Don't do that... (yet). Instead, try using the hammer to gently tap the screwdriver into the screw head. Since the metal was soft enough to strip in the first place, there's a good chance that this will push the screwdriver in deep enough to get a firm grip. Then, you can proceed with unscrewing it. 

Next time a stripped screw threatens your home improvement project, stay calm, and refer back to this list. One of these tricks might help salvage your project and save your sanity! 

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