How to Unscrew a Stripped Screw

It’s happened to the handiest of us, we aimlessly work at a unscrewing a screw only making it stripped. Stripped screws may seem like a nuisance, but there are some neat ways to easily unscrew them. So don’t get too frustrated trying to unscrew a stripped screw, try our tips and you should have no problem.

Slightly stripped screw

If the screw is not completely stripped, yet doesn’t unscrew easily with a screwdriver then all you need is a rubber band to provide some grip. You put the rubber band over the end of the screwdriver and place it on top of the screw. It should fit properly as the rubber band easily adds a little more surface space for the screwdriver while easily adapting to the shape of it. You can turn the screwdriver and the screw should become loose.

Completely stripped screw

When it comes to completely stripped screws chances are you are going to need some additional tools. You can first start with a drill and screw extractor. Screw extractors can be tricky as they come in different sizes and shape so you need to make sure you get the right one for the stripped screw. Once you have it, you put the extractor on the drill and set the drill motion to reverse. You then go at the screw with the drill and extractor and the screw should easily come out.

Another way to unscrew a stripped screw is by cutting a notch in it. This isn’t a good option if the screw is deep into the object since you will use a rotary tool, there is a chance you may damage the object. If you do decide to go with this approach then all you have to do is cut a straight line across the screw with a rotary tool. This will make a single slot in the screw which can easily be unscrewed with a flathead screwdriver.

Stripped screws aren’t the only problem at times, screws are drilled too deep making them hard to get out. If that happens then we have a solution for you. With the help of wood plug cutter, you can easily create enough room for a screwdriver to reach the screw. You cut the region where the screw is with the wood plug cutter which will give you more than enough space to easily fit a screwdriver and unscrew it. Note, that this approach will mean cutting some wood and leaving a bigger hole in the object.

Most of us tend to give up when it comes to stripped screw, leaving them as they are. That is a solution if you are fine with it being there. However, if you are looking to upgrade or make any changes to furniture or a device then it is important that you unscrew that stripped screw. With more than one way to unscrew a stripped screw, you can now easily do it.