How to Remove a Stripped Screw

Four progressively aggressive methods to extract a screw when the head is too damaged for a normal driver.

1. Press down hard and turn slowly with the correct driver size

   Switch to a driver that fits snugly — a stripped screw often just needs more downward pressure and a fresh bit. A manual screwdriver gives you better feel than a drill.

2. Place a wide rubber band flat over the screw head, then press your driver through it and turn

   The rubber fills the gaps in the damaged head and adds grip. A piece of steel wool works as a backup.

3. Cut a thin slot across the screw head with a rotary tool or hacksaw, then use a flat-head screwdriver

   You only need a slot deep enough for the flat-head to catch — about 1mm. Go slow to avoid cutting into the surrounding material.

4. Grip the screw head with locking pliers and twist it out

   If enough of the head is above the surface, clamp locking pliers tightly onto it and turn counterclockwise. For flush screws, use a screw extractor bit.