10 Different Ways to Get a Stripped Screw Out

Learn about the best hacks and tools to use when you can’t get a screw out

Co-authored by Gino Colucci and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: December 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Does your screwdriver keep slipping when you're trying to remove an old screw? Chances are the slots on the screw head are stripped and your screwdriver can't find a good place to grip. It may feel like a stripped screw is stuck for good, but there are tons of fixes you can try when screws in wood and metal won't budge. Keep reading to find out about all the tools and household objects you can use to help get that stripped screw out.

Things You Should Know

Use a screwdriver that’s a different style or larger size than the screw to get an extra grip on it.
Set a rubber band or duct tape over the screw head to help your screwdriver catch on the threadings easier.
Apply friction drops to the screw head so the screwdriver gets a better grip.
Grip the screw head with a pair of pliers if it’s raised above the surface.

1

Try using a different screwdriver.

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A different size or style of screwdriver can get a better grip. If you’re trying to get a stripped Phillips-head screw out, pick a screwdriver with a slightly larger bit. Apply firm pressure so the screwdriver catches on the stripped head and try loosening it like normal. If that doesn’t work, then switch to a flathead screwdriver since it can fit into the slots better.^{[1]
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- If a different screwdriver doesn’t catch, then stop trying to use it so you don’t damage the screw even more.
- If you’re using a screwdriver bit in a drill, then try unscrewing with the next largest bit size to try getting a better grip.

2

Place a rubber band over the screw head.

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The rubber band fills the gap so your screwdriver catches. Lay a thick rubber band over the top of the screw head.^{[2]
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Gino Colucci
Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.} Press your screwdriver down firmly and try turning it as normal to loosen the screw.^{[3]
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- If the screw still doesn’t budge, try using a screwdriver with a slightly larger head so it catches better.
- Rubber bands also provide a non-slip surface so your screwdriver doesn’t move around on the stripped screw.

3

Stick a piece of duct tape over the screw.

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A layer of duct tape can give you extra friction to turn the screw. Cut off a piece of duct tape and place it directly over the screw that’s stuck. Put your screwdriver into the screw and try turning it counterclockwise until it loosens up.^{[4]
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- The tape fills in some of the gap between the screw and your screwdriver so it has a better grip.
- Alternatively, try placing steel wool over the screw head and firmly pressing your screwdriver into the slot to get better traction.

4

Grip a raised screw head with pliers.

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Pinching the sides of the screw will make it easier to turn. Open your pliers and grip the sides firmly. Make sure your pliers don’t slip off of the screw as you turn it counterclockwise. Keep turning the screw until you can remove it completely.^{[5]
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- Try filing the sides of the screw so they’re a little flatter so your pliers don’t slip off as easily.

5

Tap the screw with a flathead screwdriver and hammer.

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Hitting the screwdriver makes a new slot in a soft screw. Place the tip of a flathead screwdriver on the top of the stripped screw.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Gino Colucci
Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.} Lightly tap the end of the screwdriver’s handle 2–3 times with your hammer so it can dig into the screw head. Without lifting your screwdriver up, try to turn the screw to see if you can loosen it.
- If you’re trying to remove a rusty screw that’s stripped, try spraying a rust penetrant before tapping the screwdriver to help break apart the corrosion.^{[7]
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6

Apply friction drops to the screw.

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Friction drops add an abrasive so your screwdriver can catch easier. Put 1–2 drops into the middle of the stripped screw and immediately put your screwdriver into the slot. Since the drops fill the gap between your tool and the metal, just turn the screwdriver counterclockwise to loosen and remove the screw.^{[8]
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- You could also try using an abrasive powder like salt or sand to prevent your screwdriver from slipping.

7

Drill into the screw with a left-handed bit.

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Running a left-handed bit in reverse digs into the screw for a good grip. Install a bit that’s just smaller than the screw’s diameter on your drill. Lightly press the end of the drill bit into the middle of your screw. Set your drill to reverse and slowly squeeze the trigger. The tip will catch on the damaged screw and continue to loosen it.^{[9]
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- Avoid using a right-handed drill bit since it won’t properly catch on the screw head.

8

Use a screw extractor.

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A screw extractor cuts into your screw so you can pull it out. Screw extractors are specialty drill bits with one end that cuts and one end that bites into the metal. To use the extractor, install the cutting bit on your drill and run it in reverse to bore into the middle of the screw. Then, flip the extractor to the pointed side and drill into the screw to loosen it.^{[10]
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- Screw extractors are reusable, so keep one in your toolbox in case you run into another stripped screw.^{[11]
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  Gino Colucci
  Home Improvement Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.}

9

Cut a new slot in the screw with a rotary tool.

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Cutting a new slot makes a flathead screwdriver get a better grip. Load a cutting disc onto a rotary tool that’s made for cutting into metal. Position the disc vertically and turn on the tool so it starts spinning. Lightly press the tool into the screw head to make a straight line across the surface. After you cut a line in the screw, fit the end of a flathead screwdriver into the slot and turn it counterclockwise.^{[12]
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- Rotary tools create sparks, so wear safety glasses and avoid working near anything flammable.

10

Weld a nut onto the screw.

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Attaching a nut lets you hold the screw with a wrench. Use a nut that’s about the same size as the screw head’s diameter. Hold the nut against the top of the screw head, and start welding the bottom of the nut to attach it. After you have the nut secured, just grip it with a wrench and turn it counterclockwise to remove it completely.^{[13]
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- Be sure to wear proper welding gear, like a welding mask, gloves, and an apron.
- This works best for screws attached to metal since welders can leave burn marks on wood.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I put a metal bed together when one screw hole is crooked?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

You'll have to re-tap the thread of the crooked screw hole on the metal bed to make it straight.

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How do I get a screw that is stripped out of a toy plastic gun?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Try and use needle nose pliers to pull the screw out a little. While applying pressure, try and unscrew.

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Question

How do you take out a stripped screw with a raised head?

Gino Colucci
Home Improvement Specialist
Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check.

Gino Colucci

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

If the screw has a raised head, you can try to use pliers to remove it. If that doesn't work, you can use a screw extractor kit. It's a good idea to have one in your tool box—they're usually about $10-$20 and reusable.

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Tips

To help prevent stripping a screw, put a piece of masking tape on the end of your drill bit when you first screw it in.^{[14]
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Use a screwdriver or drill bit that matches the size of your screw so you’re less likely to strip it.^{[15]
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Fill the screw hole with a wood plug if you want it to be hidden.^{[16]
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Warnings

Avoid applying a lot of force or drilling too quickly so your tools don’t slip or get damaged.^{[17]
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