Buzz
When a screw's head is stripped or stuck, it can hinder your project. To remove a stuck screw, patience is key. Don’t give up if one method fails. Take a deep breath, gather your tools, and try a different approach.
Steps
Try Different Tools
Switch the screwdriver. If the screw head is stripped, try using a different screwdriver.
- First, try a shorter screwdriver with a larger head. Press the screwdriver down and attempt to loosen the screw slowly.
Tip: If this method doesn’t work, try using a screwdriver with a different tip. For example, if a Phillips head screwdriver won’t work, switch to a flathead screwdriver. When using a flathead, make sure the width of the tip is narrow enough to fit into the slot. Press the screwdriver down and try to unscrew it.
Tap the screwdriver with a hammer. Place the screwdriver into the screw head. Hold the handle and tap it with a hammer. This will push the screwdriver into the screw head, creating greater friction. Set the hammer down and attempt to turn the screw.
- This method works best with soft metal screws.
Use pliers to remove the screw. If there is a small gap between the screw head and the surface, try using pliers or a vice grip to unscrew it. Position the screw head between the jaws of the pliers and twist to loosen the screw.
Drill a small hole into the screw head. Choose the right drill bit and plug the drill into a power source. Carefully drill a shallow hole into the screw head. This hole will allow the screwdriver to grip the screw better. Place the screwdriver into the hole, press down, and turn to unscrew it.
Use a Dremel cutting tool. Attach a metal cutting disc to your Dremel tool or similar grinder. Plug the device in and cut a slot into the screw head. Use a flathead screwdriver to insert into the newly cut slot and turn it to unscrew the screw.
Using a bolt removal tool
Drill a guide hole in the bolt head. Use a drill to create a 3mm hole in the center of the bolt head. Increase the drill bit size by 1.5mm and continue drilling a wider hole. Keep increasing the drill bit size by 1.5mm and drill until it matches the diameter of the bolt removal tool. Keep the drill bit centered in the bolt.
- Ensure you follow the recommended depth for your bolt removal tool. Avoid drilling deeper than the recommended depth.
Insert the bolt removal tool into the drilled hole. Lightly tap the tool into the bolt using a hammer — ensure the tool’s threads grip tightly to the edges of the bolt before proceeding. Find the T-handle (usually sold with the bolt removal kit) and attach it to the bolt removal tool.
Twist to remove the bolt. Keep the bolt removal tool upright while turning it counterclockwise. Avoid applying uneven pressure on the tool to prevent bending it. Continue turning to extract the bolt. Pull the tool to bring the bolt to the surface. Use pliers to pull the bolt out of place.
Enhance screwdriver grip with additional materials
Use a rubber pad. To improve the grip of your screwdriver on the bolt head, place a rubber pad between the screwdriver and the bolt head. Position the rubber pad on the bolt head and insert the screwdriver. Slowly turn the screwdriver to remove the bolt.
Use steel wool. If you can't find a rubber pad, use steel wool instead. Place a piece of steel wool on top of the bolt head. Firmly insert the screwdriver into the groove on the bolt head. Turn the screwdriver slowly to remove the bolt.
Use lubricant. Spray anti-rust solution onto the bolt head. Wait for about 15 minutes, then spray again. Tap the bolt head 5-6 times with a hammer. Take the screwdriver and try to remove the bolt.
- If you can't loosen the bolt, apply valve grinding compound. This product contains abrasive particles, which help the screwdriver grip the bolt head more effectively. Insert the screwdriver into the bolt head and try removing the bolt.
Attach a nut to the bolt head
Gather necessary tools. Even if you're not a professional welder, you can still attach a nut to a stripped bolt head. Purchase a super adhesive glue. Find a nut with the same diameter as the bolt head.
Place the nut on the bolt head. Position the nut directly on the bolt head, ensuring it is perfectly centered. Carefully apply strong adhesive to the nut. Allow the adhesive to dry according to the recommended time.
Remove the bolt. Ensure that the nut is securely attached to the bolt. Use a socket wrench to insert into the nut. Turn the socket wrench to unscrew the damaged bolt from the surface.
Tip
- Try wrapping rubber bands around the screwdriver's head. The rubber bands will help increase grip when turning the screwdriver.
