How to Remove a Stripped Screw: 7 Proven Methods

7 Ways to Get a Stripped Screw Out (Ranked by Ease)

A stripped screw—where the driver bit spins uselessly in the mangled head—is one of the most common frustrations in DIY work. It happens when the bit slips, when you use the wrong size driver, or when a screw is just plain cheap. Here are seven methods to remove it, starting with the easiest.

Method 1: The Rubber Band Trick

Best for: Screws that are only partially stripped

1. Place a wide rubber band flat over the screw head
2. Press your screwdriver or bit firmly into the screw through the rubber band
3. Turn slowly with strong downward pressure

The rubber fills the damaged gaps in the screw head, creating enough friction to turn it. This works about 60% of the time and costs nothing.

Method 2: Locking Pliers

Best for: Screws with the head above the surface

1. Clamp locking pliers (Vise-Grips) onto the screw head
2. Squeeze tightly and turn counterclockwise

This only works when there’s enough screw head exposed to grip. For flush or countersunk screws, skip to Method 3.

Method 3: Screw Extractor Bit

Best for: Fully stripped screws in any position

1. Drill a small pilot hole into the center of the screw using a left-hand drill bit
2. Insert the screw extractor (reverse-threaded) into the pilot hole
3. Turn counterclockwise—the extractor digs in and backs the screw out

Screw extractor sets are inexpensive and handle screws from #4 through 3/8″. This is the most reliable method for stubborn screws.

Method 4: Cut a New Slot with a Rotary Tool

Best for: Accessible screws with a flat head

1. Use a Dremel or rotary tool with a thin cutting disc
2. Cut a straight slot across the screw head
3. Use a flathead screwdriver to back the screw out

Method 5: Hammer Tap

Best for: Screws in soft wood that just need a nudge

1. Place the driver bit in the stripped head
2. Give the back of the screwdriver a firm tap with a hammer
3. The impact seats the bit deeper—immediately turn while maintaining pressure

Method 6: Drill It Out

Best for: Last resort when the screw must come out

1. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw shaft
2. Drill straight down through the center of the screw
3. The screw will usually break apart and the pieces can be pulled out with pliers

This destroys the screw and may enlarge the hole, so you’ll likely need to fill and re-drill if you need to drive a new screw in the same spot.

Method 7: Super Glue Method

Best for: Delicate situations where you can’t apply much force

1. Apply a small drop of super glue (CA glue) to the tip of your driver bit
2. Press it into the stripped screw head and hold for 30 seconds
3. Turn slowly to remove

This is the gentlest method but also the least reliable. Works best on small screws where the other methods might damage surrounding material.

How to Prevent Stripped Screws

• Use the correct bit size: A #2 Phillips is not the same as a #1 or #3
• Apply downward pressure: Push as hard as you turn
• Set the clutch properly: Let the clutch slip before the bit does
• Use quality screws: Cheap screws have soft heads that strip easily
• Switch to star-drive screws: Torx and square-drive heads resist stripping far better than Phillips

FAQ

Does the rubber band trick actually work?

Yes, for partially stripped screws it works surprisingly well. It fails on fully rounded-out heads, but it’s always worth trying first since it takes 10 seconds and costs nothing.

What size screw extractor do I need?

Extractors come in sets with multiple sizes. Match the extractor to your screw: use the smallest extractor that fits the pilot hole you drilled. The set packaging includes a sizing chart.

Can I reuse a stripped screw?

No. A stripped screw has lost the geometry that allows a driver to grip it. Always replace it with a new screw—preferably one with a Torx or square drive head.