How To Remove Stripped Screws
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Stripped screws are a frustrating reality in the DIY world. All it takes is one wrong move and you’re left with a headless mess that won’t come undone. Don’t fret, because there are several strategies you can use in order to successfully remove those stripped screws so you can get back to work. Whether you’re dealing with sheet metal screws, wood screws, lag bolts, or standard drive screws, here are 5 approaches you can use to remove those pesky screws.
Drill Out the Stripped Screw: An easy way to remove a stripped screw is to gently drill into the head of the screw. This can easily damage the surrounding area, so only do this if there is not much of a chance that you will damage anything valuable beyond repair. You will want to start by using drill bits that are slightly larger than the diameter of the screw. Continue to increase the diameter of the bits until you reach the maximum diameter of the original screw head.
Try a Screw Extractor: A screw extractor is designed to work with stripped screws. Its tapered end is able to grab onto the stripped head of the screw, providing enough force to hopefully loosen and remove the screw.
Use a Bolster & Hammer: If the screw head is rounded or flat, you can try a bolster to remove the screw. A bolster looks like a large chisel and should slightly larger than the width of the screw head. This method requires that you tap the bolster around the head of the stripped screw while pressing on it with the palm of you hand. Over time, this may eventually loosen the screw.
Deep Socket Wrench: This is another great tool for removing stripped screws. A deep socket wrench is the same as a standard wrench, but it has a deeper pocket than a normal wrench. This allows the socket to fit flush against the stripped screw head, and gives you more leverage to attempt to loosen it.
Use a Hot Glue Gun: If all else fails, you can try using a hot glue gun with a screwdriver. Heat up the glue gun, and place a generous amount of melted glue on the area around the stripped screw. Allow it to cool, then use a screwdriver to grip the hardened glue around the screw head. This method can provide enough grip to either loosen or remove completely the screw.
By utilizing the tools and approaches listed above, you can successfully remove those pesky stripped screws. Remember to use caution when using any of these methods, and never give up! With the right amount of patience and some clever problem solving, those stripped screws don’t have to remain a permanent fixture.