How to remove a stripped screw

Fit the exact bit and push in as hard as you turn, because a stripped screw is almost always a bit that slipped.

Flatlay of screwdrivers and screws on a wooden table. — Photo: Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels

Area: HandsFrom age 14Time to learn: 20 minutes

Start with the gentlest fix, such as a rubber band, a fresh bit or pliers. Use a screw extractor only if those fail, and prevent the next one with the right bit and steady pressure.

SafetyWear safety glasses when punching, drilling or using an extractor, because these can throw metal chips. Before drilling near a wall or panel, make sure there are no wires or pipes behind it.

Why it matters

A stripped screw has a damaged recess that the driver can no longer grip, so turning harder only rounds it further. Each method below removes more metal than the one before, so starting gently keeps the easy options open. Phillips recesses are known for cam-out: under high force the bit rides up and out of the recess, which is why a worn or wrong-size bit strips them fast.

How to do it

Know which way to turn. Nearly all screws and bolts have right-hand threads: looking at the head, clockwise tightens and counterclockwise loosens (righty tighty, lefty loosey). A few parts use left-hand threads, such as the left pedal on a bicycle, which loosens clockwise.
Fit the right bit. Four small tick marks between the arms of a cross-shaped recess mean Pozidriv (marked PZ on the bit), not Phillips (PH). Try sizes until the bit sits deep in the recess with no wobble.
Lay a wide, flat rubber band over the head, press a fresh bit into it, push down hard, and turn counterclockwise slowly.
On a stripped Phillips head, wedge a flat-blade screwdriver diagonally across the recess and turn slowly with firm downward pressure.
If the head sticks up above the surface, clamp locking pliers tightly onto it and turn counterclockwise. This is also how to remove a screw without a screwdriver.
If the screw or bolt is rusted or stuck, apply penetrating oil around the head and let it soak in for 10 to 15 minutes before trying again.
If nothing grips, use a screw extractor. Put on safety glasses. Set a center punch in the middle of the head and tap it with a hammer to make a dimple that guides the drill.
Drill a pilot hole into the dimple with a bit smaller than the screw, keeping the drill straight in line with the screw. Go about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) deep, depending on the size of the extractor. Some kits pair the extractor with a left-hand drill bit that you run in reverse.
Seat the extractor in the hole and turn it counterclockwise slowly, with a wrench or a drill set to reverse. Once it bites, keep turning and pull the screw out.
Prevent the next one. Drill pilot holes, keep the driver in line with the screw, and replace worn bits.

Common mistakes

Using a Phillips bit in a Pozidriv screw. It fits, but it cams out before the screw is tight and damages the head.
Pressing lightly while spinning fast. Low pressure lets the bit ride up and chew the recess.
Going straight to the drill. Drilling destroys the head, so try the rubber band, a fresh bit and pliers first.
Turning the wrong way in frustration. Counterclockwise loosens almost every screw; clockwise drives it deeper.

You can do this when …you can name a screw's drive type and size by looking at it, and can remove a screw with a rounded-out head using the gentlest method that works.