How to Remove a Stripped Screw

Stripped screws are downright frustrating. While available in different sizes and specifications, nearly all screws have a recessed head. The head may feature a Philips or slot recess. You can install screws by twisting the head with the appropriate bit, and you can remove screws by twisting the head in the opposite direction. 

If the head is stripped, though, it may no longer support a bit. Attempting to turn a bit inside of a stripped head won't work. The bit will simply rotate freely without "grabbing" the screw. You can still remove stripped screws, but you'll have to use a different approach. How do you remove a stripped screw exactly?

Grab With Pliers

Some stripped screws can be removed with a pair of pliers. Assuming the head isn't flush with the material in which the screw was inserted, some of the screw's shank should be exposed. Using a pair of pliers, grab the exposed portion of the shank and twist it. Twisting the shank with a pair of pliers will allow you to remove the stripped screw.

Drill It

You might be surprised to learn that drilling into a stripped screw will allow you to remove it. Stripped screws have a worn head recess. Whether the recess is the Philips or slot type, it's worn to the point where it no longer accommodates the appropriate bit. A simple solution is to drill directly into the stripped screw's head and shank. Doing so will create a new pilot hole inside of the screw itself. You can use a new, smaller bit in the pilot hole to remove the stripped screw.

Cut Across the Top of the Head

Cutting a complete line across the top of the stripped screw's head may allow you to remove it. You'll typically need a power tool to perform this cutting process. The cut doesn't have to be deep, but it does need to run completely across the top of the head. After cutting the head, use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the stripped head. The flat-head screwdriver should fit inside of this new cut. Turning it will then remove the stripped screw.

Use a Screw Extractor

There are bits designed specifically for removing stripped screws. Known as screw extractors, they consist of two sides. One side of the screw extractor is a drill bit, whereas the other side is a special extractor bit. You can use the drill side to create a pilot hole inside of the stripped screw. You can then use the extractor bit to remove the stripped screw from this pilot hole.