The screwdriver or drill bit can’t turn the screw because it can’t grip.
Use a Different Driver
Remove a stripped Phillips head screw with a manualflathead screwdriver.
Angle the blade into the screw head.
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Force the blade down hard.
Turn the screw the rest of the way out.
Use Pliers
Bypass the stripped screw head and grip the screw with a pair of locking pliers.
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Turn the screw counter-clockwise until it releases from the material.
The rubber band adds grip and fills in gaps on the screw head.
For large screws, double up the rubber band.
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For smaller screws, use one layer.
A larger bit or screwdriver tip fills the void on the stripped screw head.
Lean hard into the drill or screwdriver.
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A manual screwdriver gives you more torque and control than an electric drill.
It’s easier to lean into the screw and add pressure without the risk of further stripping the screw.
Add Steel Wool
Place a small section of steel wool and turn the stripped screw through it.
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The steel wool improves friction on the screw head.
Tear off a coin-sized piece of steel wool.
Flatten it, then place it on top of the screw head.
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Insert the tip of the screwdriver through the steel wool and press down while turning counter-clockwise.
Tap With a Hammer
Tap a manual screwdriver into the screw head with a light hammer.
This seats the tip of the screwdriver slightly deeper into the screw for better grip.
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Use a manual screwdriver that is properly sized for the screw.
Tap the back of the screwdriver handle with ahammerthree or four times.
Do not remove the screwdriver from the screw or dislodge it.
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Turn the screw to remove it.
Cut a Slot
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Cut a slot into the screw head with an electric tool.
The tip of a flat-head screwdriver can be inserted into the groove to turn the screw.
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Use a rotary cutting tool or a multi-tool fitted with a metal blade.
Turn on the tool.
Place the tip of a flat-head screwdriver in the groove, press hard, and turn counter-clockwise.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Add an Abrasive
Add a powder or liquid abrasive to the screw head.
This adds friction to the screw for increased grip when turning the screw.
Drop a pinch of non-chlorinated cleaning powder or fine sand to the screw.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Apply the tip of the screwdriver or driver bit to the screw and turn the screw out.
For a finer abrasive, add one or two drops of grip friction drops.
A screw extractor kit has two special drill bits: one with forward threads and another with reverse threads.
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Use the first drill bit to drill a hole in the screw.
Then, switch to the reverse drill bit to remove the screw.
Place the tip of the screwdriver over the screw head, press hard, and turn counter-clockwise.
Different materials may require different techniques and supplies.
Then apply penetrating oil to helpremove a rusted stripped screwin the metal with a screw extractor kit.
Remove Stripped Screw from Wood
Cover the area surrounding the screw with tape to prevent damage.
Avoid abrasive materials like steel wood or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the plastic.
Patch the hole in the drywall with drywall compound or spackle.
Tofix a stripped screw holein wood, either add a longer or a wider screw, as appropriate.
Thread repair liquid provides mild holding power.
Creating new threads with a tap-and-die set is the best way to fix a stripped screw hole in metal.
Bearing down on the screw unnecessarily hard may strip the screw.
Lower-quality screws made of soft metal are more prone to stripping, as well.
