When Screws are Stripped

[NETWizz]

This is so simple, I have been debating whether or not to post it.

This is either one of the best tips ever published or one of the worst, so your welcome & sorry.

All of you have screw drivers like the ubiquitous ratcheting Phillips/Flat-head thing found in every cheap toolkit.

Every computer tech has these:

The problem is when you have a screw like this one that is rounded-over or stuck and won't come out... You have ALL encountered this! (Yeah, I know this picture shows a good screw):

Here is the trick I found. It is almost not worth mentioning, but one day I had an epitome after working on computers for years. (You might already know this... Great if you do. If you don't you do now. ):

Take the Philips/Flat-head bit out and you have a nut-driver!

(Yeah, it fits the 6-32 and M3 screws )


Action shot:

Works great for stripped or stuck screws. You have a MUCH better grip this way!

 

[joydivision]

Great tip, I usually use pliers in this situation but I will try your idea. That said I have not had this problem in a long time.

I see it more when working on my dads old banger.

 

[cprompt]

This is great for a stripped head. Many times, though, we run into stripped threads. Sometimes with stripped threads, if it is loose enough so you can get a real thin regular screwdriver under the head, you can apply enough pressure upwards to allow you to unscrew it. Don't know if that's helpful to anyone, but I figured it fit the thread!

(Sorry - I don't have any pictures of that to share)

 

[PC-MOT]

re stripped thread, if its a protruding screw, sometimes you can get a razor blade/modelling knife under it, or less hazardous but more effective (and difficult) a thin elastic band then tug and screw.
I have yet to have a good tip for small laptop screws that are sunk...

 

[Styxbound]

Try left-hand drillbits. For right-hand screws, of course.

 

[NETWizz]

And do what? Drill the head off?

 

[TopLevelComp]

I've got that exact same ratcheting screw driver!

You can also try a big rubber band, I have one in my tool kit for striped screw heads.

@NETWizz, I think he meant to add, after you drill a small hole, you can use an easyout on the screw.

 

[Styxbound]

No, drilling will often bring the screw out. But even if you drill the head off you will probably be left with a stub you can deal with by cutting a slot with saw or grinder. Obviously I mean jewelers saw or mini grinder.

 

[TopLevelComp]

No, drilling will often bring the screw out. But even if you drill the head off you will probably be left with a stub you can deal with by cutting a slot with saw or grinder. Obviously I mean jewelers saw or mini grinder.

Heck no! Go after it with a circular saw

 

[mm201]

Heck no! Go after it with a circular saw

Even better, take it to a welding shop and have them put a blow-torch to it.

 

[tek9]

You can also try a big rubber band, I have one in my tool kit for striped screw heads.

At the risk of sounding stupid, what would the rubber band help?
If you would just pull it, wouldn't the rubber band rip?

 

[TopLevelComp]

At the risk of sounding stupid, what would the rubber band help?
If you would just pull it, wouldn't the rubber band rip?

Make sure the rubber band is big enough so it covers the head, put the rubber band over the head of the screw, push screw driver down and turn. Sometimes the rubberband "grips" the head and allows you to remove the screw.