How to Remove a Stripped Screw with a Rubber Band?
If you consider yourself a do-it-yourself enthusiast, chances are you’ve encountered the ultimate weekend project stressor: stripped screws. So if you want to know how to remove a stripped screw, keep reading below.
They are practically a given when working on cars, repairing furniture, or even adjusting door hinges. The majority of screws are composed of inferior metal, which is the issue.
When you combine rust, carbon buildup, and other environmental effects with low-quality metal, the small screw heads are no match for your power drill.
Fortunately, stripping stripped screws doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow some simple instructions. A stripped screw can be easily removed, but it does require some creativity.
We’ll examine several techniques for unscrewing a stripped screw, working from the least damaging to the most damaging.
Depending on your situation and how crucial it is to get rid of that stubborn stripped screw, you can choose a different approach.
How to Remove a Stripped Screw Like a Pro
Unscrewed screw removal is made simple with stripped screw-removed tools. Though most do-it-yourselves might not have one on hand.
Luckily, there are a few more standard tools and materials that are readily available to almost everyone.
These are useful in an emergency. In a matter of minutes, you can remove a stripped screw with the aid of these hints and techniques.
There are multiple methods for removing stripped screws if you don’t have a stripped screw removal tool. Most stripped screws can be removed with one of the following techniques.
1. Use a Different Style of Screwdriver or Bit
Sometimes, you need to use a different bit with your screwdriver to grab enough metal. To remove it, try using a flathead screwdriver.
To get the screw to move, you might have to try it from a different angle. Once it is partially removed, the remaining screws can be removed with a pair of locking pliers.
2. Use a Pair of Pliers
If you have easy access and the screw head protrudes far enough for you to grasp it with pliers, this trick works best.
The best pliers are locking pliers because they can grip the screw more firmly than regular pliers can, preventing it from slipping.
3. Use a Rubber BandÂ
You can use any kind of rubberband for this trick. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screw after placing your wide one over it. Tie a thin rubberband around the tip of the screwdriver if you have one.
Your screwdriver will have more gripping power thanks to the rubber band’s assistance in filling in the gaps in the rounded-out screw head. Use two layers of an elastic band with large screws.
4. Use Duct Tape
Rubber bands and duct tape are two methods that can be used to remove stripped screws.
Put a thin layer of duct tape on top of the screw head. It closes up the spaces to improve the grip of your screwdriver.
5. Steel Wool
To help fill in the spaces and remove a stripped screw, you can also try placing steel wool over the screw’s head.
Of course, if the screw is stripped, this trick isn’t as effective. On partially stripped screws, though, the steel wool’s abrasiveness can provide just the right amount of friction.
6. Use a Hot Glue Gun
Nearly all do-it-yourselfers own a hot glue gun. To loosen the screw, first fill the rounded-out hole in the screw with hot glue, insert the screwdriver, and wait for it to dry for about 30 seconds.
7. Use an Abrasive
To increase friction and make it easier for your screwdriver to grasp the remaining metal on the screw head, you can use liquid or powdered abrasive.
When using a sandblaster or other similar tool to polish, scrub, or remove materials, powdered abrasives are a common aid.
How to Avoid a Stripped Screw Head
Although you should be able to remove a stripped screw with the help of this list, it’s advisable to avoid getting stripped screws. These pointers will help you.
1. Before using an electric drill, make sure its battery is fully charged. Reduced driving power and torque from depleted batteries can result in spinning drill bits and broken slots.
2. When driving screws, apply constant, firm pressure. When the screw gets closer to the target surface, some people tend to apply less downward force.
They often hesitate out of concern that they will overdrive a screw. However, the majority of contemporary impact drivers feature a depth setting that, when the screw is driven flush, will produce a clear indicator or sound.
3. To guarantee consistent, even pressure, hold on to your tool with greater vigor. To prevent a crooked fastener that is more likely to strip once it reaches the target surface, set the screw vertically and plumb.
Why Old Screws Always Seem to Strip
Why is it that the first task in every do-it-yourself project seems to be figuring out how to get rid of stripped screws that won’t come loose? Because old screws are prone to breaking.
A lot of screws are composed of cheap metal that corrodes with time. The screw deteriorates with age and exposure to the elements, weakening the metal and almost requiring stripping.
The majority of screw-based applications, like framing and drywall, are not intended to be removed. As a result, the head’s metal only needs to be powerful enough to turn the screw.
Engineers frequently choose bolts or screws with specialty heads that don’t strip for applications that are meant to be undone, like things that can be adjusted or serviced.
When you tackle various home projects, you’ll come across many beginner-level tasks that you can perform on your own, like removing a stripped screw.
Nevertheless, be aware that removing a stripped screw will take some time. Avoid trying to rush the procedure as this could harm your project.
With these pointers at your disposal, you can be confident that the next time you remove a screw, it won’t be the end of the world—just another annoying but fixable issue.
