How to Remove a Raised Stripped Screw

In this Instructable I will show you how to remove a stripped screw using only a hand drill.  The only caveat is that the screw does need to be raised above the surface of the material.

Step 1: Set Up Hand Drill

Remove the driver bit from your hand drill.

Comments

[RangerJ]

I should have known this...

[taria]

okay dumb question alert:

what if you don't have a drill like that but one of those cheap battery operated ones? how do you do it then without having to go out and buy a bigger drill? I have a shelving unit that my daughter put together that has 3 stripped screws because she didn't pre-drill the holes and she didn't use the right screws.

gotta give her an a for effort because it held up good, but now I need the wood for something else and I can't get those screws out. I thought channel locks but, I can't get them out enough to get a grip on them. any suggestions besides scrapping it?

[hbk1966]

Brilliant!!

As long as it will fit.

[scarecreaux]

A pair of vice grips or an easy out set works as well, but good idea.

[Rainh2o]

Vise Grips or just a nice large pair of pump pliers. Way better and easier on your drill.

[snotty]

Yup.
When a bolt or screw is busted off flush with the surface you can use a screw extractor.

Also I'm pretty sure there's some sort of grabber specifically for wood screws.

[snotty]

Yup.
When a bolt or screw is busted off flush with the surface you can use a screw extractor.

Also I'm pretty sure there's some sort of grabber specifically for wood screws.

[SeanDeanC]

This is a great tip if you're in a bind. However, as mentioned previously, I'd use this method sparingly and use pliers or better yet, vice grips.

[MikB]

Something like these Gorilla/Grilla grips, depending on your spelling abilities :)

http://common2.csnimages.com/lf/49/hash/4026/3564043/1/Straight+Jaw+Locking+Pliers+-+10%22+straight+jaw+vise+grip+locking+plier+carded.jpg are perfect for that job, once they've locked on they won't slip and grip far harder than your hands can.

[stephenniall]

Much simpler than cutting a slot in it and using a flat blade screwdriver to undo it, I've used this method a few times with great success ! My cheaper cordless screwdrivers which don't have the 'ratchet chuck' don't seem to grip to the screw as well though.

[stephenniall]

Much simpler than cutting a slot in it and using a flat blade screwdriver to undo it, I've used this method a few times with great success ! My cheaper cordless screwdrivers which don't have the 'ratchet chuck' don't seem to grip to the screw as well though.

[steveharr]

I have done this myself, but I think I should caution not to do it too often, otherwise you may find you start to wear the chuck on the driver! But to be honest I can't see myself having to do this too often anyway, just thought I'd warn people.

[audreyobscura]

This is great. I cannot tell you how many times I could have used this tip. Thank you so much for posting.