How to Unscrew a Stripped Screw

This works for most screws with a stripped head or security bolts that you don't have the right tool for. Just grab a center punch and a hammer then center punch the side of the screw. When you have a big dent then start hitting the center punch on an angle to get the screw moving. Once its moved 1/2 a turn or so you can undo the screw with pliers or your fingers.

Comments

[rickharris]

FAR better to buy screw remover they aren't expensive.

[HankMcSpank]

or even better, than those rolson extractors, is to buy a tool that you can use for removing stripped screws...and many other things

http://www.precisehandtools.com/screw-pliers/engineer-pz-58-neji-saurus-gt-multi-purpose-pliers-with-screw-extractor-jaws

[wilgubeast]

I always find myself unscrewing stripped screws or bolts out in the wild when I don't have ideal equipment with me. Rick isn't wrong, but this is a super-useful tip for people who may not run into stripped screws often enough to merit purchasing screw removers.

[8bitMisfit]

yep.agreed. not a bad instructable tho.