Introduction: Remove a Stripped Screw or Bolt.
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About: I like to tinker with just about anything, sometimes it works out in the end. Have fun looking at the projects, try tearing something open and let me know how it goes. cheers, -Joe
Need to remove a stripped screw or bolt? This is one of the many ways to do it, only requires a dremel.
Step 1: Tools
Tools:
Dremel
Flat blad screwdriver
Dremel cut off wheel.
Step 2: Problem
As you can see this screw is stripped. (well not so bad..)
Step 3: Cut a Notch...
So I am not your mom, but put on some safety glasses...
Then cut a smooth straight notch across the screw with your dremel. Don't make this too wide or your screwdriver will have a hard time catching.
Step 4: Remove It...
Now that your notch is cut, you use a large flat blade screwdriver to remove it.
Step 5: Still Stuck?
If it is really stuck in there, like on some crazy metal on metal action, grab the handle with some pliers and turnwhile pushing down on the handle with your hand.
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55 Comments
6 years ago
Just a note to let you know I have added this to the collection: Difficult Dis-assembly: Taking Things Apart for Repair
>> https://www.instructables.com/id/Difficult-Dis-ass...
There are a lot of things that are hard to take apart and lot of methods.
7 years ago
And it's to tight to get vice grips in there and turn them
7 years ago
I got a 8 mm bolt on my quad, it's really striped out and I CAN NOT he t it out. I tried heating it, hammering a 7mm in it, a 12 point 8mm and heating a 8 mm to make it bigger. Idk what to do. It's to small to fit a Dremel in there. Please help.
11 years ago on Introduction
Iv been pondering how to remove a screw I striped on my laptop for a while. Any ideas? its about an inch into the base...
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
It's probably a phllips or posidrive screw or even a torx (Star) screw. Maybe even has a post in the centre of a Posi' screw.
Anyway, whatever it is, try a small flat driver, as in 'Watchmaker S'Driver' set, and select the largest one that will fit inside of, or around the driver slot.
It may not fit centrally, but it may give enough purchase to free the screw. Sometimes I may file a notch into the Driver blade to overcome the 'Post in the middle' problem.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
try a left hand drill bit..very slowly and with firm pressure.basically you want it to bite but not necessarily cut.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Ive heard putting a wide rubber band between the stripped screw head and screwdriver works great.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
WheneverI strip screws on my technical equipment, I take a small pen torch (Or soldering iron) and heat up the head of the screw (Don't melt the plastic around it). Once the head is reasonably hot, try jamming a junk screwdriver into it (Phillips or Flat, depending on the screw type).
The hot metal is softer, allowing you to simpley drive your screwdriver into it and (hopefullly) create a new screw hole.
Hope this works. If not, let me know, ok?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Do the heating it up and use a piece of plastic to make a mold of the screw that you could use to twist it
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I suppose you could do that, if you have the correct type of plastic. If the screw is small enough, you can take apart a simple, clear plastic pen (Such as a Bic brand pen) and put it ontop of the screw. Heat up the plastic and it should make a form fit around the screw. Try twisting to unscrew it.
But like I've said before, be careful not to melt the plastic on the laptops casing, because that may cause problems in the future with the circuitry inside and the case.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
What apart of the pen are you suggesting? the casing is too large for the hole and i tried the caps tip but the bent too much. I thought about the ink cartridge but m not interested in ink in my 600 dollar gaming laptop.
i dont really feel comfortable sticking a hot screwdriver in it at this point. How hot are you recomending?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Lol, sorry about my other comment. I accidentally put "how how" I meant "how hot". Heh, I got distracted.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Yeah, I meant the casing of the pen. But yes, I can see why you wouldn't feel comfortable jamming pieces of pens into your expensive laptop.
How how? Well, the metal of the screwdriver would need to be red-hot. I'm guessing you don't want to do that, either.
I was thinking you could go to a craft or hard ware store, and look for a knife with a long handle. You can stick it into the hole and chip away at the metal on the screw. I suggest you wear protective gloves so you don't chip away at your hands, instead.
If that doesn't work, again, let me know. I have a few more things up my sleeve.
11 years ago on Introduction
thanks man!
11 years ago on Introduction
My oil drain bolt snapped off on my dirt and I was able to get it out far enough to do this.
11 years ago on Introduction
who... Never knew it was so simple!
11 years ago on Introduction
Nice! I will try this for one I have stuck in the wood.
11 years ago on Introduction
Try this: if the screw is sticking out of the of the wood as pictured, take your drill and tighten the chuck around the screw head, put your drill in reverse, and unscrew the screw. Works on broken screws also.
11 years ago on Introduction
I've actually done this before! Except it's a bit scarier on smaller screws in visible locations where the surrounding areas can be nicked. A smaller diameter cutting head on the Dremel might help avoid this but it sure does help when you're in need of a quick fix!
14 years ago on Step 4
You can also use your drill and tighten the chuck around the screw head