10 Genius Hacks: How To Get A Stripped Screw Out (The Ultimate 2025 Guide)

Dealing with a stripped screw can instantly turn a simple DIY task into a frustrating, project-stalling nightmare. Whether the head is completely rounded, the bit keeps slipping, or the screw is simply stuck fast in wood or metal, the inability to get a grip is a universal problem for homeowners and professionals alike. This in-depth guide, updated for December 2025, cuts through the confusion, offering a tiered approach of 10 proven methods, starting with the simplest household hacks and escalating to the most powerful professional tools, ensuring you can successfully remove that damaged fastener and get back to work.

The key to success is matching the right technique to the severity of the damage. A slightly rounded Phillips head might only need a simple friction boost, while a severely damaged or rusted hex screw embedded in metal will require specialized screw extractor tools and brute force. We'll walk you through the process, providing the latest tips and product recommendations to make sure your next stripped screw is your last.

The 10-Step Tiered Approach to Stripped Screw Removal

Before you start, assess the damage. Is the screw head slightly rounded (cammed out) or completely mangled? The less damage, the lower on this list you should start. Always wear safety glasses when using power tools.

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Tier 1: The Friction & Grip Hacks (For Minor Stripping)

These methods are designed to increase the friction between your screwdriver and the damaged screw head, often working best on wood screws where the material is softer.

1. The Rubber Band Trick

This is the first line of defense for a slightly stripped screw head. You need a wide, thick rubber band (like a jar opener or a large office band).

• Place the rubber band flat over the damaged screw head.
• Press your screwdriver (or driver bit) firmly into the screw head, through the rubber band.
• Slowly and steadily apply rotational force. The rubber band fills the stripped gaps, providing a temporary, high-friction grip.

2. The Steel Wool or Copper Mesh Method

Similar to the rubber band, a small wad of steel wool or a piece of copper scouring pad can be used to pack the head of the screw, creating more surface area for the bit to grab onto.

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3. The Friction Paste or Gel Boost

Products like Screw Grab Friction Gel are specifically designed to increase the grip between a screwdriver and a damaged fastener. A small dab in the screw head can often provide the necessary friction to back the screw out. This is a quick, clean, and highly effective professional-grade hack.

4. The Glue and Wrench Method (The Last-Ditch DIY)

For small, shallow screws, you can try this method, though it requires patience.

• Apply a small dot of strong adhesive like Gorilla Glue or epoxy into the screw head.
• Insert a disposable Allen wrench or a small Torx bit into the glue and hold it in place until the glue is fully cured (this can take hours).
• Once cured, the wrench is bonded to the screw head, allowing you to turn it out.

Tier 2: The High-Torque & Brute Force Solutions (For Moderate Stripping)

When friction isn't enough, you need to apply more rotational force or physically grab the screw's body. These methods are essential for screws that are stuck or only slightly protruding.

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5. Locking Pliers or Vise Grips

If the screw head is protruding even slightly from the material, this is your best bet. Use a set of locking pliers (often called Vise Grips) to clamp down tightly on the head or the shank of the screw.

• Clamp the pliers as close to the surface as possible for maximum leverage.
• Lock them down firmly.
• Slowly rotate the pliers counter-clockwise until the screw starts to turn.

6. The Impact Driver Technique

An impact driver (not a drill/driver) delivers a sudden burst of rotational force while simultaneously driving the bit inward. This combination can sometimes "shock" a stuck screw loose, especially if it's a metal screw or rusted.

• Set the impact driver to the reverse setting.
• Press down firmly to ensure the bit is seated.
• Use short, controlled bursts. The impact can sometimes re-seat the bit in the damaged head long enough to get a turn.

7. Penetrating Oil for Metal Screws

If the screw is in metal and has stripped due to rust or corrosion, a chemical solution is required. Apply a generous amount of penetrating oil (like WD-40 or a specialized rust penetrant) and allow it to soak for at least 15-30 minutes. The oil will seep into the threads, loosening the bond between the screw and the material, making any subsequent removal method easier.

Tier 3: The Professional Tooling Methods (For Severe Stripping)

These methods are for when all else fails. They require specialized tools but offer the highest success rate for a completely mangled or broken screw.

8. Cutting a New Slot with a Rotary Tool

If you have a rotary tool (like a Dremel) and a thin cutting wheel attachment, you can create a new slot in the screw head.

• Carefully cut a straight line across the diameter of the stripped screw head.
• This creates a new slot, effectively turning the stripped screw into a flathead screw.
• Use a large, flathead screwdriver with firm pressure to turn the screw out.

9. The Dedicated Screw Extractor Kit

The most reliable method for a severely stripped or broken screw is a dedicated screw extractor kit. These kits typically include drill bits and extractor bits. Popular brands include IRWIN Tools, GRABIT, SpeedOut, Milwaukee, and RYOBI.

• Step 1 (Drill): Use the drill bit side (often a reverse drill bit) to bore a small, clean pilot hole into the center of the stripped screw head.
• Step 2 (Extract): Flip the tool to the extractor side. Set your drill to a slow, counter-clockwise (reverse) speed.
• Step 3 (Remove): The extractor bit has a tapered, aggressive thread that bites into the pilot hole. As you drill slowly, the extractor will thread itself into the screw and then start backing the entire stripped screw out.

10. Neji-Saurus or VamPLIERS (Specialty Pliers)

A final, highly effective professional tool is a pair of specialty screw-removal pliers, such as Neji-Saurus or VamPLIERS. These pliers have unique, deeply serrated jaws designed to grip the smooth, rounded head of a stripped screw where standard pliers would slip. They are an excellent investment for anyone who frequently works on small, delicate projects.

Preventing Future Stripped Screws

The best way to get a stripped screw out is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Stripping usually occurs due to two main reasons: using the wrong size bit or not applying enough downward pressure.

• Use the Correct Bit: Always ensure your driver bit perfectly matches the screw type (e.g., PH2 for most common household Phillips screws). A loose fit is the primary cause of stripping.
• Apply Firm Pressure: When driving a screw, apply maximum downward pressure before and during the rotation. This keeps the bit seated in the screw head and prevents the camming-out effect.
• Use a Quality Bit: Cheap bits wear out quickly and lead to stripping. Invest in high-quality, hardened steel bits.
• Pilot Holes: Always drill a pilot hole when driving wood screws into hardwoods. This reduces the torque required and prevents the screw from binding and stripping.

By following this tiered approach, you can tackle any stripped screw with confidence. Start simple with a rubber band or steel wool, move to locking pliers for grip, and finally, deploy a dedicated screw extractor or rotary tool as a last resort. With the right technique and tool, a stripped screw is no longer a project ender, but a minor, temporary setback.