you could learn how to remove a stripped screw and resume your DIY work.
BHG / Kevin Norris
What Does It Mean for a Screw to Be Stripped?
Sometimes you will see shards or shavings of metal in a stripped screw head.
Credit:BHG / Kevin Norris
What Causes Screws to Strip?
Many screws are made of low-quality metal that weakens over time.
Age and environmental exposure deteriorate the screw, weakening the metal and making stripping nearly inevitable.
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Most applications that involve screws, such asdrywallandframing, arent meant to be undone.
Sometimes, all it takes is setting down the power tool and picking up a good old-fashionedmanual screwdriver.
If you feel the head start to slip on the screw, apply more force as you turn.
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Sometimes, just switching screwdriver sizes works as well.
Tap It with a Hammer
Screws that are prone to stripping typically have soft, compromised metal.
This method can help the screwdriver securely grab the screw, making further stripping less likely.
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Use an Impact Screwdriver
An impact screwdriver is a tool that is designed to turn and impact simultaneously.
It may seem counterintuitive, but stripped screws can sometimes be removed with a drill bit.
If it works, the reversing drill bit will grab the loose metal and turn the screw free.
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If not, try a larger drill bit.
Each stripped screw removal bit features a cutting head and a removal head.
While thats true for some screws, its a problem thats possible to prevent.
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At that point, begin trying the methods youve learned for how to remove a stripped screw.
If you remove a stripped screw from metal, lubrication will help loosen it.
Credit:BHG / Kevin Norris
Credit:BHG / Kevin Norris
Credit:BHG / Kevin Norris
Credit:BHG / Kevin Norris
