How do I get a stripped screw out?
For a mildly stripped screw, lay a wide, flat rubber band over the head, push the screwdriver through it into the worn slots, press down hard and make a slow quarter turn. The rubber fills the damaged recesses so the bit grips again. A fully rounded head needs a screw extractor instead.
How to do it
- Choose a wide, flat rubber bandA thick, wide band covers the whole head and resists tearing. Thin bands tend to shred on the first turn.
- Lay the band flat over the stripped headCenter it so a single, flat layer of rubber covers the whole recess.
- Push the screwdriver through the band into the slotsUse the bit size that fits the screw and seat it as deep as it will go, so the rubber is pressed into the worn recesses.
- Press down firmly and make a slow quarter turnPut more force into pushing than turning, and keep the driver straight in line with the screw. If the head catches, the bit has grip again.
- Back the screw out with steady turnsKeep the pressure on for a few turns until the threads loosen, then finish by hand. Swap in a fresh band if it tears.
Questions that come up
What if the rubber band tears or the bit still spins?
Try a thicker band, or fold one over for a double layer, then press harder and turn more slowly. If the bit still spins after a couple of fresh bands, the head is probably too worn for friction to help. At that point a screw extractor kit is the more reliable next step.
Does this work on a fully rounded screw head?
Usually not. The band works by filling worn recesses, so it needs some slot shape left to press into. If the head is smooth or has been drilled out, use a screw extractor. If the head stands above the surface, you can also grip it with locking pliers and turn it out.
Can I use this on small screws in electronics or metal?
On small screws with a mildly stripped head it works the same way, often with a thinner band so the bit still seats properly. Screws set in metal are frequently tighter or thread-locked, so if the head starts slipping again, stop before you round it further and switch to an extractor.
How do I avoid stripping screws in the first place?
Match the bit to the screw's size and type, keep the driver straight, and press firmly as you turn, especially when starting a screw or loosening a tight one. With a drill, lower the clutch setting and the speed. Worn bits strip heads quickly, so replace them once the tips look rounded.
Full transcript
Stripped screw? Press a rubber band into it. When the bit just spins, lay a wide band flat over the chewed head. Push the bit through it, press down firmly, and turn slowly. The rubber fills the worn slots, and the screw backs out.