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Screws and Screwdrivers
How to Remove a Screw without a Head Download Article Easy steps to remove a stripped or broken screw Co-authored by Gino Colucci
Last Updated: July 24, 2025 Fact Checked
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Pulling Out a Screw with a Broken Head
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Removing a Screw with a Stripped Head
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This article was co-authored by Gino Colucci. Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 507,122 times.
If you're faced with a broken screw, you know how frustrating it can be to try to remove it. For screws with broken heads, you can use a screw extractor or even just pliers to help you remove it.[1]X Expert Source Barry ZakarHandymanExpert Interview For screws with stripped heads, you can do things like change screwdrivers, use a rubber band, or add super glue to increase your grip.
Best Way to Remove a Screw with No Head
Drill a hole down the center of the screw with a bit that’s slightly smaller. Push a screw extractor into the hole, then use a hammer to tap it down further. Turn the extractor counterclockwise to twist out the screw, or grasp the end of the screw shank with pliers.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Pulling Out a Screw with a Broken Head
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1 Find a screw extractor. Screw extractors are designed to help you remove broken screws.[2]X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview You can find them at home improvement stores for relatively cheap, and they will make the process easier.[3]X Expert Source Barry ZakarHandymanExpert Interview
Screw extractors work best on screws with stripped threads and/or broken heads.[4]X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview
2 Drill a hole in the screw.[5]X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview Pick a bit smaller than the screw. Drill a hole down the center. If it won't drill, try using a smaller bit instead, such as a 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) bit. Be gentle and go slowly, as you don't want to break the bit off in the screw head.[6]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Tap the extractor in with a hammer. Push the extractor into the hole you've just drilled. Push down on it as hard as you can, and then use a hammer to tap it fully into the hole.[7]XResearch source
4 Turn the extractor counterclockwise to remove the screw. As you push down on the extractor, use your drill or a screwdriver to turn the extractor counterclockwise. The threads of the extractor should catch in the screw, allowing you to twist it out.[8]XResearch source
If it doesn't work, try tapping the extractor in harder, or apply a lubricant like Liquid Wrench to the screw. Let the lubricant sit for 30 minutes before trying to remove the screw.
5 Grasp the screw shank with pliers as an alternative. To remove a screw without a head, you can simply grasp the end of the shank with pliers. Turn the pliers to release the screw from the material, and pull out the screw.[9]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Taking out a Screw with a Stripped Head
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1 Use a different size screwdriver to see if it catches as an easy fix. Sometimes, if you go up or down a size in your screwdriver, you can get the screw head to catch, even if it is mostly stripped. You can also switch to a flat head instead of a Phillips.[10]XResearch source
If it doesn't turn on the first try, move on to the next size. You don't want to further damage the screw head.
2 Place a rubber band over the screw to increase the grip of the screwdriver.[11]X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview Cut a large rubber band so you have a flat long piece instead of a circle. Lay the rubber band over the screw head, and then try to take the screw out with a screwdriver. The rubber gives it extra grip, helping you remove the screw.[12]XResearch source
3 Pour chemicals on rusted screws to help release them. Sometimes, a rusted screw will bond with nearby materials. Spraying or pouring a chemical over the screw, such as liquid wrench, oven cleaner, soda (like Coke or Pepsi), or even lemon juice can dissolve those bonds. Spray or pour it in, and let it sit for 10 minutes before checking it. You may need to reapply it several times or even wait a day for the chemical to do its magic.[13]XResearch source
4 Glue the screwdriver or bit to the screw head for screws that won't catch. Drip a bit of superglue on the screw head. Place the bit or screwdriver on the head. Let the glue dry, then try removing the screw by pressing down on the screw and twisting it out.[14]XResearch source
5 Cut a new slit in the top of the screw with a rotary cutter if other methods fail. If the screw top is completely stripped, use a rotary cutter to slice a small strip across the top.[15]XResearch source Pull the screw out with a flat head screwdriver or bit.[16]XResearch source
6 Destroy the screw with a drill bit for particularly stubborn screws.[17]X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview If nothing seems to work, use bits to demolish the screw.[18]X Expert Source Barry ZakarHandymanExpert Interview For instance, you can use a large bit to drill down into the screw, essentially destroying it. You can also use a bit to take the head of the screw off and then pull the shank out with pliers.[19]XResearch source
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How can I unscrew a stripped screw? WikiGladeWalker982 Hey there, friends. I’m not the handiest on the planet and I’ve got to undo this plank in my home that covers a threshold. The problem is the screws are all stripped like nobody’s business. I don’t really know how to get them out, so I’m turning to you fine folks. How can I get stripped screws out of wood? Read More Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist You can use pliers if the screw has a raised head. If you can't grip the head, the fastest and easiest method would be to use a screw extractor kit. They’re one of the most helpful things you can keep in a toolbox—they’re typically around $10-20, so they aren’t super expensive, and they're reusable. You can also try putting a rubber band or similar material over the screwdriver head in between a screwdriver and the slot for the head to get some traction. If the screw is made of a softer metal, try hammering a flathead screwdriver into it to create a new groove for a screwdriver to bite on. If all else fails you can use a heavy-duty drill bit to drill through the stripped screw. Read More WikiCaribouWhisperer217 Something that has worked for me in the past is heating the end of a plastic pen with a lighter until it melts, and then firmly pressing the melted plastic onto the screw and holding it in place until it has cooled and bonded with the screw. Then you should be able to pull it out! Read More See all 5 Replies and Read Discussion
Expert Q&A
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Question How do you remove a broken screw without an extractor? Barry Zakar Handyman Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. Barry Zakar Handyman Expert Answer You may be able to just use a drill to remove a broken screw. If that doesn't work, you can always drill a hole for a new screw and patch over the old, broken screw. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 29 Helpful 19
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Tips
If you aren't able to remove the broken screw, drill a new hole next to it for a new screw. Then, patch over the old screw.[20]X Expert Source Barry ZakarHandymanExpert InterviewThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Screw extractor
Hammer
Pliers
Various sizes of screwdrivers
Lubricant
Rotary cutter
Drill
Drill bits
Rubber band
Scissors
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References
↑ Barry Zakar. Handyman. Expert Interview
↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
↑ Barry Zakar. Handyman. Expert Interview
↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Gino Colucci. Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check. This article has been viewed 507,122 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 3Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 507,122 Categories: Screws and ScrewdriversArticle SummaryX
To extract a screw with a broken head, grip the shank with pliers, turn the screw counter-clockwise to release it from the material, and pull it out. If the head is stripped, try laying a rubber band across the head to give the screwdriver more grip. Then, use the screwdriver as normal to pull out the screw. When you’re trying to remove a rusted screw, pour liquid wrench or oven cleaner over it to loosen it up. If you're still having no luck after trying these methods, buy a screw extractor from a home improvement store and follow the instructions. If you want to learn how to cut a new slit on a screw that's stripped, keep reading the article!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist Co-authors: 3Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 507,122100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Easy steps to remove a stripped or broken screw Co-authored by Gino Colucci 
WikiGladeWalker982 Hey there, friends. I’m not the handiest on the planet and I’ve got to undo this plank in my home that covers a threshold. The problem is the screws are all stripped like nobody’s business. I don’t really know how to get them out, so I’m turning to you fine folks. How can I get stripped screws out of wood? Read More 
Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist You can use pliers if the screw has a raised head. If you can't grip the head, the fastest and easiest method would be to use a screw extractor kit. They’re one of the most helpful things you can keep in a toolbox—they’re typically around $10-20, so they aren’t super expensive, and they're reusable. You can also try putting a rubber band or similar material over the screwdriver head in between a screwdriver and the slot for the head to get some traction. If the screw is made of a softer metal, try hammering a flathead screwdriver into it to create a new groove for a screwdriver to bite on. If all else fails you can use a heavy-duty drill bit to drill through the stripped screw. Read More 
WikiCaribouWhisperer217 Something that has worked for me in the past is heating the end of a plastic pen with a lighter until it melts, and then firmly pressing the melted plastic onto the screw and holding it in place until it has cooled and bonded with the screw. Then you should be able to pull it out! Read More See all 5 Replies and Read Discussion 
How toUse a Rubber Band to Unscrew Stripped Screws 
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1 Find a screw extractor. Screw extractors are designed to help you remove broken screws.[2] You can find them at home improvement stores for relatively cheap, and they will make the process easier.[3] 
2 Drill a hole in the screw.[5] Pick a bit smaller than the screw. Drill a hole down the center. If it won't drill, try using a smaller bit instead, such as a 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) bit. Be gentle and go slowly, as you don't want to break the bit off in the screw head.[6] Advertisement 
3 Tap the extractor in with a hammer. Push the extractor into the hole you've just drilled. Push down on it as hard as you can, and then use a hammer to tap it fully into the hole.[7] 
4 Turn the extractor counterclockwise to remove the screw. As you push down on the extractor, use your drill or a screwdriver to turn the extractor counterclockwise. The threads of the extractor should catch in the screw, allowing you to twist it out.[8] 
5 Grasp the screw shank with pliers as an alternative. To remove a screw without a head, you can simply grasp the end of the shank with pliers. Turn the pliers to release the screw from the material, and pull out the screw.[9] Advertisement 
1 Use a different size screwdriver to see if it catches as an easy fix. Sometimes, if you go up or down a size in your screwdriver, you can get the screw head to catch, even if it is mostly stripped. You can also switch to a flat head instead of a Phillips.[10] 
2 Place a rubber band over the screw to increase the grip of the screwdriver.[11] Cut a large rubber band so you have a flat long piece instead of a circle. Lay the rubber band over the screw head, and then try to take the screw out with a screwdriver. The rubber gives it extra grip, helping you remove the screw.[12] 
3 Pour chemicals on rusted screws to help release them. Sometimes, a rusted screw will bond with nearby materials. Spraying or pouring a chemical over the screw, such as liquid wrench, oven cleaner, soda (like Coke or Pepsi), or even lemon juice can dissolve those bonds. Spray or pour it in, and let it sit for 10 minutes before checking it. You may need to reapply it several times or even wait a day for the chemical to do its magic.[13] 
4 Glue the screwdriver or bit to the screw head for screws that won't catch. Drip a bit of superglue on the screw head. Place the bit or screwdriver on the head. Let the glue dry, then try removing the screw by pressing down on the screw and twisting it out.[14] 
5 Cut a new slit in the top of the screw with a rotary cutter if other methods fail. If the screw top is completely stripped, use a rotary cutter to slice a small strip across the top.[15] Pull the screw out with a flat head screwdriver or bit.[16] 
6 Destroy the screw with a drill bit for particularly stubborn screws.[17] If nothing seems to work, use bits to demolish the screw.[18] For instance, you can use a large bit to drill down into the screw, essentially destroying it. You can also use a bit to take the head of the screw off and then pull the shank out with pliers.[19] Advertisement 
Barry Zakar Handyman Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University.