How to Remove a Screw without a Head

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Easy steps to remove a stripped or broken screw
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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] 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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Pulling Out a Screw with a Broken Head

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    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]
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    [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]
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    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]
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    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]
    • 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.
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    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]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Taking out a Screw with a Stripped Head

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    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]
    • 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.
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    [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]
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    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]
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    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]
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    If the screw top is completely stripped, use a rotary cutter to slice a small strip across the top. Pull the screw out with a flat head screwdriver or bit. [15]
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    [16] If nothing seems to work, use bits to demolish the screw. [17] 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. [18]
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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.
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      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

      1. ↑ Barry Zakar. Handyman. Expert Interview. 20 August 2020.
      2. ↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 January 2021.
      3. ↑ Barry Zakar. Handyman. Expert Interview. 20 August 2020.
      4. ↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 January 2021.
      5. ↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 January 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/extract-a-broken-screw/view-all/
      7. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/extract-a-broken-screw/view-all/
      8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/extract-a-broken-screw/view-all/
      9. ↑ https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-remove-a-broken-or-stripped-screw
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpbL8h-7jSY
      2. ↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 January 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpbL8h-7jSY
      4. ↑ https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-remove-a-broken-or-stripped-screw
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpbL8h-7jSY
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpbL8h-7jSY
      7. ↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 January 2021.
      8. ↑ Barry Zakar. Handyman. Expert Interview. 20 August 2020.
      9. ↑ https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-remove-a-broken-or-stripped-screw
      10. ↑ Barry Zakar. Handyman. Expert Interview. 20 August 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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!

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