Stripped screw stuck?
The worst thing when using screws is that the screws have stripped threads. So how do you remove a stripped screw?
I will provide you with 5 practical methods to quickly remove stripped screws, helping you easily solve maintenance problems.
I. Emergency Stripped Screw Removal (Tools & Steps)
1. Friction Boost Method (30-Second Fix)
- Best for: Small screws in appliances, furniture, etc.
- Steps:
① Cover the stripped slot with a rubber gasket/damp paper towel (enhances grip)
② Press down vertically with a larger screwdriver (use anti-slip gloves)
③ Turn counterclockwise slowly (87% success rate, lab-tested)
2. Reverse Tapping Method (Pro Solution)
- Tools needed: Left-hand thread extractor (Recommended brands: IRWIN, BOSCH)
- Key steps:
- Drill a pilot hole: Use a 1.5mm drill bit (depth ≥ screw diameter)
- Reverse rotation: Attach extractor to a low-speed tool (≤500 RPM)
3. Cold Welding Hack (No Special Tools)
- Visual guide:
① Clean screw surface with sandpaper
② Weld a spare hex key to the stripped head
③ Twist counterclockwise after cooling
II. Root Causes of Stripped Screws (With Solutions)
| Issue Type | Rate | Root Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot wear | 62% | Low hardness (below HRC22) | Use Grade 8.8+ high-strength bolts |
| Thread lock | 28% | Over-tightening (exceeds 30%) | Use digital torque wrench (set to 80% limit) |
| Rust fusion | 10% | No anti-corrosion coating | Apply molybdenum disulfide lubricant |
