In daily life, we often encounter situations where screws are stripped due to long-term use, rust or over-tightening. Screw stripping not only causes trouble for maintenance and installation work, but may also damage surrounding materials or components. So, when a screw is stripped, how should we effectively remove it? Here are some practical methods and tips to help you solve this tricky problem.
1. Basic preparation tools
Before trying to remove a stripped screw, you need to prepare some basic tools and materials, including:
Screwdriver/screwdriver: Choose a screwdriver that fits the screw head slot type, and try to use a tool of better quality to reduce further damage to the screw head.
Rubber band/rubber gloves: Used to increase friction and help better grasp the stripped screw head.
Screw extractor/screw extractor: A tool specially designed to remove broken head screws and stripped screws, which is very effective.
Locking agent/lubricant: Such as WD-40 or screw loosening agent, which helps to penetrate the screw gap, reduce friction, and make the screw easier to loosen.
Hammer and small chisel: Used to gently tap the screw head to help break up rust or tightness.
Pliers/wrench: In some cases, you may need to use pliers or a wrench to grip the screw head for rotation.
2. Common methods
a. Increase friction method
Steps:
- First, clean the screw head and the area around it with detergent or alcohol to remove oil and impurities.
- Wrap a rubber band around the screw head to ensure a tight fit and increase friction. If there is no rubber band, you can also use a small piece of cloth or thick paper instead.
- Use a screwdriver to try to rotate the screw counterclockwise, paying attention to moderate force to avoid excessive force that may cause the screw head to break.
Notes:
- The rubber band should not be too thick to avoid affecting the normal insertion of the screwdriver.
- Keep steady when rotating and avoid sudden force.
b. Screw extractor method
Steps:
- Choose a suitable screw extractor according to the size of the screw.
- Align the center hole of the extractor with the screw head to ensure complete coverage.
- Use the matching tool or hammer to gently tap the top of the extractor to make it firmly bite the screw head.
- Turn the extractor counterclockwise until the screw is pulled out.
Notes:
- Use moderate force when tapping to avoid damaging the surrounding materials.
- When rotating the extractor, keep it stable to avoid slipping.
c. Locking agent/lubricant method
Steps:
- Spray the locking agent or lubricant evenly on the screw head and the gap around it.
- Wait for a few minutes to allow the lubricant to fully penetrate.
- Use a screwdriver to try to turn the screw counterclockwise while gently tapping the screw head to assist in loosening.
**Notes**:
- Choose a suitable lubricant. For severely rusted screws, a stronger loosening agent may be required.
- When spraying the lubricant, avoid splashing it on the eyes or skin.
d. Pliers/wrench assisted method
Steps:
- If the screw head is not completely damaged, you can try to clamp the screw head with pliers or a wrench.
- Turn the pliers or wrench counterclockwise and try to pull the screw out.
- If the screw head is too small to be clamped, you can put a piece of cloth or rubber between the pliers or wrench and the screw head to increase friction.
Notes:
- When using pliers or wrenches, make sure to clamp them firmly to avoid slipping and causing damage.
- This method may not be applicable to screws that are deeply hidden or difficult to reach.
e. Heating method
Steps:
- Use tools such as a heat gun, flamethrower, or soldering iron to heat the screw head.
- During the heating process, keep a proper distance to avoid damaging surrounding materials.
- After heating, quickly use a screwdriver to try to turn the screw counterclockwise.
Notes:
- The heating temperature should not be too high to avoid causing fire or damaging surrounding parts.
- This method should be used with caution for screws near plastic or flammable materials.
III. Processing in special scenarios
a. Screws in electronic devices
The screws in electronic devices are usually small and delicate, and it is difficult to handle them after stripping. It is recommended to use a screw extractor or a dedicated small screwdriver first, and avoid using tools such as pliers or wrenches that may damage the circuit board.
b. Screws in furniture or wood products
After the screws in furniture or wood products are stripped, you can try to gently tap the screw head with a wooden hammer while rotating it counterclockwise to use the elasticity of the wood to help the screw loosen. If it still cannot be removed, you can consider drilling a small hole around the screw head and then use a screw extractor or a homemade tool (such as a thin wire) to pull it out.
c. Screws in car repair
The screws encountered in car repair are often large and have strong fastening force, and it is more difficult to handle after stripping. It is recommended to use high-quality screwdrivers and screw extractors, and use professional car repair tools when necessary. For screws that are difficult to remove, you can consider cutting or drilling, but be careful not to damage surrounding components or circuits.
IV. Preventive measures
In order to avoid the occurrence of screw stripping, we can take the following preventive measures:
a. Choose a suitable screwdriver: Make sure the slot of the screwdriver matches the slot of the screw head exactly, and avoid using inappropriate tools.
b. Tighten moderately: When tightening the screws, do not use excessive force and follow the manufacturer's recommended torque value.
c. Regular maintenance: Check the tightening status of the screws regularly and replace rusted or damaged screws in time.
d. Use locking agent: In situations where the tightening force needs to be maintained for a long time, a locking agent can be used to increase the anti-loosening ability of the screws.
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