If you’ve ever worked with wood, chances are you’ve run into the annoying problem of dealing with a screw that has lost its head. It’s a situation that can make even seasoned carpenters and woodworkers pull their hair out, especially if they don’t have the proper tools on hand.
But fear not, because in this guide, I’ll walk you through a couple of straightforward methods for removing those headless screws. So, whether you’re a pro or just a DIY enthusiast, I’ve got you covered!
Removing Screws With No Head: Steps to Do
Stripped or broken screws are, unfortunately, a common scenario that any person who deals with woodwork or home DIY projects. Using a manual screwdriver on a screw with no head would be challenging since there is almost no way to get a good grip.
What I recommend using is a screw extractor, which is the easiest tool to use to remove a screw. Here are the steps you can follow to utilize this tool properly:
- Drill a hole at the center of the screw head. Try using a smaller drill bit if it won’t drill through properly. Remember to be gentle to avoid breaking the screw head.
- Using a hammer, push the extractor into the hole.
- Turn the extractor counterclockwise using a screwdriver or drill bit. If it doesn’t work, apply lubricant or tap the extractor harder.
- As an alternative, you can use pliers. Use the pliers to grip the shank’s end, then twist to remove the screw.
13 Effective Methods to Extract Screws with a Broken Head
Here are other 13 effective methods you can try on even the most stubborn screw:
1. Screw Extractor
The perfect tool that can go against any broken or stripped screw head is a screw extractor. This specific tool removes any stubborn broken screw that refuses to budge using other methods.
To achieve optimal results, it is essential to select the correct size for the task. Load the extractor onto your drill, inspect it, and tighten it securely to enhance the grip. This step is crucial for improving the performance and efficiency of the extractor during the job.
Note that screw extractors counter threaded screws. Thus, they should be set in the opposite or reverse direction.
2. Hammer
Using hammers to remove the screw with no head is undoubtedly tricky but possible. You can hammer in a screwdriver to get a firm grip. Place the end of the tool on the head of the threaded screw and hammer away.
Ensure that you do so carefully and gently for your safety — you wouldn’t want to break anything. Applying enough force would be enough to lodge the end of the screwdriver to the inside of the screw.
That gives you a good grasp on the screw, making it possible to twist and pull out.
3. Dremel's Cutting Wheel
Finding the right tools to remove a broken screw is sometimes the tricky part. Not everyone is equipped with the appropriate extractor bit or manual tool. Often enough, you need to make do with what you already have.
If you have a Dremel [1], you can use the cutting wheel attached to it. Put the cutting wheel on top of the screw head and make a slit without damaging its surrounding.
4. Weld a Nut
Welding a nut is undoubtedly another effective method of removing damaged screw heads. If you’re trying to pull out a screw lodged too deep into its screw hole without causing any damage to the surrounding surface, then this method is a perfect choice.
5. Wood Plug Cutters
A screw with a broken head that’s buried too deep inside a surface would require you to use more challenging methods. Plug cutters might be an excellent alternative tool to use.
Bore holes in the wood surrounding the screw head using the wood plug cutter. Doing so will make the screw’s head much more visible and accessible. Then, you can utilize a drill chuck or locking plier to pull out the screw.
6. Superglue
Using the best superglue is a sure way for the surrounding surface to remain undamaged and unharmed. The process is easy: drop 2-3 drops of superglue on the head and stick a screwdriver on top.
Wait for it to dry for a couple of minutes before you slowly twist and rotate the driver.
7. Screw Extracting Pliers or Vice-Grips
For screws with shanks exposed enough to be gripped, you can easily use screw-extracting pliers or vice grips to remove them. Use either of these tools to clamp on the stripped screw. Also, you can use pliers to remove buried nails from wood.
8. Screwdrivers (Try Different Sizes)
The easiest manual screwdriver method for removing damaged fasteners is hammering the driver to the fastener’s head. That allows an extra grip to rotate and pull it out of the hole. It is especially effective if it’s made of soft metal.
Actually, I’d prefer using manual screwdrivers for this task since it’s much more manageable and controllable. But if you want to try other options, consider ES20 Kaiweets electric screwdriver, and let me know your experience.
If you’re using Phillips head screwdrivers, the best choice would be to use a flathead screwdriver. Search for one that is narrow enough to fit inside the Phillips head hole.
Your best chance is to use a different size screwdriver for fasteners with barely any top left. Play around with smaller sizes until you find one that would fit.
9. Rubber Band
An elastic rubber band might seem unassuming, but it can help remove head fasteners. The rubbery surface of the elastic band can support the driver’s retention.
Wrap the rubber band around the end of the screwdriver, then push it enough into the broken fastener’s head and ensure it’s a good enough fit. Now, start removing the fastener.
In place of a rubber band, you can also use duct tape. Just place the tape’s adhesive side counter on the fastener.
10. Drilling
Screw drillers can also help remove the screw. It will only work if the fastener is not too deep inside the surface. Start by removing the drill head and attaching it to the fastener. Once set, begin drilling.
It will be fine if the fastener goes deeper. You can drill a pilot hole to remove it. However, note that if you prefer a cleaner and smoother process, you are better off choosing alternative methods.
11. Liquid Friction
Stripped screw removal has never been easier, thanks to the development of specialty products. Scouring through the market, you will find products like DriveGrip or Screw Grip that can increase the friction between the driver and the fastener.
12. Rotary Tool
When most methods fail to deliver, using the best rotary tool might be a secure option. Try attaching a cutting disk to the rotary tool and then form a slot on the fastener by cutting it.
Check to see if the slit is deep to fit a flathead screwdriver. Note that the rotary tool can scatter loose metal shavings around the material when used. Thus, safety goggles are needed.
13. Impact Driver
An impact driver is most useful when dealing with a pesky threaded screw. To ensure it works, you must select the correct screwdriver bit. Next, check if the bit is facing the right direction. Wear safety glasses for your protection.
Place the impact driver bit on the damaged fastener’s head. To fit snugly, strike the driver’s end a few times. Once firmly set, you can loosen it up to make removing it easier.
See Also: The Best Sets of Impact Drivers
Should You Cover the Screws Instead of Pulling Them Out?
If removing the screw proves difficult, you can always try covering it up. Doing so requires less work and time since the steps to cover up a stripped screw are much more straightforward than removing one.
If it’s not necessary to remove the screw, it would be better to cover it. There are various ways to cover damaged fasteners.
Which Method Should You Opt For?
Removing fasteners with no heads can be easy, given that you used the correct method. Note that the hacks above do not apply to all stages of a threaded screw.
- Above Base Level: If the screw is nestled just above the base level, the appropriate methods involve screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers.
- Base Level: Using superglue and cutting wheels are the best choice if lodged with the base level.
- Medium Height: An elastic rubber band would be ideal for a fastener at a medium height inside. Extractors are also a wise choice.
- Deep Inside: Wood plug cutters should be your first choice if the fastener is lodged deep inside the hole. If you want to avoid destruction, try out alternative methods.
Conclusion
Screws can be real heroes when it comes to building things, but when they get stripped, they become your worst enemy, causing frustration and extra work.
Luckily, there are some clever tricks for getting rid of a stubborn headless screw. In fact, there are now several solutions to this common problem that can be incredibly handy for you in the future.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
