Removing Screw No Head Without Damaging the Screw

Stripped screw heads can be a nightmare for any DIY enthusiast, especially when they’re not easily accessible. They’re not only frustrating, but they’re also costly to replace.

One way to solve this problem is to use a rotary tool to cut a small slot in the head of the screw. That will allow a flat-head screwdriver to fit inside.

1. Drill Bit

Often, you have to remove a screw that has been stripped and no longer has a head. Fortunately, there are a few techniques that can be used to get it out without damaging the screw or the surrounding material.

One option is to use a drill bit. This is a general-purpose tool designed for drilling into wood, softer metals, and plastics.

There are a number of different types of drill bits available on the market, but it is important to choose a bit that is suitable for your specific task. Generally, you should avoid using a bit that is too small as this may damage the screw and the surrounding surface.

Another common option is to use a screw extractor. These tools have two ends – one to drill out the head of the screw and another that bites into the screw and helps loosen it.

2. Pliers

Pliers are essential tools for a variety of tasks, including loosening or tightening bolts, gripping for stability, and removing pins or nails. They also come in a wide range of styles for different applications.

Standard utility pliers, formally called slip-joint pliers, feature relatively flat jaws with teeth for gripping small objects and a rounded, toothed opening for gripping larger items such as bolt heads and nuts. They also have a small scissorlike section that can cut wire.

Another popular plier is the water pump plier, which works on a similar principle as utility pliers but has angled jaws for greater leverage. This design is often used by electricians to bend or twist wires, and some models include an insulated handle for avoiding electrical shock.

Long nose pliers are also commonly available, which have a bent tip that allows them to reach into narrow spaces that regular pliers can’t access. These are often found in the tool kits of carpenters, jewelry makers and electricians.

3. Slotted Screwdriver

Slotted screwdrivers are a standard hand tool used to turn and loosen screws. They provide significant leverage and are often used with fasteners of all sizes.

Several variations are available, including those designed for use with electronic applications, where the insulated shaft and handle protect against electrical shock. They also feature soft grip handles to reduce hand strain when turning and torqueing, and hanging holes for extra security.

Removing a screw without a head requires patience and firm pressure to twist the screw. If it’s made of a soft metal, a wide rubber band may provide enough traction to pull the screw out.

Another option is to drill a small hole in the stripped screw. This gives the screwdriver bit a better grip on the fastener and makes it easier to twist it out of place. This method is a little more time-consuming than other options, but it can work for certain stripped screw jobs.

4. Welding

A welding process is a fabrication method that uses heat or pressure to join two or more pieces of material together. Welding can be used to make metal, plastic or wood joints.

Welding is a high-heat process that melts the base material and typically adds a filler metal to provide structural strength. There are many different types of welding processes, and some are more efficient than others.

One of the easiest ways to remove a screw that doesn’t have a head is by welding it to a piece of metal. This is a simple and safe way to get the screw out without risking further damage to your project.

There are several types of welding, but the most common is the electric arc weld. The electrodes in the arc create an electric field that heats the base metal, melts it, and forms a joint between them as the two cool.