How to Remove a Screw With No Head

If you’ve ever worked on DIY projects, chances are that you’ve run into the problem of a screw with no head. It’s a frustrating situation, but there are some simple ways to remove it without damaging the surface more than necessary.

There are many factors that lead to this problem, such as rust and age. It also happens when you use an instrument that is too small for the screw.

Screwdrivers

Screws and screwdrivers come in a variety of sizes, shapes and types. It’s important to understand how to use them before you begin your next project.

A screwdriver amplifies the hand’s turning motion to a small, specially designed tip that is inserted into the head of a fastener (such as a screw). Some tips are interchangeable and have a socket on the end of the shaft.

The handle can be of wood, metal or plastic[1], with a padded grip to reduce hand fatigue. It is often hexagonal, square or oval in cross-section to improve grip and prevent rolling when set down.

Some screwdrivers are made to fit a particular screw for tighter engagement and reduced screw head deformation. Typically, this is done by grinding down the tip of the blade to increase its thickness and decrease its taper. However, this can weaken the blade’s induction-hardened surface.

Rubber bands

If you’ve ever attempted to remove a screw that has no head, you know how difficult and frustrating it can be. Stripped screws turn a simple fix into a nightmare, but there are some tools and tips that can help you get them out.

A common trick that works great is laying a wide rubber band across the top of the stripped screw and pressing it into place. This provides traction and offers a little extra grip to your driver bit, helping you turn the screw loose.

Alternatively, try putting a piece of steel wool into the screw head to create more friction. This works best on screws that aren’t entirely stripped and can also make the process easier if you have a drill on hand to work with.

If you’re still struggling to remove the screw, consider changing out your proper-sized driver bit or screwdriver to one that is slightly larger in diameter. This fills in the void on the screw’s head and can increase friction between the tip of your tool and the stripped threads.

Extractor

When a screw gets stripped and broken, it can be difficult to remove. This happens for a number of reasons, such as oxidation, pressure, and age.

In this case, you’ll need to use an extractor that can help you get rid of the problem quickly and easily. These tools are specially designed to extract bolts and screws without damaging their threads, and they are usually made from durable metals like HSS or alloy steel.

To use them, you need to drill a pilot hole in the damaged screw. This is done with a high-quality metal drill bit that’s a little smaller than the shaft of the screw head.

Next, place the extractor on a T-handle or grip it with locking pliers. The extractor bit will then bite into the screw and back it out. It’s important to do this carefully, so it doesn’t damage the surrounding area.

Wood filler

Wood filler is a type of a resin that can be used to repair cracks and holes in your project. It’s easy to use and can be stained or painted once it has cured.

It is a good idea to test the amount of filler you need before buying it. Clay can be useful for this purpose because it helps you visualize how much material you’ll need to cover the hole.

You should also take into account the depth of the screw hole when choosing a wood filler. A deeper hole will require more filler material to cover it.

In some cases, you might need to sand down the wood surface before applying the filler. This can help it blend in with the surrounding wood better.