Lowes Releases DIY Guide for Repairing Damaged Screws

Few things are more frustrating than dealing with stripped or broken screws during a DIY project. Whether you're an experienced craftsman or a home improvement novice, these small setbacks can derail your progress. Fortunately, there are practical solutions to help you overcome these challenges and get back to your project.

Before attempting any screw removal techniques, prioritize safety. Always wear protective goggles and gloves, ensure your workspace is clean and well-lit, and use tools properly.

When screw heads become stripped, making it impossible for your driver to grip, try these effective methods:

This simple, low-cost solution can provide enough extra grip to remove a stubborn screw:

• Select a rubber band wide enough to cover the screw head
• Place it flat over the stripped screw head
• Insert your screwdriver firmly, pressing down to make the rubber band fill the head's grooves
• Apply steady pressure while turning counterclockwise to remove the screw

If the screw is partially out or has enough exposed shaft:

• Use locking pliers (preferred), needle-nose pliers, or standard pliers
• Firmly grip the screw head or shaft
• Turn counterclockwise slowly - avoid excessive force to prevent breakage

Specialized extractor sets (available in various sizes) provide professional-grade solutions:

• Drill a pilot hole in the screw center using the recommended bit size
• Switch to the extractor bit and set your drill to reverse
• Apply steady pressure as the extractor bites into the screw, gradually removing it

For severely damaged screws where other methods fail:

• Use a rotary tool with a cutting disc to create a new slot in the screw head
• Make the slot deep enough for a flathead screwdriver
• Turn counterclockwise to remove

When screws break off during installation, these methods can help:

• If part of the screw protrudes:
• Use locking pliers to grip the exposed portion
• Turn counterclockwise slowly

When the break is level with the surface:

• Carefully carve away surrounding material with a utility knife
• Expose enough screw shaft to grip with pliers
• Remove gently

For screws broken below the surface:

• Drill around the screw with a bit slightly larger than the screw diameter
• Use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to remove fragments
• Alternative method: Drill to the screw's end, create guide holes around it, then use a punch to loosen before extraction

• Enlarge the hole to a standard size (e.g., 1/2 inch)
• Insert a matching wood plug or dowel with wood glue
• Sand flush after drying

For invisible repairs:

• Create a custom plug from matching wood (aligning grain direction)
• Glue and insert carefully
• Sand smooth

• Select proper screw types for your material (coarse threads for softwoods, fine for hardwoods)
• Always drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the screw diameter
• Use correctly sized drivers that fully engage screw heads
• Avoid over-tightening - stop when resistance increases
• For long screws (2-1/2 inches+), reduce friction by waxing threads

• Rubber bands can provide crucial extra grip for stripped screws
• Pliers work well for partially exposed screws
• Screw extractors offer professional removal solutions
• Creating new slots can salvage severely damaged screws
• Proper hole repair maintains structural integrity and appearance