Fixing Loose Screw Head: Tips And Tricks

If you're dealing with a loose screw head, there are several methods you can use to tighten it. One option is to use a larger screw, but this may not always be possible, especially if you're working with a hinge. Another approach is to fill in the screw hole with toothpicks, wood shims, or a golf tee, along with some glue. This will provide something for the screw to grip onto and allow you to tighten it. If you're looking to remove a stripped screw, you can try using a different screwdriver, a rubber band over the screw head, duct tape, pliers, or tapping the screw with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer.

What to do if a screw head is loose

Try a different screwdriver

If you're trying to remove a screw with a stripped head, a different screwdriver might do the trick. Try using a screwdriver that's a different style or a larger size than the screw to get a better grip on it. For example, if you're trying to remove a stripped Phillips-head screw, opt for a screwdriver with a slightly larger bit, or switch to a flathead screwdriver since it can fit into the slots better. If you're using a screwdriver bit in a drill, try unscrewing with the next largest bit size to get a better grip. Ensure that you're using a screwdriver or driving bit that's the right size for the screw.

If you're trying to tighten a screw that won't stop turning, you might need to fill in the screw hole, which is too big. You can use wood glue or E6000 glue along with toothpicks, a golf tee, or a shim to fill in the hole.

Place a rubber band over the screw head

If you're dealing with a loose screw head, one simple and economical solution is to use a rubber band and a screwdriver to solve the problem. Here's how to do it:

First, choose a rubber band that is wider than the screw head. It needs to be wide enough to cover the opening in the screw head. If the rubber band is too small, it won't fill the space in the opening, and you won't be able to get a good grip on the screw threads with your screwdriver.

Next, position the rubber band over the screw head. Press part of the rubber band flat against the screw head and hold it firmly in place. Make sure you have a good grip and can keep the rubber band steady while you work. If needed, reposition the item with the screw to give yourself easier access.

Now, push your screwdriver through the rubber band and into the screw head. Ensure that the rubber band goes inside the opening of the screw head, moulding with the screw threads to create leverage for the screwdriver. Hold the screwdriver steady and maintain firm pressure so that the rubber band fits against the threads. Be careful not to break through the rubber band.

Finally, turn the screwdriver counterclockwise to remove the screw. Work slowly, as the screw will still be difficult to turn. While maintaining firm pressure on the rubber band, gradually turn it. You should feel the screw begin to turn and come loose. If necessary, reposition the rubber band and continue working until you can remove the screw.

If the rubber band tears or the screwdriver penetrates it, move the rubber band so you can use an unbroken section. Even if you do everything right, you may not succeed at removing the screw this way. If that happens, try using other tools, such as a drill, or consider drilling or cutting deeper into the screw to gain more leverage.

Use pliers to grip a raised screw head

If the screw head is loose, you can try using pliers to grip it and turn it counterclockwise. Before attempting this, check that there is some space between the screw head and the surface it is attached to, as the pliers will need room to grip the screw head. If there is no space, you may need to try a different method to loosen the screw first.

When using pliers, open the pliers and grip the sides of the screw head firmly. Be careful to ensure that the pliers do not slip off the screw head as you turn it. Keep turning the screw counterclockwise until it can be removed completely. If the pliers are slipping, try filing the sides of the screw head to make them flatter, which should give the pliers a better grip.

Specialist screw removal pliers can also be purchased, which have vertical serrations that grip the screw head at several points. These pliers are especially useful for screws with exotic heads that do not fit a standard screwdriver.

Tap the screw with a flathead screwdriver and hammer

If you're dealing with a loose screw, you can try tapping the screw with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, place the tip of a flathead screwdriver on the top of the screw head. Make sure the screwdriver is the correct size and fits snugly into the screw head. This technique works best with soft metal screws.

Next, take your hammer and lightly tap the end of the screwdriver handle 2-3 times. This will help the screwdriver dig into the screw head, creating a new slot. Be careful not to use too much force when tapping, as you don't want to damage the screw further.

Once you've tapped the screwdriver into the screw head, try turning the screw to see if you can loosen it. Keep the screwdriver in place and apply a gentle force to turn the screw in the appropriate direction. If the screw is rusty, you may want to spray a rust penetrant before tapping to help break apart any corrosion.

If the screw still doesn't budge, you can try applying downward pressure while turning the screwdriver. Additionally, you can try using a screwdriver with a slightly larger head to get a better grip on the screw.

Remember to work carefully and wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses, when using tools like hammers and screwdrivers.

Use a screw extractor

If you're dealing with a loose screw head, a screw extractor can be a handy tool to have in your kit. Screw extractors are specialty drill bits with one end that cuts and one end that bites into the metal, allowing you to grip and remove the screw. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a screw extractor:

Step 1: Put on Safety Gear

Before you start, it's important to prioritise your safety. Put on a pair of thick safety glasses made with polycarbonate lenses to protect your eyes from any sharp metal shavings that may be created during the extraction process.

Step 2: Mark the Screw

Take a centre punch, which is a cylindrical piece of metal with a pointed end, and align its tip with the centre of the screw head. Then, gently tap the other end of the punch with a hammer to create a small indentation. This indent will serve as a guide for your drill bit, helping to prevent slipping.

Step 3: Drill into the Screw

Select a drill bit that is slightly narrower than the screw head and attach it to your drill. Place the drill bit into the indentation you just made and carefully drill straight down into the screw head. Drill to a depth of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (0.32-0.64 cm). If your screw extractor has a cutting end, you can use that instead of a separate drill bit. This end will create a divot in the screw head for the extractor to grip.

Step 4: Insert the Screw Extractor

Now it's time to use the screw extractor. Place the pointed, threaded end of the extractor into the hole you just drilled. If your extractor has a tap handle, attach it and turn the extractor counterclockwise by hand. Alternatively, you can use a wrench to turn the extractor. If your extractor is designed to fit into a drill, simply insert it into the drill and drill in reverse. Keep twisting the extractor counterclockwise until the screw is completely removed.

Step 5: Use Penetrating Oil for Stubborn Screws

If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn screw, you can use penetrating oil to make the extraction process easier. Apply a drop of penetrating oil onto the screw head and around the threads. This will help to loosen the screw, making it easier for the extractor to grip and remove it.

Remember to work slowly and carefully when using a screw extractor to avoid damaging your tools or the surrounding materials. With these steps, you'll be able to effectively remove loose or stripped screws using a screw extractor.

Frequently asked questions