What are stripped screws?
If you’ve ever encountered a stripped screw, you know how irritating they can be. Stripped screws occur when the head of the screw becomes damaged, making it difficult to turn or remove. The most common cause of stripping is applying excessive force or using the wrong type of screwdriver bit.
What tools do you need?
Before attempting to screw in a stripped bolt, gather the following tools:
- A pair of pliers with a flat head
- A hammer
- A rubber band or an elastic band
How to screw in a stripped bolt:
Follow these simple steps to master the art of threading stripped screws:
- Step 1: Assess the situation
Examine the stripped bolt and determine the extent of the damage. If the screw is not completely stripped, it may still be salvageable using the following method. - Step 2: Prepare the pliers
Insert the flat head of the pliers into the stripped groove of the bolt, ensuring a secure grip. Make sure the pliers are tightly closed to avoid slipping during the next step. - Step 3: Apply pressure
While holding the pliers firmly in place, gently apply pressure in a counterclockwise direction and attempt to unscrew the bolt. It’s crucial to maintain a steady and controlled force to prevent damage to the surrounding area. - Step 4: Use the rubber band trick
If the pliers alone are not sufficient, wrap a rubber band or elastic band around the stripped head of the bolt. This added grip can significantly increase your chances of successfully turning the bolt, as it fills in the gaps caused by the stripping. Once again, apply counterclockwise pressure with the pliers and continue turning. - Step 5: Strike with a hammer (as a last resort)
Should all else fail, you can resort to a final technique. Place the rubber band on the stripped head and firmly press the hammer against the band. Then, while maintaining pressure with the hammer, attempt to turn the bolt using the pliers. This method can provide the necessary torque to loosen even the most stubborn stripped screws.
Now that you’ve successfully threaded the stripped bolt, remember that prevention is always better than cure. Make sure to use the correct screwdriver bit and apply moderate force when tightening or loosening screws to avoid future stripping incidents.
Don’t let stripped screws get the best of you! With a few simple tools and techniques, you can easily tackle this frustrating problem. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you’ll become a master of threading stripped screws in no time.
If you found this article helpful, let us know in the comments below. Happy screwing!