Whether you forgot to drill a pilot hole or drove a screw too quickly, nothing puts a stop to your woodworking project faster than a screw with stripped head. Fortunately, there’s a smooth and efficient way to deal with this frustrating problem. All you need are a few tools and supplies, all of which are reasonably-priced and sold at any local home improvement or hardware store in your neighborhood.

Continue reading to review a basic guide to removing stripped screws from wood.

Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors 317-454-3612

How to Manage a Stripped Screw Head

Tools and Supplies You Will Need:

✏ Drill
✏ Screw Extractor Set
✏ Long-Nose Locking Pliers

For Screw Heads Above Wood:

Clamp your locking pliers onto the screw, positioning them as close to the wood as possible.

Once you have a solid grip, use the pliers to gently turn the screw counterclockwise. Be gentle to avoid snapping off the screw head.

You can use a piece of cardboard to place around screw to prevent any accidental scratching.

For Screw Heads Level With or Below Wood:

For screw heads that are flush with the wood surface or slightly below, you will need to use your screw extractor set.

Using your drill, make a 1/8 inch deep hole in the top of the screw head. It should be large enough to accept the largest screw extractor that will fit the head.

Position the extractor into the hole you drilled, and then slowly turn it counterclockwise and press down until you feel the extractor threads catch.

Slowly turn the extractor to wind the screw out just enough to where you can grab it with your gripping pliers.

How to Prevent Stripped Screw Heads

☑ For screws 2 1/2 inches or longer, rub the heads with candle wax or beeswax to reduce friction.

☑ Do not forget to drill pilot holes for your screws.

☑ Choose a drill set that lets you drill pilot holes in multiple sizes to match your screws.

☑ Drill larger pilot holes for hardwoods to avoid splitting.

☑ Always choose the proper screws for your project.

When in Doubt or Over Your Head

If you have a home improvement project you’ve been waiting to get done, consider professional home remodeling services for outstanding results in a convenient time frame. Need a deck built? Or perhaps some drywall installed? These are the types of services that are better performed by a licensed contractor who retains the proper tools, training, and skills to deliver responsible work and professional results.

Do you need some drywall renovations at home or work? Contact Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable handyman repair and general contracting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We perform commercial work too!

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Drywall Repair

A small hole is a simple and quick repair when it comes to drywall. The first step to the repair process is to purchase your needed supplies. So start by making a trip to your local hardware store or home goods store. There, you can find all the supplies you need for drywall repair projects. Pick up some good-quality spackling paste and a putty knife. When it comes to spackle, choose a non-shrinking paste for projects like this. Next, find a clean cloth or towel and a source of clean water. And be sure to wear an apron or old shirt before getting started. Here are the basic steps for patching a small hole in drywall with these tools and supplies:

1. Apply a Marble-Sized Amount of Spackling Paste (or less) to the Putty Knife
2. Administer a Small Amount of Spackle to the Hole
3. Steadily Smooth Out the Paste with the Putty Knife
4. Smooth Out Edges of Paste to Camouflage Perfectly with the Wall
5. Use a Warm Rag to Wipe Off Excess Paste Around the Patch
6. If an Error Occurs, Start Over with a Bit More Spackle Paste
7. Allow Paste and Patch to Dry Overnight
8. Repaint if Necessary

For “golf ball-sized” holes or larger, different tools and supplies are needed, as well as, a separate set of patching instructions. Stay tuned for that information next week! Or call an Indianapolis Drywall Repair contactor for information, advice, and assistance, today.

Restoration By L&B

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What to Do if You Strip a Screw Head