How to Repair Stripped Wood Screws

Repairing a woodworking project in which you have stripped wood screws can seem like a daunting task. However, you can remove stripped screws with the right tools and replace them, allowing you to successfully complete the project. Leaving stripped wood screws in place looks unattractive. Additionally, leaving a stripped screw prevents ease of replacement on items such as hinges, knobs and latches. Failing to drill a pilot hole, using a screwdriver that does not fit, and a high-torque setting on a screw gun are all common causes for stripped wood screws.

Things You'll Need

• Screw-removal kit
• Drill
• Screw gun
• Pilot-hole bit
• Wood screws 1/4-inch longer than stripped screws

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Insert the drill bit from the screw-removal kit into the drill. Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the center of the stripped screw head.

   • 2

     Tighten the extractor tip from the removal kit into the screw gun. Set the screw gun to reverse. Align the extractor tip over the hole in the screw head. Unscrew the stripped screw.

   • 3

     Drill a pilot hole as deep as the replacement screw is long into the wood where you removed the stripped screw. This will prevent the replacement screw from stripping.

   • 4

     Drive a replacement wood screw into the pilot hole with a screw gun.

   • 5

     Repeat steps 1 through 4 for any additional stripped wood screws.