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-   -   Removing stripped screws (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=207422)

  • Apr 19, 2008, 06:27 AM
    kbuchholtz
    Removing stripped screws
    Hello. I have to remove screws that are totally stripped from an exterior storm door to replace the door. What is the best way, and tools, to go about doing this?

    Thank you.
  • Apr 19, 2008, 06:54 AM
    RickJ
    Pick up a damaged/stripped screw remover kit from a local hardware store. They're fairly common:
    damaged OR stripped screw remover -
  • Apr 19, 2008, 12:40 PM
    hkstroud
    Are these the wood screws on the exterior of the frame and by "stripped" do you mean that the heads are mucked up? If so these are aluminum and are very soft? That's why the heads are mucked up. Cut the heads of with a hammer and a small wood chisel.
  • Apr 20, 2008, 04:02 PM
    honesthelmer
    If the chisel will not do it try to drill the head off. Start with a small bit to keep the hole centered. You could even pull it with a cats-paw. A grinder will also take the head off and flush up the remainder.
    Happy door hanging.
    Helmer
  • Apr 20, 2008, 04:51 PM
    KISS
    Cut a slot with a Dremel tool.
  • Apr 21, 2008, 04:40 AM
    honesthelmer
    Tha dremel will be a frustration if the screws are indeed the aluminum round heads stroud mentioned. Those do chisel off very easy.
  • Apr 21, 2008, 06:25 AM
    KISS
    Probably true.

    Removing stripped screws is always a frustration.

    I had one interesting removal problem. I had nylon thumbscrews holding in the screen and/or glass in a storm door and the heads of a few were removed. I used one of the "dental-like cutters" to put a small slot in about 10-24 stud. It then removed with a small screwdriver.
  • Apr 21, 2008, 06:53 AM
    honesthelmer
    Very nice. That procedure requires great skill!
  • Apr 21, 2008, 07:40 AM
    KISS
    I'm totally ambedexterous. I can write script left hand, right hand, forward and mirror image.
    I use what hand is convenient

    Thanks for the complement.

    1/4" diameter hole cutters work well when the heads are sheared off and you wand to replace the screw in the same hole.

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