How To Avoid Stripping Screws?

A screw is a versatile fastener, and various workers use it for their job. They hold things together and are even used for tightening jobs. Even now, around us, we will be able to see some screws. But the big problem is when these screw gets stripped. There may be many reasons for this, but this is not good news for the user. So here we have few steps on how to avoid stripping screws.

How To Avoid Stripping Screws In Different Ways

So now we know how hard stripping the screw may get. It’s better to prevent rather than wondering how to remove a stripped screw. So let us see the different methods which are useful in avoiding stripping.

1. The Right Screw

Imagine using the wrong tool for a job and all the errors it would lead. The same is for stripping of the screw too. The main priority is the screw. There are no specific screws that prevent stripping. So make sure to have a screw that is durable and high-quality. Remember to choose the right screw for your job. The thickness and weight of the screw is an essential factor to consider. Make sure the material where the screw is going to rest is also considered while choosing the screw. Silicon bronze and stainless steel are some excellent screw materials. The correct screw will give the user fewer chances of stripping the screw.

2. The Right Tool

The tool used to tighten the screws is very important. The tool should be the right one for the screw that you’re going to work on. If it’s the screwdriver, it should be the right shape as the screw. You can also unscrew it without a screwdriver.

If you’re using a drill to tighten the screw, have the right drill bit. A wrong drill bit or screw shape can strip the screw. Make sure the tool used is compact and easy to use. A tool hard to use can make your work more challenging. This may also lead to the stripping of the screw. If you’re using the screwdriver, have a look at the size and design. The right tool reduces the chance of stripping your screw.

3. Aligning The Tool

Make sure to align with the axis of the screen while working on the screw. So whatever the tool is, hold it in line to the screw. This includes when the process is going on. Sometimes while turning your screws, the angle may change. This may strip the screw you’re working on. Keep the screwdriver or drill straight to the screw while tightening. Again here, the quality of your tools plays a big part too. A high-quality tool will be straightforward to handle. A low-quality one will be tough to handle and may strip the screw.

4. The Force

The force applied to the screw should be perfect for lesser chances of stripping the screw. A bit extra pressure could damage the screw head. This leads to stripping the screw. While using the screwdrivers, don’t push it hard. Keep constant pressure throughout the working process. 

But nowadays, most of us use the drills or impact drivers to tighten the screws. So we should use it well, to make sure it doesn’t strip our screw. Get your bit ready in the impact driver. Remember to keep it aligned straight with the screw throughout the screw. If the driver is powerful, don’t give too much force on the driver. Each screw should get operated with some torque. This prevents them from stripping. Adjust the toque to get accurate and safe work. 

5. Stripping Again

Sometimes after seeing the screw getting stripped, some users may continue tightening. This doesn’t improve the situation in any means, and it makes it tougher. If once we observe the screw stripping, it is better to stop the work immediately. Then check how to work on the situation and then proceed. Tightening a stripped screw is never a good move, and it makes the screw very tough to remove. Observing it at the early stage can make the user remove it very soon. This may reduce further risks.

So, these are few methods to avoid the stripping of the screw. 

How Does A Screw Gets Stripped?

If you’re new to working with screws, this might be a new term. But for experienced people they know how hard when the screw gets stripped. So what happens is the head of the screw gets damaged. The damage will also make the screwdrivers unable to loosen or tighten the screw. There aren’t any specific brand of screws which get stripped. So here are few reasons why your screw gets stripped.

• Wrong screws- There are different types of screws, and each of them isn’t the best for every work. Some maybe even is made up of material of less quality. This may sometimes lead to the screws getting stripped. So make sure the right screw is there according to your need.
• Corrosion- This is a common problem for even many tools and other materials. The screw may get corroded as time passes. This is if it is present in a very wet environment. Corrosion here also includes rust. This is a reason why screws have some extra layer of coatings. If the screw gets corroded, it has a high chance of getting stripped.
• Torque- So, at times, applying too much of torque or rotational force on the screw may get it stripped. This can damage the head of the screw you’re working on. 
• Technique- So, the user can use the wrong technique to work on the screw. If not the right technique, the user may end up stripping the screw. So make sure to use an excellent technique to tighten your screws.
• Drill bit- People who use power drills may need a good drill bit. There are many types of drill bits with different designs. So a wrong drill bit can strip your screws. Even an old or worn-out drill bit can damage the screw.

Removing Stripped Screws

Here are a few tips and methods to remove a stripped screw. Even though your screw gets stripped, any of these methods will help in removing it.

1. A Rubber Band

The rubber band is one easy way to get your stripped screw out. They have enough grip to remove or loosen the stripped screw. Place the rubber band in the middle of the screw and the screwdriver. Apply a slow force and turn the screwdriver along. The rubber band fills in the gap and extracts the screw for the user.

2. The Pro Gabit

They are a unique tool for extracting screws. They are available in different brands in the market. They can even extract broken screws and stripped screws. A portable drill with the Pro Gabit will help the user to remove the stripped screw. The Pro Gabit is affordable, and having one in the garage will save a lot of time. 

3. Pliers

This is the most famous method, and everyone prefers the pliers for extracting a screw. All the user needs to do is get a good pair of pliers. Clamp it to the screw head and start turning it. There is one disadvantage to this method. While removing the screw, it may damage the wood near the place it works. If your screw gets buried inside the wood, this is not the best method to go for.

4. Cutting A Notch

This is a method that is a bit tough to work. If you’re experienced with the power tools, prefer this method. Get a hacksaw and cut a notch in the stripped screw head. Even a Dremel is preferable. Then a slotted screwdriver can remove the stripped screwdriver within a few seconds.

These are few methods to remove your stripped screws. Sometimes your screw might go too much inside the material. It’s better to change the material as working on it may spoil the wood also.

FAQs

Conclusion

The screws getting stripped is not the biggest worry as there are worse scenarios. But following the above tips will keep the user safe from stripping the screws. Even with the best care, if you’re screw strips, make sure to remove it as soon as possible. We hope we have given some useful tips, and your screws will never get stripped again.  Moreover, you can get the best wooden screws to get your work done.