When working on a project, encountering a screw that keeps turning without coming loose can be a frustrating obstacle. This situation often arises when the threads on the screw or the material it is attached to have stripped, making it difficult to remove the screw using conventional methods. Understanding the right tools and techniques can help you successfully extract the problematic screw without causing further damage to your project. This guide will walk you through how to get out a screw that keeps turning.

Common Causes of a Screw That Keeps Turning

1. Stripped Threads: One of the most common causes of a screw that keeps turning is stripped threads, either on the screw itself or in the material it’s screwed into. This occurs when the threads lose their grip, failing to engage properly.
2. Worn or Damaged Screw Head: A damaged screw head, whether due to over-tightening or using the wrong tools, can cause the driver to slip, preventing effective removal.
3. Soft or Weak Base Material: If the material into which the screw is fastened is too soft or has degraded over time, it may no longer provide enough resistance for the screw to unscrew effectively.
4. Misalignment During Installation: A screw that was installed at an incorrect angle may have compromised threads, making it difficult to remove cleanly.
5. Corrosion or Rust: Over time, exposure to moisture and environmental conditions can lead to corrosion or rust. This can weaken the screw’s structural integrity and cause it to spin without coming out.

Importance of Resolving the Issue Without Damaging

Addressing a screw that keeps turning without causing damage is crucial to preserving the integrity of both your project and the surrounding materials. For instance, forcing the removal of a problematic screw with excessive pressure or using improper tools can further strip the threads or even damage the base material. This not only complicates the repair but may also require time-consuming and costly fixes, such as replacing entire components or reinforcing weakened areas. Ensuring a careful and methodical approach allows you to maintain the structural soundness and aesthetic quality of your project while efficiently resolving the issue.

10 Methods How to Get Out a Screw that Keeps Turning

1. Insert a Wooden Matchstick or Toothpick

When a screw keeps turning and fails to grip, it may be because the threads have stripped and cannot catch the material. A simple method to fix this involves inserting a wooden matchstick or a toothpick into the stripped hole. To use this method, take one or more wooden matchsticks and break them so that they fit snugly into the hole. The wooden pieces will fill the void left by the stripped threads and provide enough friction to allow the screw to bite into the material again. This technique works well for screws in soft materials such as wood or drywall.

2. Use a Larger Screw

In some cases, the screw simply may be too small for the hole it’s supposed to anchor. When the threads are stripped, but the hole hasn’t expanded too much, replacing the screw with a larger one is a quick and effective solution. This works best when you can still use the same material and don’t want to replace it entirely. Choose a screw that is slightly larger in diameter but of the same length. When installing the new screw, make sure it fits tightly into the hole. The new screw will have more surface area to grip onto and prevent it from spinning.

3. Apply Thread Locker or Glue

If a screw keeps turning due to the material around it being too loose, using thread locker or glue can help secure it. Thread locker (like Loctite) is specifically designed to bond threads, preventing them from loosening over time due to vibration or movement. To use this method, first remove the screw and clean both the screw threads and the hole of any dirt, grease, or other debris. Apply a small amount of thread locker to the screw threads, then reinsert it and tighten. Allow the thread locker to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have thread locker, superglue or epoxy can also work for a semi-permanent fix, especially for lighter-duty applications.

4. Use a Screw Extractor Tool

A screw extractor tool is designed specifically for removing screws that are stripped, stuck, or otherwise damaged. These tools usually consist of a reverse-threaded bit that grips the screw tightly as you turn it counterclockwise. To use this method, first drill a small pilot hole in the center of the screw head. The size of the drill bit should match the screw extractor tool’s requirements. After drilling, insert the screw extractor into the hole and turn it counterclockwise using a wrench or drill. The reverse threads will bite into the screw, allowing it to be removed.

5. Fill the Hole with Epoxy

For stripped holes that won’t grip a screw, filling the hole with epoxy is a more permanent solution. Epoxy resin can restore the hole’s structure and allow you to drive a screw back in securely. To use this method, clean the hole thoroughly and mix the epoxy according to the instructions on the packaging. Fill the hole with epoxy resin, ensuring it completely covers the stripped area. Allow the resin to cure for the recommended amount of time until it becomes solid. Once the epoxy is set, drill a new pilot hole in the center of the filled area.

6. Wrap the Screw in Teflon Tape

If the screw is spinning due to loose threads, wrapping the screw in Teflon tape can help improve the grip. Teflon tape, commonly used in plumbing, works by adding a thin layer of material that provides extra friction and fills gaps between the screw threads and the hole. To use this method, simply wrap a layer or two of Teflon tape around the screw threads before inserting it. This additional layer helps the screw to grab onto the material more effectively, securing it in place.

7. Insert a Plastic Anchor

Plastic anchors are useful for screws that are placed into drywall, plaster, or other soft materials. These anchors help to distribute the load and prevent the screw from turning freely. If the screw is spinning because the hole is too large, removing the screw and installing a plastic anchor can solve the problem. To use this method, remove the spinning screw and insert the plastic anchor into the hole. You may need to slightly widen the hole to fit the anchor. Once the anchor is in place, insert the screw into the anchor and tighten it.

8. Use a Washer or Shim

In some cases, the screw might keep turning due to an excessive gap between the screw head and the surface. Using a washer or shim can bridge the gap and allow the screw to tighten properly. A washer can be placed between the screw head and the material, which distributes the load evenly and prevents the screw from loosening. Similarly, a shim, which is a thin piece of material, can fill in uneven spaces around the screw to improve its fit.

9. Re-drill the Hole

When the screw hole has been worn or stripped out too much for any of the above fixes to work, re-drilling the hole to restore a fresh surface is a viable solution. First, remove the screw and assess the size of the hole. Using a drill bit slightly larger than the screw, carefully drill out the existing hole to a deeper or larger size. Once the hole is clear, insert a dowel or wood filler if necessary to fill the hole. After the filler has cured, drill a new pilot hole and reinsert the screw. This method works well for wood and other materials where you can fill the hole and start fresh.

10. Replace with a Bolt and Nut

For situations where the screw cannot achieve a secure hold, replacing it with a bolt and nut combination is a highly effective solution. This is particularly useful for situations involving metal or when the screw is intended to bear a heavy load. To do this, remove the existing screw and drill through the material to fit the bolt. Insert the bolt through the hole and secure it with a nut on the opposite side. Tighten both the bolt and the nut to ensure a secure fit. This method provides much more holding power than a screw alone and is ideal for heavy-duty applications where a screw won’t work.

Conclusion

Dealing with stripped or malfunctioning screws can be frustrating, but with the right techniques and tools, it’s a manageable issue. From simple fixes like using a rubber band or Teflon tape to more robust solutions like epoxy filling or replacing the screw with a bolt and nut, there’s a solution for almost every scenario. Identifying the cause of the problem and selecting the appropriate method ensures the repair is secure and durable. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to get out a screw that keeps turning! We hope you found it helpful and informative.