If you’ve had your electronics for a while, for example, your laptop, computer, phone, or game console, chances are the screws have stripped away. A stripped screw is when the screw head is damaged and impossible to remove with a screwdriver. Essentially, the plus is spoiled, and the grove is no longer refined enough to hold screwdrivers normally.
This can be caused by using the wrong screwdriver, especially one that is too weak and small. If you have a bare screw on your device then you can remove it using a few methods.
USE A LARGER SCREWDRIVER
If you have stripped screws, the first thing to do is change the screwdrivers. You should try a mixture of both large and small to see if you can grab the screw head with the screwdriver. Make sure to use a screwdriver that is not brittle, unless you can further ruin the stripped screw.
RUBBER BAND
The next thing to do is place a rubber band on the stripped screw to give your screwdriver more grip. The band should be stretched and placed on top of the stripped screw. From here, use a screwdriver to remove the stripped screw.
PLIERS
After using a screwdriver, you should try using pliers to see if you can turn the screw out of place. Make sure to catch the screw on the edges of the tweezers and grip them tightly so that you can turn the screw outward. If you manage to loosen the screw, you can use a screwdriver to remove it.
FLATHEAD SCREWDRIVER
If the screwdriver didn’t work, you can try using a flat head. This can better catch the screwdriver slots, allowing you to remove the stripped screw. You can try different variations of flathead screwdrivers to see if you can pull it out.
ELECTRIC SCREWDRIVER
If using normal screwdrivers has not worked, then you can try using an electric screwdriver. This is more powerful and will grip the screw more tightly. If you still can’t get it out, stop before you damage the stripped screw further.
ROTARY TOOL
If you have a rotary tool, you can use it to create a slot that fits with a flat head screwdriver. Put a cutting disc on your rotary tool before proceeding. Once you’ve attached the disc, make a fine cut in the disc so that you can use a flat head screw to remove it. You want to cut deep enough for the flat head screw to fit into the slot, but not too large for the flat head screw to fit into it.
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