Removing Stripped Screws

-Old cabinets in bathrooms or kitchens frequently have stripped screws. Due to the age and wear on the screws, it is impossible to get a good grip on the screw with your screwdriver. There are several solutions:

-You could use a vise-grip if the screw heads are protruding enough for a good grip.

-You might try to cut a new slot or deeping the existing slot of the stripped screw by using a dremmel tool or by using a disc cutter. (Follow manufacturer's safety recommendations regarding proper eye safety glasses, etc.)

-If the screws have been painted, then you might try cleaning out the groove in order to get a good grip.

-I haven't tried this, but it looks promising: search for "4grabit" on google for a useful tool for stripped screws.

-Finally, you might try loosening the screws by hammering a phillips screwdriver into the screw and rocking it.

-Stripped screws can be annoying in old bathroom cabinet hinges, kitchen cabinet hinges, and myriad other applications. You can get them out, though!

Former builder and instructor of "Save Time and Money in Home Remodeling" cont. ed. course at Emory University