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How To Remove A Stripped Screw From A Laptop?
If you ever find yourself trying to remove a stripped screw from your laptop, then there’s a simple solution. You can use a pair of pliers to grab the stripped screw and pull it off. But if you’d rather avoid using pliers, then you should try using a special stripping screw remover.
A stripping screw remover works by grabbing the stripped screw and pulling it out of its hole. These tools are available online or at hardware stores. Some models work well for a wide range of sizes and types of screws. Others are specifically made for certain types of screws.
Once you’ve found a stripping screw remover that works for you, then you can easily remove any stripped screws from your laptop. And once you’ve removed the stripped screw, you won’t have to worry about losing it again!
1. Screw Extractor
If you’re trying to fix a stripped screw yourself, then you might want to try using a screw extractor instead. Screw extractors are a special style double-sided drill bit that helps you remove stripped screws. You start by drilling a small pilot hole in the spot where the stripped screw was located. Once you’ve drilled the pilot hole, you switch to the right-angled end of the drill bit and gently tap the screw out.
To avoid destroying the screw, choose the correct size of screw extractor. Also, make sure to use the correct drill bit. Choose the bit that is just large enough to remove the evidence of the Phillips’s head. And finally, make sure to use a slow speed when tapping the screw out. Otherwise, you risk damaging the screw or stripping the threads further.
2. Use ScrewGrab
This is a great tip for anyone who needs to tighten a lot of screws. You can apply a little bit of screw grab before tightening the screw to give yourself a better hold on the screw. This is especially helpful if you have trouble getting the screw tight enough without stripping the threads.
Perez recommends using a couple of drops of screw grab in the screw hole before tightening the screw. He says that it makes it easier to turn the screwdriver, giving you a better grip. And it also works well for smaller, delicate screws like those found on laptops and phones.
3. Rubber Band
This tip comes courtesy of our friend Perez. He suggests using a rubber band to remove stripped screws. You can find rubber bands at any hardware store. And if you’re lucky enough to have a strip of metal around your house, you might be able to use that instead.
Another option is to use a steel wool pad. Steel wool pads come in various sizes and shapes. Find one that fits the size of the screw hole and place it over the screw head. Then use a screwdriver or a drill driver on top of the steel wool. The steel wool should fill in voids and add extra grip.
Finally, there’s a handyman trick called “the rubber band method”. You can use a rubber band to loosen stripped screws. Place the rubber band over the head of the screw, then use a screwdriver or drill driver on top. The rubber band should fill in voids, giving the tool more grip.
4. Tap The Screwdriver With A Hammer
This tip comes from Perez Hilton, a celebrity blogger, and TV host. He says that tapping the screwdriver into the head of the screw with a hammer can sometimes work. But he warns that it doesn’t always work, so you might end up stripping the screw completely.
So instead of trying to force the screwdriver into the hole, try gently tapping the butt of the screwdriver into the head of the screwed until it starts to loosen. You may need to repeat this process multiple times before you finally get the screw loose.
But if you do manage to strip the screw, you should still be able to fix it by using a little bit of WD40 or penetrating oil. Just apply a small amount of the product directly onto the stripped screw and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then carefully pull the screw out of its hole.
5. Use A Larger Driver Bit
A larger driver bit makes it easier to strip screws from laptops. You may think that using a smaller driver bit would work fine, but it won’t. Using a small driver bit can lead to stripped threads or broken bits.
Using a larger driver bit helps prevent stripping screws and breaking bits. Plus, using a larger driver bit gives you more leverage when trying to remove stubborn screws.
To find the right size driver bit, measure the diameter of the screw head. Then, multiply that number by 1/2. For example, a 5/16-inch screw head should be measured at 6 inches. Multiply that by 1/2, giving us 3 inches. That’s how big the driver bit needs to be.
Once you know the correct size, buy a driver bit that fits those specifications. And remember, a larger driver bit makes it faster and easier to strip laptop screws!
6. Use Different Screwdrivers
Sometimes, removing a screw will cause the screw itself to strip out. You may be able to stop this from happening by using a slightly larger screwdriver grip or changing the size of the screwdriver. But if that doesn’t work, there are other options available.
A flathead screwdriver works well for stripping screws. Flathead simpler screwdrivers are usually found on the end of a handle, rather than on the side. They come in various lengths and widths. Choose one that’s long enough to reach the screw without bending or flexing the shaft.
Another option is to use a Philips head electric screwdriver instead of a flathead screwdriver. Philips head screwdrivers are generally found on the side of the handle. They come in varying lengths and widths. Again, choose a length that fits comfortably in your hand.
But sometimes, a screw will be completely stripped. And if that happens, you may need to resort to using pliers to pull it out.
7. Locking Pliers
There’s nothing worse than losing screws. You know how important those little pieces of metal are. But if you lose a screw, you might be stuck without one forever. Luckily, there’s a solution. Locking Pliers are specially designed for removing stubborn screws.
To use locking pliers, simply grip the pliers tightly around the screw head so that they’re locked and twisted counterclockwise to remove it. If the hole is too deep to grip with pliers or if the screw is too long to fit through the hole, use a flat-headed screwdriver to push down on the wood around the screw until you find a place where you can get a good grip. Once you have a firm hold, pull the pliers away from the wood. Then carefully unscrew the screw.
8. New Slot
Cutting slots into screws isn’t a great idea. You run the risk of damaging the surrounding material and causing further problems down the line. But if you have to, then try using a rotary cutting tool. Or if you have a small hacksaw, then you can cut a slot across the head of the screw.
But before you start hacking away at the screw, make sure you know how to remove the old screw. Otherwise, you might end up breaking the part completely. And if you don’t know how to remove the screw, then you should probably leave it alone until you find someone else who does.
9. Penetrating Oil Spray
WD-40 is great for getting laptop screws out of tight spots. But sometimes it doesn’t work. And sometimes it takes a long time to loosen a stubborn screw. Here’s how to fix it.
First, make sure the screw isn’t stuck to the metal frame of the computer. Then, heat the screwdriver blade until it starts to glow red hot. Next, apply pressure to the screwdriver tip against the screw head. Wait for a minute or two and then pull the screw out.
This method may seem extreme, but it works. Try it out and see if it helps you get those pesky laptop screws loose faster.
10. Dremel
If you’re going to strip screws off laptops, then you might as well make them easier to remove. Creating slots in the heads of stripped screws is a great way to make it easier to unscrew them. You can use a hacksaw or a cutting disc with a drill attachment. But if you’re looking for a faster and more efficient way to strip screws, then try using a Dremel instead.
A Dremel is a handheld rotary tool used for carving and engraving. It’s ideal for stripping broken screws. Just insert a thin blade into the hole where the stripped screw was, and slowly turn the handle until the screw comes free.
Stripping screws with a Dremel is a lot quicker and less messy than using a hacksaw or a drill. And since you’re only removing the stripped part of the screw, there’s no risk of damaging the surrounding material. Plus, you can keep the remaining screw intact.