how do you remove stripped screws?
 

How do you remove stripped screws? the ones in the door handle on an exterior door. used to be phillips head, now square. How to remove them? Square bits do not work

I've always found a Dremel tool to be the fastest way to remove stripped screws. Just cut a slot in the screw and use a flathead screwdriver. :)

DM

good idea! I never even thought about that. Thanks!

you can try permatex (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...pound/_/N-2592) to see if you can take the largest slot screwdriver, apply the compound to the screw then lightly hammer in and twist.

otherwise, try one of these back out tools

http://www.amazon.com/Alden-8440P-Gr..._bxgy_hi_img_z

i think ill try the Dremel first, since i already own one, and if it doesnt work ill try your suggestions

Someone just recommended to be to try a rubber band as well. Never got a chance to try it, but sounds like it might be a free option to try before hitting the store.

Stripped screw remover kit.

They do work, when used as directed (follow the instructions carefully).

Example Link: http://howto.homedepot.com/videos/wa...w-Remover.html

Okay problem solved. I tried all of your suggestions, and none of them worked. The remover kit drilled in sideways because of the bulbous handle, it would not drill straight. The Dremel saw just threw sparks everywhere and did not even touch the screw. Permatex didnt work, it just came right off the screw. So eventually i had had enough and i opened the door, got an iron bar, and brought it down on the handle with as much force as i could. Popped right off. I didnt want to do that because i wanted to donate the handle to Restore but oh well. The rest came out with a screwdriver and hammer, and the new one went in easy as pie. The real problem was the strikeplate, the old one was held in with rivets. Since i dont have a drill bit, i had to use my Dremel saw to cut the rivet heads off and pull it off. At least it shuts and locks now. We had several people pull on the other side, the only way someone is getting through that door is to take the wall out.

keep your eyes open for that back out tool during the upcoming black friday sale.

i picked up a craftsman 3 piece set for 5 bucks few years ago. it is one of those tools you will have laying around most of the time, but it is very handy.

good luck with your remodel.

i used the backout tool. It didnt work. thanks for the suggestion though.

Too bad you didn't try the elastic band. Sometimes the simplest solution is overlooked.

It has worked for me numerous times

i did try a rubber band, i just didnt put it in that paragraph. It worked for a couple of seconds, then it started turning instead of the screw. Doesnt matter now, the doorknob has been killed. Unusable.

i drill out the head with a 1/4 " or 3/8 bit then grab the shank with small vice grips then turn it that way

I've had good luck with using a Dremel to cut a slot, but you have to use a cutting wheel, not a saw or metal blade. Using vice grips also works well if there's enough of the screw head sticking out to get a grip with the pliers.

Always been my tool of choice, when nothing else works, hit it with a hammer. If that don't work, get a bigger hammer.:thumbsup:
First seems to really be goin at with that trailer, maybe she needs an entire forum of her own.