To remove the screw, few gadgets work better than an inexpensive screw extractor bit. But what if you don’t happen to have an extractor bit on hand? Fortunately, there are a number of options for removing that stripped screw. All of these methods use basic tools or materials that you may already have on hand around the house or shop—drill bits, pliers, steel wool, and even abrasive powder or rubber bands. Even old drill bits that have become worn down are worth trying. These bits have a flatter tip, so they add more surface area. Often, the hole helps your driver bit sink just far enough into the screw so that it can grip better. If that doesn’t work, it’s sometimes helpful to leave the rubber band intact (uncut) and to try turning the screw out through two layers of rubber.
