How to remove a stripped recessed retaining screw
Standard methods like flathead screwdrivers, extractor bits, and wrenches often fail on recessed or stubborn fasteners when there is no room for power tools or welding. This prevents routine maintenance like changing brake rotors or dismantling wall fixtures.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Drilling out the screw head
- 2Applying heat carefully
- 3Using a bolt extractor kit
- 4Drilling out the bolt and using a left-handed drill bit
- 5Using a pipe wrench
- 6Using vice grips
- 7Using an impact driver or hand impact with a torx bit
- 8Cutting a slot with a die grinder
- 9Using a chisel or punch and hammer to turn it loose
- 10Using a left-hand twist drill bit or reverse drill bit
- 11Applying penetrating oil like WD-40 or PB Blaster
- 12Apply penetrating oil or PB Blaster and let it soak
- 13Give it light taps with a hammer to break rust
- 14Use a flame wrench or a freezer spray
- 15Increase leverage using a breaker bar or a pipe extension
- 16Ensure the correct direction and exact hex socket size are used
- 17Weld a washer to the bolt then weld a nut to the washer
- 18Look for a mobile welder or mobile mechanic
- 19Using penetrating fluid and letting it rest overnight
- 20Removing the caliper to work on it in a vice
- 21Using vice grips to grab a rounded screw
- 22Replacing the wheel cylinder if the bleeder breaks
- 23Welding a nut onto the broken stub to turn it out
- 24Cutting a slot with a Dremel and using a flathead screwdriver
- 25Using a rotary cutter to cut it off
- 26Drilling out the fastener and using a screw extractor
- 27Using needle-nose vice grips
- 28Replacing the damaged component part entirely
- 29Cutting a slot in the bolt for a flathead bit
- 30Using extractor sockets with penetrating oil
- 31Flattening out the sides with a file to use vice grips
- 32Using a chisel and hammer
- 33Welding a nut or piece of rebar onto the bolt
- 34Using a center punch and hammer to collapse the remaining bolt
- 35Using a reverse threaded bolt extractor
- 36Hammering an Allen head key into the hole to grab and unscrew the remnant
- 37Finishing the helicoil repair despite being off-center and filing the cover hole to fit
- 38Spraying penetrating fluid (PB Blaster) and tapping with a hammer
- 39Using specialized bolt extraction sockets hammered onto the head
- 40Using an angle grinder to cut a slot into the screw head for a flathead screwdriver
- 41Using vise-grip pliers to grip the sides of the fastener
- 42Welding a nut onto the screw head to use a socket wrench
- 43Grab it with vice grips
- 44Use penetrating oil
- 45Weld a nut on top of it
- 46Using an impact screwdriver
- 47Hammering a flat chisel or punch to create a slot or break the rust bond
- 48Using a reverse drill bit
- 49Using a manual impact screwdriver with a hammer
- 50Using a motorized impact wrench
- 51Hammering on a 1 mm smaller 12-point socket
- 52Using specialized 6-point sockets like Snap-on FDX
- 53Grinding the bolt head off or cutting horizontally
- 54Pounding a cheap 12-point socket over the outside of the bolt head
- 55Using a hand-held impact driver to break the bolt loose
- 56Applying valve grinding compound to the bit tip for extra grip
- 57Grab the bottom nut with a skinny 10mm wrench while spinning the top nut off.
- 58Use angled needle nose pliers to grab the bottom nut while using an impact tool to remove the top nut.
- 59Using a heavier mallet or 2lb sledgehammer with an impact driver
- 60Applying penetrating fluid like PB Blaster and letting it sit
- 61Chiseling a groove into the screw head to turn it
- 62Applying heat with a propane or MAPP gas torch
- 63Using a bolt extractor socket and hammering it onto the fastener
- 64Using an air hammer to turn it counter-clockwise
- 65Drilling out the center of the stud with hardened drill bits
- 66Using a holesaw bit
- 67Using a heat torch or induction bolt heater
- 68Grabbing the sleeve with vice grips and using an impact wrench
- 69Cutting the bolt and purchasing a replacement
- 70Welding another nut onto the broken bolt
- 71Buying a salvage replacement part
- 72Removing the entire assembly for better access
- 73Drilling out the bolt and using a torx bit
- 74Using a proper penetrating oil like PB Blaster instead of WD-40
- 75Cutting a slot in the screw head for a flathead screwdriver using a Dremel tool
- 76Using an extractor bit or easy out tool
- 77Using pliers to grab the screw
- 78Applying heat with a torch to the screw head before penetrating oil
- 79using a handheld flathead screwdriver with a tight fit and sharp corners
- 80pushing hard and tapping the screwdriver with a hammer to shock the threads
- 81using a penetrating oil instead of standard WD-40
- 82Try an easy out extractor tool
- 83Soak in penetrating oil like Kroil for a couple of days
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Already tried jamming a flathead screwdriver in it, no go. Tried using extractor bits. It’s recessed so I don’t think I can use a power tool to notch it for a flathead. No welding tools available.”source ↗
“Any tips to remove these? Hit em with the impact screwdriver set from harbor freight but it just twisted the bit. Also hit em with the first setting on a mid-torque m18 fuel Milwaukee impact and still didn’t budge (that’s what broke the bit on the last pic).”source ↗
“The frame appears to be one piece of this lron security door. I’m fed up with it at my rental property. The tabs seem too big for a flat head screwdriver.”source ↗
“I bought a 1987 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT off marketplace and I neglected to notice the rounded bolt below.”source ↗
“Overall, the bolt is like butter so every attempt has just rounded it off more or mutilated it further.”source ↗
“I'm trying to remove the rotor retaining screws on a 2012 Hyundai Elantra.”source ↗
“The screws won't budge. They are stripping.”source ↗
“I have tried putting the lug nuts back on to relieve pressure off the screws, using a manual impact driver with a deadbolt hammer, and WD-40.”source ↗
“This is a screw on a 2014 honda crv rotor”source ↗
“What are the other choices I have? It's an M18 grade 10.9 pinch bolt holding the shock absorber to the knuckle on an E46 BMW. I tried welding a nut to the other side but that broke off as well.”source ↗
“I accidentally torqued a bolt in my intake to 82 ft. Lb instead of 82-in lb and broke it clean off. You'll think I'll be able to remove this?? My pliers nor alligator clips can clip it”source ↗
“that top nut is free spinning and won’t tighten or come off, it just free spins.”source ↗
“This front leaf spring bolt is fused to the metal sleeve that was inside the bushing.”source ↗
“I've soaked it in PB blaster overnight with no luck.”source ↗
“I’ve tried pb blaster and putting heat to it but now I can’t get a socket or wrench to hold it.”source ↗
“Due to the uneven nature of the break, sub surface, I failed to perfectly center it. Now the top portion of bolt is gone, but a crescent shaped lower part remains.”source ↗
“I tried to knock it over and collapse it onto itself with a small punch and a hammer, but the bolt’s remaining part is too strong. Naturally, a reverse threaded bolt extractor failed.”source ↗
“I used a center punch. Problem was the surface of the broken bolt was uneven. I thought I had it centered, but apparently not. I am an amateur as is apparent.”source ↗
“I used an impact wrench on my nuts that attach my ac lines to the drier and apparently when installing I over did it to the point I can’t loosen or tighten either nut.”source ↗
“I got one out. The other is stripping.”source ↗
“Looking for some insight on how to remove what is left of these bolts.”source ↗
“Appreciate the thought don’t have access to a welder”source ↗
“I've been trying to get this torx screw off my rotor for hours. It's seized and rounded.”source ↗
“This is my first time working on my car so I dont have a lot of tools.”source ↗
“I have broke a lug nut in half on my 2000 ram 2500. I was wondering if anyone has tips or tricks to remove the bottom of the lug nut.”source ↗
“I removed the battery from my housemates Fiat 500 but the bolt that holds the battery strap bracket down sheared.”source ↗
“I’m trying to remove this very rusty screw, but it’s completely stuck, WD-40 didnt do anything,”source ↗
“Trying to remove this nut attached to a wall but it’s not budging AT ALL. I’ve used a wrench, t handle, attachments for drill etc to remove it.”source ↗
“Previous person or mechanic has rounded off the rear caliper bolt which I physically have tried everything to remove. Due to the brake line I have no space to be able to wedge on a 9mm socket to try get it off.”source ↗
“I’ve tried heating the bolt, putting on a 10mm spanner with padding but I just cannot get to it.”source ↗
“One of the t30 bolts on the cam bearing caps is slightly rounded. It’s really not that bad, but i can tell that my socket bit is not going to grip it.”source ↗
“the top nut free spins on its own. The bottom nut stays secure so that won’t fix it.”source ↗
“this damn water pump bolt snapped I’ve already tried the weld a nut on it and it won’t come out. It snapped flush to the block.”source ↗
“I’m trying to remove this very rusty screw, but it’s completely stuck, WD-40 didnt do anything,”source ↗
“Ive spent hours trying to remove the rear brake bleeder screw on a 2001 Ram 3500.”source ↗
“I have tried all the socket sizes below and cannot get a fit I feel comfortable turning hard enough without breaking it even after alot of penetration fluid.”source ↗
“If there’s a special kit or tool worth a try, I need to try anything before towing it to a mechanic.”source ↗
“I’m an idiot and just broke a bolt off in my new strut mount. What’s the best way to proceed?”source ↗
“Trying to change transfer case fluid in my Astro. I was able to get the fill plug out easily but the drain plug is stripping.”source ↗
“I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota with a broken lug nut. I tried an extractor socket and it sheared the lug nut and left about 1/4 of it on the stud. What’s the best way to drill it out without harming the rim?”source ↗
Where this came up
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