Tell me more ×
Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I put a too short screw into the screw hole. I thought this would sort things out. It didn't. Now I cannot get the screw out even though it will turn quite freely with a Phillips screwdriver. Any ideas? Could I superglue another similar sized screw to it, head to head?

share|improve this question
2  
Can you pull or pry on it while you turn it. This usually works for me. If you are screwing into metal and the hole is threaded and the threads are stripping, then this probably won't work though. – decker Feb 26 at 15:14
How much space do you have between the walls of the hole and the circumference of the screw head? – The Evil Greebo Feb 26 at 15:19
1  
What about a magnetic screwdriver bit? – Doresoom Feb 26 at 15:50

2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote

I have found two methods that work for me:

  1. Use plyers instead of screw driver
  2. Use a paint scraper pressed underneath the screw head while you turn the screw with driver. Between the additional friction, and the scraper blade, frequently the screw thread will start to catch, and allow it to back out.
share|improve this answer
1  
another variation of method two is to slip the tip of an utility knife and gently pry up while spinning. Use a light touch, perhaps followed by the aforementioned putty scraper. – HerrBag Feb 26 at 21:02
up vote 0 down vote

I'd just use a piece of ABC (Already Been Chewed) gum to pull the screw out, does it for me every time.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.