The shower faucet handle comes with multiple screws, so when you want to repair it, the screws need to be removed.
But when these screws get stripped, you cannot get a proper grip, and unscrewing those little devils becomes the greatest challenge even for a skilled DIYer.
So, if you want to know how to remove a stripped screw from a shower faucet, then read on to find out the many different ways of doing it from this DIY guide.
How to Remove a Stripped Screw Head from a Shower Faucet Handle
There are many ways you can remove stripped screws, and some of them are actually relatively easy.
These methods will only need some household stuff. However, they do not always guarantee to remove the screw. But it is better to start with them. Because if it works, you’re saved from working harder.
1. Use a Flat Head Screwdriver
We all know that the vast majority of screws being used in households have either Phillips head or Allen head. If the faucet screw stuck is Phillips, then try reaching for your handy flathead screwdriver.
Usually, flathead screwdrivers are narrow enough to get fit into the Phillips screw. By pressing hard, you might be able to dig into the head of the screw. Try different positions to get a grip on the screw-head by angling it.
Press the flathead screwdriver hard on the screw when you feel a grip and turn it counterclockwise. This will hopefully loosen the screw. This method works best when the screw isn’t too tightly fit into the hole.
2. Use a Hammer
Using a hammer works well to remove stripped screws as well. Especially when the screw is made of soft metal, the hammer is more likely to permeate its head. This will allow a greater grip than before.
You’ll also need a manual screwdriver or an impact driver. Using an impact driver will probably work better since this manual tool is excellent for removing threaded screws.
Start by ensuring there isn’t any loose dirt or debris on the screw head. Place the impact driver or the manual screwdriver on the screw-head. Then provide a few taps with the hammer on the handle end of the screwdriver.
When you think it has set to the screw, strike it with the hammer several times till it sets deeper into the screw’s head. Now you have enough grip to turn the screw and remove it from the shower faucet.
3. Use Pliers
You probably didn’t expect to see the word pliers in the “how to remove stuck shower handle screw” article. However, you can’t apply pliers unless you see at least a tiny bit of screw-head above the surface.
So, the trick is to use a flathead screwdriver first to bring the screw-head slightly above the surface and then apply the pliers to get the grip of the screw and pull it out. Although this method will require some hard work, it works great in the end.
4. Use a Bigger Screwdriver
When you use a bigger screwdriver on a smaller stripped screw, it distributes the pressure across more area on the screw’s head.
For this method to work, you’ll need to push the bigger screwdriver towards the screw and rotate it with force. The screw will begin to turn slowly at first, but in the end, this will help turn the screw out.
5. Use a Drill Bit
The most common method to remove rusted faucet screw is using a drill. A power drill makes installing and removing screws so much easier and faster.
To remove the stripped screw, select a drill bit that has a diameter big enough to fit into the slot of the screw. Position the drill on the screw and start drilling till you reach the center bottom of the head.
Doing this will make more space to create more friction when you want to drill out the screw next.
Now change the drill bit into a bigger one that has the same diameter as the screw-head. Insert the bit into the hole you created earlier and start the drill in the reverse direction.
Since the new bit is bigger, it will create more friction with the screw and thus loosen it. In this step, don’t drill anticlockwise too fast but instead apply a bit of patience by going slow.
6. The Rubber Band Trick
You’ll require a rubber band and a drill for this method to work correctly. The rubber band increases the friction between the screwdriver and the screw. As a result, it provides the drill enough traction to remove the screw from its hole.
To remove the stripped screw from the shower faucet, first cut the rubber band with scissors and lay it across the head of the stripped screw.
This will create a grip on the screw-head. Position the drill on it pushing down on the surface, and turn it on in the reverse direction.
You’ll notice the stripped screw is starting to turn with the drill, and eventually, it will come out clean.
7. Using Steel Wool
This is almost the same method as the previous one but uses steel wool instead. If you don’t find a suitable rubber band in your home, you can get the steel wool from your kitchen. Using any abrasive kitchen sponge might do the trick as well.
Both of these methods work with the same principle; loosening the stripped screw by creating friction.
Insert the steel wool between the driver bit and the screw head and start the drill. The steel wool will hopefully get stuck in the screw head resulting in the removal of the screw.
Final Words
When the head indents get completely bored out, the screw becomes stripped. These screws won’t produce much friction to rotate and be removed.
In this guide, we tried to show you the many ways of how to remove a stripped screw from a shower faucet by producing some form of friction.
However, please make sure to take protective measures like wearing gloves and safety glasses before attempting these methods.