How To Remove a Stripped Allen Screw

Are you trying to remove a stripped Allen screw and can’t seem to get it out?

Well, maybe you’re holding the wrong end on the screwdriver or have too much pressure and are applying torque.

If you’ve tried to remove a stripped Allen screw, you know it isn’t easy.

Allen screws are used in various applications and are often stripped or stripped out. They can be a nightmare to remove when the end is too large and won’t turn. This article will give you the 12 tricks for removing stripped Allen screws.

12 Tricks on How To Remove a Stripped Allen Screw

Allen screws are the most commonly used fastener, making them perfect for various applications.

Sometimes you might need to remove a stripped Allen screw but have no idea how to do it.

The good news is that this isn’t as hard as it may sound. Here are the 12 tricks on how to remove a stripped Allen screw:

1. Use a Ratchet and a Proper Socket

A simple way to remove a stripped Allen screw is with a ratchet and socket wrench. This method also works well for removing stripped hex or Torx screws.

• Remove the stripped screw from Allen’s head by loosening the Allen head with an Allen wrench.
• Place a socket over the ratchet head, then tighten down on the socket to secure it in place.
• Use a hammer or mallet to tap on the outer edge of the bolt until it begins to turn freely around its axis, then continue tapping until it comes free from its seat.

2. Use a Long Strip of Duct Tape

This is the simplest and most effective method to remove a stripped screw.

You need to find a long strip of duct tape, wrap it around the screw, and twist it.

The duct tape will loosen up the screws and make removing them easier.

Ensure it’s long enough to cover the area where you need to remove the screw and not too wide.

3. Try Using a Hammer and a Punch

You’ll need to remove the stripped screw from the stripped screw hole. This is done with a hammer and a punch.

You will want to use a hammer with a large, flat head on it. You will also need an adjustable punch with a small point.

Place one end of the punch into the hole where the stripped screw is located, then put the other end onto your large hammer.

Place pressure on both sides of the screw with your hand until you feel it come out of its hole.

Then remove it and repeat this process with your other stripped screws.

4. You Can Also Use a Chisel

You can use a chisel to remove the stripped screw. If you have an electric screwdriver, you can use it to remove the stripped screw.

However, you must use a chisel if you don’t have an electric screwdriver.

Place the chisel on top of the stripped screw head and strike it with your hammer so that it makes contact with the head.

Then use your hammer again to drive out the remaining part of the head from underneath.

5. Use a Hammer and an Extension Handle With Jaws

If you have a stripped screw, there’s no need to get out your drill. You can use a hammer and an extension handle with jaws to remove the screw.

Place one end of the extension handle into the screw head and place the jaw of the other end on top of the screw head.

Using a hammer, strike the extension handle against something hard and solid, like a wall, until you feel it has gone through all resistance. This will force out any debris from inside the head of the screw.

Once you feel that it has gone through all resistance, remove your extension handle from the head of the stripped screw, then remove it from its base plate.

6. Use Needle-Nose Pliers on the Head of the Screw

To remove a stripped Allen screw, you’ll need a pair of needle-nose pliers. The tool is used to grip and turn the screw head; it has a flat surface and a round shaft on the other.

The head of the screw is smaller than the shaft, so use your pliers to grip it so you can turn it. You will probably have to apply pressure with your hands to hold it while working on it.

Turn the screw counterclockwise using a reverse motion. Repeat this process for each additional stripped screw you need to remove.

7. Use a Drill Bit the Same Size As the Screw

The easiest way to remove a stripped screw is to use a drill the same size as the screw. If you don’t have one of those, you’ll need to use a bit slightly larger than the screw and drill it out with care.

Start by lining up the head of your screwdriver with the end of your drill bit. Hold it steady, then carefully press down on your drill until it touches the bottom of your screwdriver.

Remove any slack in your screwdriver by tightening its grip on either side of the bit and twisting left or right until your bit has been removed from its hole.

8. Use a Phillips-Head Screwdriver

A Phillips-Head screwdriver makes it easy to remove stripped Allen screws.

The head is shaped like an inverted “V” and is used to turn the screw in or out.

The screwdriver’s tip can grab a small section of the screw, then twist it back and forth until it comes out.

9. Try a Long Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

If the screw is stripped, you can use a long flat-blade screwdriver similar to the one used for unpacking screws.

The blade of the screwdriver should be slightly thicker than the stripped screw and should be able to penetrate the head of the stripped screw.

Start by placing the tip of your screwdriver against the stripped screw head and slowly work it into place.

Once you have inserted all your fingers into your palm, begin twisting clockwise while pushing down on your tool with your other hand.

This will apply enough pressure to force out any remaining material inside your stripped screw.

10. Allen Key

The Allen Key is used to remove stripped screws. Insert the Allen key into the space between the screw head and the body of the screw, then turn clockwise until it stops.

Pull out the key, push it back in, and turn it counterclockwise until it stops again. This action will loosen up any debris or corrosion around the screw head you may have missed while trying to remove it by hand.

Once that is done, use a small flathead screwdriver with a Phillips screwdriver tip to remove any remaining debris around the screw head so you can fully unscrew it without damaging your parts or yourself!

11. Use a Rubber Mallet To Tap Each Screw Gently

To remove a stripped Allen screw, you’ll need to tap it gently with a rubber mallet.

The key here is to tap the screw, not just the head.

You want to break the hexagon’s surface and remove all the material around it.

You can also use vice-grip or channel-lock pliers as an alternative to tapping with a rubber mallet.

12. Use a Small Flat Screwdriver

You can also use a small flat screwdriver to remove the Allen screw.

Use a good pair of pliers to hold the stripped Allen screw in place while you remove it with your screwdriver.

Insert the tip of the small flathead screwdriver into one end of the stripped Allen screw and gently push it out of its hole.

Repeat this procedure on each stripped Allen screw until all are removed from your door jamb.

Conclusion

Essentially, the stripped screw is a screw that’s either missing a small portion of its head or has been damaged beyond use.

The good news is that these 12 tricks on easily removing a stripped Allen screw can give you a clue about where to start.

Once you know what to do, these tricks can help your Allen screws become less daunting and easier to work with.

A stripped Allen screw is a bit of a pain to remove, but with the good tricks from this article, you can save yourself the trouble.

Use an Allen key, chisel, rachet, and a proper socket to make this task easier.