---
title: "How to Remove a Broken Screw"
description: "Can’t make headway on your DIY project because of a broken screw? This fast and easy screw-removal solution is sure to stick."
date: "2016-03-14"
modified: "2025-02-28"
authors:
  - name: "Manasa Reddigari"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/manasa-reddigari/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-a-broken-screw/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Repair & Maintenance"
  - "Tools"
tags:
  - "How To"
  - "tools"
---

# How to Remove a Broken Screw

![A broken screw on a white background.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/broken-screw.jpg>)
*Photo: LKPRO / Depositphotos*

A screwdriver, a screw, and a willing surface to drive it into are familiar features of many home projects. But over-eager twisting, choosing the wrong screwdriver for the job, or using a tool with a damaged bit can [strip a screw](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-a-stripped-screw/>), making it extremely tough to remove.

Fortunately, this tricky situation doesn’t have to interrupt your artful assembly. Get a grip on that broken screw, and remove it, with the help of a durable duo: [duct tape](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-duct-tape/>) and old-fashioned elbow grease.

1. First, wipe away any debris that may have accumulated during your earlier attempts to remove the screw.
2. Then, rip off a small piece of duct tape and place it directly over the broken screw.
3. Choose the screwdriver that correctly fits the head, and insert it into the duct-taped grooves.
4. Gently rotate the screwdriver counterclockwise, and you'll find that the duct tape fills the gaps, creating the traction needed to quickly and effectively dislodge the pesky fastener.

No duct tape on hand? For a variation on this flexible solution, cover the screw head with a [rubber band](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/surprising-household-item-uses-2023/>) or [steel wool](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/steel-wool-uses/>), and then use a screwdriver to remove the screw as described above.

If the broken screw is slightly raised, another option is to use [pliers](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/1131-pliers/>) to get a grip on the screw and slowly rotate it up and out.

With the troublemaker finally removed, all that’s left to do is to grab a fresh screw and get back to work on your crafty construction.

## Author
Manasa Reddigari has tackled topics ranging from computer software to home remodeling in her decade-plus career as a writer and editor. During her stint as a scribe, she's been featured by leading outlets in the real estate, home improvement, and lifestyle niches such as [Trulia](<https://www.trulia.com/blog/author/manasareddigari/>), [Stikwood](<https://www.stikwood.com/>), and [Brit + Co](<https://www.brit.co/author/mreddigari/>). Her design philosophy is, if you can dream it, you can DIY it!

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/manasareddigari/>)