I have added 15 methods to remove a stripped screw from the bed frame safely. However, any force and use of the wrong tool for taking it out can damage your furniture.
How to Get a Stripped Screw Out of a Bed Frame? You can get the stripped screw out from the bed frame using a flat-head tool or a plier. You can also make a notch on its head or weld a nut on it to create your grip on it while taking it out. In addition, you can grind it off or use an extractor when you have no other options.
Stripped screws have bored-out or worn-out slots that appears as a merged and misaligned line on its head.
It gets hard to grip any tool on these because they have lost their original shape and slot and become stuck on the surface.
Sometimes you have to fumble with a tool to relieve your bed from a stuck screw: It takes around 2 to 3 hours.
However, a wrong technique will leave you with a destructed furniture, so I advise you to start with the simplest method.
Use Pliers or wrench to remove the stripped screw
Pliers and wrench can be helpful when its head is slightly above the surface, giving you an advantage of gripping.
Hold the plier in your hand and grasp the screw rim firmly with it while placing your other hand on the bed frame to create a better grip.
Start pulling it from the surface and do not apply excessive force.
You can also use a wrench by adjusting its mouth to the same width as its head.
Make use of a hammer
Hammer is a powerful tool, and you should only use it when your furniture is strong enough to bear the stroke.
You have to reach the soft metal of the fastener to get your grip on it, and the hammer is capable of it.
Place a screwdriver on it and hit its back with the hammer to slide it into its head, creating a split.
Take it out of the bed frame by twisting it when you feel that you have created sufficient grip.
Use a screwdriver
You can use a big-sized flat-head tool when the stuck fastener is not stripped severely and has Philip’s head.
It is the easiest technique to get an extra grip. Press hard to dig it by holding it with strength and try different angles.
I generally try with small and large-sized tools to drive it out because any of them can fit in the damaged head slots.
Glue it on
Get a glue, preferably a strong adhesive that can stick to the metal, and pour it onto the screw rim and head in surplus amount.
Take any small metal piece, place it on the glued head and leave for some time to dry.
Check with your hand to make sure it sticks properly, or leave it for more time if required.
Now, take a plier, wrench, or any other gripping tool and hold the attached metal piece with it.
The screw will also come out along with the metal piece when you pull it while turning and twisting it in an anticlockwise direction.
Use a drill machine
Drilling can help you extract it, but this should be your last option because it can damage the bed frame.
Drill off its head using a small-size bit to avoid drilling the surrounding surface: Do not let it go deep into the shaft.
You can get access to the thread of the screw and take it out of the surface after removing its head.
Also, you can use a drill without any bit to catch its head from the surface when there is some space to grab it.
Secure the jaws of the drill on its head and operate in the reverse mood to drive it out.
Cut or make a notch
Use a rotatory tool that has sharp edges and can create a cut on its head.
A cutting wheel is the best option as it will cut a slot and make it easy for you to fit a screwdriver in it.
I tried this method once, and it came out so well without causing any damage to my bed frame.
Grind it off
Use a grinding tool to grind the screw if it is in a metal frame and never try this method on a wooden bed.
I prefer to use the Dremel tool as it has different oscillating, metal cutting bits which can quickly grind off the stripped head.
However, you will need professional help when you do not know the strategy to use it.
Bring an extractor
The use of the extractors is an efficient and convenient approach because they have a typical design to do the job of removing screws.
Place the left-handed thread of the extractor of the appropriate size on its head and twist it reverse.
Weld a nut on it
It is a risky method, and you should try it when the screw head breaks off and completely dig into the material.
Take a large-sized nut and weld it onto the head and make sure their attachment.
Next, grab it with any tool and start twisting and turning it to get it out of the bed frame.
Use Steel wool
Steel wool is a metal hairy-bunch that can provide you enough torque and grip on the stripped screw by creating a rough surface.
Place the steel wool onto its head and fit a driver bit in it, keeping it at a right angle.
Slowly unscrew it while keeping your eye on the wool to avoid rubbing it onto the furniture surface as it can make scratches.
Use a powder or rubber band to generate friction
The main problem while removing a stripped screw is the absence of friction, so you should use different strategies to create an abrasion.
Sprinkle a powder on its head and turn it out of the bed frame using any tool.
I suggest you use a detergent or sand because they are more abrasive but avoid wetting them.
Similarly, the rubber band prevents the slipping of the driver bit by creating an area of contact between both of them.
Keep the elastic band tight so that it will fill the head of the screw. Use a wider elastic band for better results.
Make use of a wood plug cutter
Preferably, it is not an efficient method because you have to give up on the part of the frame in this case, but it is one of the last options.
The wood plug cutter has a mouth that cuts the surrounding of the screw in a circular shape.
Place the cutter in a drill machine and drill deep into the material to remove it out.
Why does a screw get stripped?
The first thing you should know before removing is the reason behind this mishap. Most of the time, it is your own mistake that makes it stripped and stuck. However, environmental conditions are also responsible for damaging its head.
Stripping of fasteners is a common problem that occurs due to the following reasons:
- Use of inappropriate or cheap quality tools that smudge off the slots.
- Applying excessive force or pressure while securing it.
- The incorrect angle of the tool.
- Use of wrong size tools, probably smaller ones.
- Excessive tightening into the material.
- It’s rusting or corrosion due to humid weather.
- Use of incorrect drill bit to tighten it.
- Use of much old screw that has already begun to strip.
Pro-tips for securing stripped screw in a bed frame
Usually, securing it is not a difficult task, but you should look for tips for successful tightening.
It only requires your care and concentration with the correct techniques and tools to prevent the chances of any mistake.
I always follow these instructions when securing it, and they make the process much easier and convenient for me.
The tool you are using, either a screwdriver or a drill bit, should fit into the slots of its head.
Know that you are using the wrong head-sized tool if it does not fit perfectly in the screw head and remains loose or out.
Also, keep in mind that the electrical tools are that reliable, as they do not produce the needed torque to drive it out.
However, operate them at low speed and less pressure if you want to use a drill.
I always prefer to secure it manually with a Philips head tool instead of using power drills.
Remain aligned to the axis of the slot and use the same size as the hole.
Can you leave a stripped screw on a bed frame?
You can leave it in its place when there is no other way to get it out, but it depends on the situation and the condition.
Usually, It is necessary to remove all the bolts and nuts from a bed frame when you have to dismantle it to move it into another place or discard it.
Moreover, you may need to take them out while changing the headboard of your bed.
However, a single stuck fastener can create a lot of problems during the process of disassembly.
Sometimes, a stripped and buried screw becomes extremely hard and stubborn that you can not remove it in any way.
You have to cut off that part, but I recommend managing it instead of damaging your furniture.
Cut the flush of the screw and bend it to insert it in the frame using a hammer to make it harmless.
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