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Warning

Replace a stripped screw

(0:03) It may be necessary to rectify a screw that has been stripped or overdriven. It's important to ensure you're using a correct fastener for your frame and using the correct techniques.

(0:19) Stripped screws spin and no longer fix the frame so that it is no longer structurally adequate. 

(0:28) Select a low profile screw.  

(0.31) Identify the new location which should be three times the nominal diameter from the center of the fastener or edge of frame. 

(0.39) Apply firm force, then slowly start to rotate the screw until it bites into the frame, then increase the speed until fastened then back off the speed so you do not once again strip the screw. Some newer drills have torque settings to assist in preventing stripping of screws.

Replacing a Stripped Screw

At times it might be necessary to repair a screw that has been stripped or overdriven. A stripped screw will spin when turned and does not hold a joint securely, which will reduce the frame’s structural integrity. It is important that a replacement fastener is inserted into the joint. 

The process to replace a stripped screw is:

  1. Select the specified replacement fastener. It should be of similar, or larger, gauge as the stripped fastener.
  2. Select the location for the new screw. It should be placed approximately 2.5 times the screw diameter away from the stripped screw and a similar distance away from the frame edges.
  3. Screw in the fastener.