Lesson 1
Mechanical Friction Enhancements
Use household items like rubber bands to increase torque before resorting to invasive extraction tools.
Improving Grip
Before using heavy machinery, try increasing the surface area between your tool and the screw. Place a wide, flat rubber band over the screw head to fill the gaps created by the stripped metal. Press down firmly with a hand screwdriver rather than a drill to avoid slipping. If the head is completely smooth, use a hacksaw to cut a new slot. This creates a channel for a flathead screwdriver to seat securely. Always work slowly. If you feel the driver slip, stop immediately. Applying heat via a soldering iron to the screw shaft can also expand and contract the metal, breaking the rust seal if corrosion is the issue. Keep a steady downward force of roughly five kilograms of pressure. This prevents the driver from jumping out of the slot and worsening the damage. Consistency is far more important than speed when dealing with compromised metal.