Shower Handle Screw Stripped? (Here’s What To Do)

You go to tighten or remove your shower handle, and that screw just spins. No grip, no movement, just that awful feeling that the head is totally stripped. 

Don’t panic. It happens way more often than you think. 

Bathroom moisture, mineral buildup, and soft metal screws are a recipe for this kind of frustration.

The good news is that you can fix it. 

You don’t need a plumber for this one. With a few simple tricks and a little patience, you can get that stubborn screw out and your handle back to normal.

In this post, we’ll show you what to do if your shower handle screw is stripped.

#1 Try A Bigger Or Different Screwdriver

This is the simplest starting point. Before diving into tools and tricks, grab a few different screwdrivers and see if one fits better. 

Sometimes the screw head isn’t completely stripped, it’s just worn or packed with grime. 

A slightly larger Phillips or even a flathead that fits snugly can sometimes do the trick.

Press the screwdriver in firmly as you twist. You want to create as much contact as possible. If the screw head is filled with soap scum, rust, or gunk, clean it out first with a toothpick or the tip of a knife. That alone can help the screwdriver catch better.

If you feel the screwdriver slipping, stop. Forcing it will only make the problem worse.

Also Read: How Much Does A Leaky Faucet Repair Cost?

#2 Use A Rubber Band Trick

This is surprisingly effective and uses something you probably already have in a drawer.

Lay a wide rubber band flat over the screw head. Then, press your screwdriver straight into it and start turning slowly. The rubber fills in the stripped grooves, giving your screwdriver extra grip.

You can use similar things if you don’t have a rubber band like a small piece of steel wool, duct tape, or even an old latex glove. 

The goal is just to create friction so you can turn the screw without slipping.

#3 Grab With Pliers

If the screw head sticks out just a little from the handle, this method is gold.

Locking pliers (like Vise-Grips) can grab onto that screw and twist it free. Clamp them on tight, wiggle gently back and forth, and then start turning counterclockwise. 

It might take a few tries, but once it starts moving, it’ll loosen up fast.

If your screw is rusty or has mineral buildup, spray a little penetrating oil (like WD-40) on it first. Give it a few minutes to soak in before twisting. 

That bit of lubrication can make a big difference.

#4 Try A Screw Extractor

If the screw head is really gone and none of the above works, it’s time to bring in a screw extractor. These tools are designed for exactly this problem.

Here’s the quick rundown:

• First, drill a small pilot hole right in the center of the screw.
  
• Then, insert the screw extractor into that hole.
  
• Twist it counterclockwise using a wrench or drill.

The extractor’s reverse threads bite into the screw and pull it out as you turn. 

It’s honestly kind of satisfying when it finally gives way.

If you don’t already have one, you can find screw extractor kits at most hardware stores. They’re cheap and come in handy for all sorts of household fixes.

#5 Drill It Out

When all else fails, drilling is your last resort. It’s a bit more intense, but it works.

Use a small drill bit and carefully drill straight into the center of the screw head. Keep going until the head comes off completely. Once that’s gone, you can remove the shower handle. 

The rest of the screw will usually be sticking out enough for you to grab with pliers.

Go slow. You don’t want to damage the handle or the valve behind it. A steady hand is really important here.

Once the screw head is off, it’s smooth sailing.

Also Read: Shower Randomly Drips

#6 Replace With A New Screw

Now that the old screw is out, toss it. Don’t try to reuse it since it’s already worn down. 

Bring it with you to the hardware store and match it up with a new one that’s the same size and type. 

Pick a stainless steel screw if you can. Bathroom moisture causes regular screws to rust fast. A stainless one will last much longer and look cleaner too.

Before putting it in, add a tiny dab of plumber’s grease or thread lubricant. It keeps the screw from seizing up in the future and makes it easier to remove later. 

Then just tighten it in place, and you’re done.

How To Remove The Handle Once Screw Is Out

Once you’ve freed the screw, removing the handle might still take a little work, especially if it’s been sitting there for years.

Start by gently pulling the handle straight out. If it doesn’t budge, try wiggling it from side to side. A little movement usually breaks the buildup that’s holding it in place.

Still stuck? Grab a hairdryer and warm the area for about a minute. 

The heat can help expand the metal slightly, making it easier to loosen.

Also Read: How Much Does It Cost To Install A Toilet?

If the handle has a decorative cap or cover plate, remove it carefully with a flathead screwdriver before you pull. Just be gentle so you don’t scratch the finish. Once the handle slides off, you’ll see the stem or cartridge underneath, ready for cleaning or replacement.

Why Do Shower Handle Screws Get Stripped?

Stripped screws happen for a few main reasons. 

Sometimes it’s just age. Over time, water and steam corrode the screw and soften the metal. Combine that with frequent tightening, and the grooves start to round off.

Other times, it’s caused by using the wrong tool. 

A screwdriver that doesn’t fit snugly can slip inside the screw head and eat away at the edges. Once that happens a few times, you lose grip completely.

And sometimes it’s just rust. Moisture in bathrooms works its way into everything, and once rust sets in, it weakens the metal fast. That’s why stainless screws or brass options are better for these spots and they handle humidity much better.

To prevent it from happening again, make sure the screw head is clean before tightening. 

Use the right size screwdriver, and don’t overtighten. It doesn’t take much torque to keep a handle secure.

Bottom Line

A stripped shower handle screw might seem like a headache, but it’s actually a pretty simple fix once you know what to do. 

Start with the easy stuff like a different screwdriver, rubber band, or pliers, and only move up to the extractor or drill if you really have to. Once you’ve got it out, clean up the area, replace it with a quality stainless screw, and give it a light coat of grease before tightening it down.

In the end, it’s a quick DIY that saves you a call to the plumber and keeps your shower handle working smoothly again.