The Tool Desk
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Start with the right-size hand screwdriver, seated fully and held straight. If it slips, stop: repeated attempts can round the screw head and make removal harder. For a damaged screw, choose the least destructive method that fits its condition—grip aids for a partly damaged recess, pliers for an exposed head, or a compatible precision extractor for a small stripped screw.
Before turning, check the screw and the work area
Identify the drive type and size, then inspect whether the recess is intact, partly damaged, or rounded. Check whether the head protrudes or sits below the surrounding surface; that determines whether pliers can reach it. In a device, follow its service precautions and consider how close the screw is to delicate components.
A slipping driver can wear down the edges of the recess, making the next attempt more likely to slip too. iFixit explains this in its guide to preventing stripped screws. Read the iFixit guidance on driver fit and technique.
Try a correctly fitting hand screwdriver first
- Choose a clean, undamaged bit that matches the screw’s drive type and size. If the fit is uncertain, test another size or shape rather than forcing the first one.
- Seat the bit fully in the recess and hold the driver perpendicular to the screw head.
- Apply only enough pressure to keep the bit engaged, then turn smoothly by hand. Tiny electronics screws need especially light, controlled force; as iFixit author Kevin Purdy puts it while summarizing advice from Product Engineer Andrew Goldheart, “Think watchmaker, not tire shop.”
- If the bit slips or will not catch, stop. Do not switch to a high-speed drill or keep applying force: either can make the damage worse.
Choose an extraction method for the damage and access
| Situation | Method to consider | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Recess is partly damaged, but the head is accessible to a driver | Try a slightly different-size driver, or a flathead if it catches securely. A rubber band or thin fabric between the driver and screw may add grip. | These are low-cost attempts, not guaranteed fixes. Stop if the bit keeps slipping. |
| Head protrudes and can be gripped | Use screw-extracting pliers to turn the head; once loose, finish backing it out with a screwdriver. | Pliers cannot grip a recessed head. |
| Small stripped screw in a repair, with compatible size and access | Consider a precision screw extractor made for small fasteners. | Confirm the screw size and tool access. Cross-threaded, jammed, or glued screws may resist any tool. |
| Other approaches have failed and the surrounding area can be protected | Cut a small slot with a rotary tool, then use a flathead driver. | Destructive, with risks from sparks and conductive metal debris; a poor choice near delicate electronics. |
For a partly stripped recess
Try a slightly smaller or larger driver, or a flathead that catches securely in the damaged recess. A rubber band or thin piece of fabric placed between the screw and driver may improve grip. These are simple attempts, but no success rate is established; if the bit continues to slip, stop rather than rounding the head further. See iFixit’s stripped-screw removal guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Double-end screwdriver bits】 The screwdriver set contains 24 double-end screwdriver bits and 48 models. Complete specifications ensure you have the smallest yet most complete electronic tool suite. Screwdriver bits are made of high-quality CRV steel, which is wear-resistant and has high hardness.
- 【Lightweight and easy to carry】 The screwdriver set only weighs 175g and fits in your pocket. The storage box adopts a sliding cover design, and the storage slot has built-in magnets to quickly fix the bit to avoid loss.
- 【Locking design and magnetic adsorption】 The handle head is equipped with a ball bearing lock, which can firmly fix the bit. The handle has a built-in strong magnet that can easily absorb small screws. It is also equipped with a magnet. When using a large batch of bits, the magnet can be placed on the side of the bit to enhance the magnetism.
- 【Wide range of applications】Suitable for iPhone7/8/X/XR/11/12/13, Samsung/Huawei/Xiaomi and other mobile phones; iPad/Mini/Air/Pro and Huawei/Honor and other tablets; Macbook/Air/Pro ;Kindle/Kindle Fire; Ring Video Doorbell/Video Doorbell 2/Pro/Elite; Model aircraft, drones, glasses, watches, etc.
- 【52-in-1 precision screwdriver set】 including Philips PH0000(+1.0) PH000 (+1.5) PH00 (+2.0) PH0 PH1, etc.; Flathead SL1.0 SL1.5 SL2.5 SL3.5; Torx T1 T2 T3 T4 T5; Torx Security TR6 TR7 TR8 TR9 TR10, etc.; Tri-point Y000 (Y0.6) Y00 (Y1.5) Y0 (Y2.5), etc.; Pentalobe P2(0.8) P5(1.2); Hex H0.7 H0.9 H1. 0 H1.3 H1.5 H2.0 etc.; Triangle 2.0 2.3 3.0 3.7; U2.3 U2.6; MID 2.5; SIM. It also comes with two double-ended pry bars to facilitate repairs; and a model sticker to help you quickly identify the bit.
For a protruding, damaged head
If enough of the head is exposed, screw-extracting pliers may grip it. Turn the pliers to loosen the screw, then use a screwdriver to back it out. They are not suitable when the head is recessed; see the tool limitation described by iFixit.
For a small stripped screw in a repair
A precision extractor is an option when its size range matches the screw and there is room to use it. iFixit specifies that its Precision Screw Extractor Set is for 1.1–2.0 mm screws and uses hardened, reversible extractor tips. The manufacturer cautions that using it takes mechanical aptitude and a careful feel; cross-threaded, jammed, or glued fasteners may be very difficult to remove with any tool. That specification applies to this set, not to every small screw or extractor.
Rank #2
- 【Precision Screwdriver Set】 Small screwdriver set has 140 bits in multiple models, including Torx , Phillips, Pentalobe, Star, Triwing, Triangle Etc, covering most screwdriver models on the market. The 4 long bits can help you remove deeper screws. Some commonly used screwdriver bits are also equipped with 2-3 bits of the same model as backup.
- 【Unique Handle Design and CRV Material】 The screwdriver handle is made of TPR and PP materials, the cap is rotatable, and it adopts an extended tool bar design. The length of the tool bar can be adjusted, making it easy to reach deep for disassembly. Screwdriver bits are made of high-quality CRV steel, which is wear-resistant and has high hardness.
- 【Multifunctional Accessories】 Mini screwdriver set contains 12 accessories to meet various repair needs. The matching flexible shaft facilitates multi-angle disassembly and repair of electronic products. The magnetizer demagnetizer tool can increase or decrease the magnetism of the bit. The magnetic mat is used to absorb small screws to avoid loss. The 1/4‘’ to 4mm silver adapter provided is used for drill to adapt large and thick bits, which is not suitable for precision and small manual screwdriver bits. This toolkit also comes with a double-ended pry bar, triangular pick and suction cup for easy repairing.
- 【Practical Storage Box】 Each screwdriver bit is marked with a model number for easy identification and is placed in a magnetic storage slot. The accessory slot can store various accessories safely and securely. The box is made of ABS plastic and PP material, which is solid and durable, and the buckle is firm, which can protect each accessory well.
- 【Wide Range of Application】Applicable to iPhone/Samsung/Huawei and other cell phones; Mini/Air/Pro and Huawei/Honor and other tablet PCs; Macbook/Air/Pro; Kindle/Kindle Fire; Ring Visual Doorbell/Visual Doorbell 2/Pro/Elite; PS4/PS5/XOBX game consoles, as well as PC laptop computers, jewelry, toys, aeromodels, drones, remote-control cars, and some small household appliances such as coffee machines.
For a last-resort slot cut
iFixit describes cutting a small slot in the head with a rotary tool and turning the screw with a flathead driver. This removes material and can send sparks or metal shavings into nearby components. If you proceed, use a low power setting, wear eye protection, and clear metal debris before reassembly; shavings can cause an electrical short. iFixit’s guide says, “Always wear safety goggles when using a rotary tool to prevent injury from debris or sparks.” Near delicate electronics, anyone without experience using a rotary tool should consider professional repair instead.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhen to stop
No method is assured if a screw is cross-threaded, jammed, glued, or badly damaged. Stop if a correctly fitted driver keeps slipping, if an extractor does not engage as intended, or if the next step would risk damaging nearby components. The appropriate escalation depends on the head’s condition, whether it protrudes, the screw’s size, and the amount of safe working space.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Wide Application】This precision screwdriver set has 120 bits, complete with every driver bit you’ll need to tackle any repair or DIY project. In addition, this repair kit has 22 practical accessories, such as magnetizer, magnetic mat, ESD tweezers, suction cup, spudger, cleaning brush, etc. Whether you're a professional or a amateur, this toolkit has what you need to repair all cell phone, computer, laptops, SSD, iPad, game consoles, tablets, glasses, HVAC, sewing machine, etc
- 【Humanized Design】This electronic screwdriver set has been professionally designed to maximize your repair capabilities. The screwdriver features a particle grip and rubberized, ergonomic handle with swivel top, provides a comfort grip and smoothly spinning. Magnetic bit holder transmits magnetism through the screwdriver bit, helping you handle tiny screws. And flexible extension shaft is useful for removing screw in tight spots
- 【Magnetic Design】This professional tool set has 2 magnetic tools, help to save your energy and time. The 5.7*3.3" magnetic project mat can keep all tiny screws and parts organized, prevent from losing and messing up, make your repair work more efficient. Magnetizer demagnetizer tool helps strengthen the magnetism of the screwdriver tips to grab screws, or weaken it to avoid damage to your sensitive electronics
- 【Organize & Portable】All screwdriver bits are stored in rubber bit holder which marked with type and size for fast recognizing. And the repair tools are held in a tear-resistant and shock-proof oxford bag, offering a whole protection and organized storage, no more worry about losing anything. The tool bag with nylon strap is light and handy, easy to carry out, or placed in the home, office, car, drawer and other places
- 【Quality First】The precision bits are made of 60HRC Chromium-vanadium steel which is resist abrasion, oxidation and corrosion, sturdy and durable, ensure long time use. This computer tool kit is covered by our lifetime warranty. If you have any issues with the quality or usage, please don't hesitate to contact us
Rank #4
- [25in1, Household Must-Have] The small screwdriver set comes with 24 different bits {Phillips PH000, PH00, PH0,PH1, PH2; Torx T2, T3, T4, T5, T6H, T8H, T10H; Triwing Y000(0.6), Y00(1.5), Y0(2.5), Flathead SL1.5, SL3.0, SL4.0, Pentalobe P2(0.8), P5(1.2); Hexagonal H1.5, H2.0, Triangular △2.3, U-shape U2.6}, ensuring you have the smallest but complete set of repair kit.
- [Bearing Steel Bits] All precision bits are made of the best Bearing Steel (Steel for tanks) and the hardness can reach over HRC65°, resist abrasion, oxidation and corrosion, ensure long time use. In addition, the strong magnetize-able tip easily pick-up and hold screws, helping you handle all tiny screws.
- [Ergonomic Design] Super smooth swivel cap for easy screw removal. Frosted particles and streamline handle makes sure you can turn any screw.
- [Small and Sturdy Case] Small and Sturdy case with stay shut latch ensures safe storage and transportation. The bit tip pattern on the box makes it easy to find every time you use it.
- [AXTH Micro Screwdriver Set] Whether you're a professional fixer or a home repair hobby, this micro screwdriver set has what you need to disassemble, repair, and reassemble phones, game consoles, wearables, laptops, desktops, tablets and much more! Covered by AXTH's Lifetime Warranty.
Rank #3
- 1.MULTIPLE SIZES The GRENPRO Precision Screwdriver Set solves the "too many tools, never the right size" dilemma with 10 essential tips covering 95% of micro-repair needs. Forget mismatched drivers, this watch screwdriver set handles everything between watch gears and smartphone motherboards. Including 4 flat(1/8, 1/16, 3/32, 5/64); 3 Phillips(PH0, PH00, PH000) and 3 Star(T9, T8, T7)
- 2. MAGNETIC TIP Engineered with magnetism, each tip acts like an invisible safety net that locks screws in place during vertical repairs. No more lost screws when a phone screw dangles over circuit boards or fishing eyeglass screws from carpet fibers – our magnetic grip ensures components stay put until you decide their fate
- 3. HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS Small Screwdriver Set from chrome vanadium steel, this mini screwdriver pairs durability with a dual-material handle.The glasses screwdriver outer textured grip maintains control even with sweaty hands– giving you the precision of a professional-grade tool
- 4. HUMANIZED DESIGN HANDLE Every millimeter screams ergonomic: the textured handle molds to your grip, the rotating end cap lets you apply pressure with thumb flicks instead of wrist strain, and the laser-etched size markers eliminate squinting matches under low-light conditions
- 5. COMPACT & STORAGE Your 10-piece manual eyeglass screwdriver lives in a zippered canvas pouch (8.5"x4.5"x1.5" slim profile) that survives toolbag chaos while fitting snugly in jacket pockets or gloveboxes. Zippers guard against accidental spills, while padded slots cradle each driver – no high-tech gimmicks, just hardworking organization for garage warriors and on-the-go fixes
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
