To remove a stripped screw, one whose head is worn so a driver will not grip, you either add grip or cut a new one: press a rubber band into the head for traction, use a screw extractor, cut a fresh slot for a flat-head driver, or grip the head with pliers if it sticks out.
First try adding grip: lay a wide rubber band or a bit of steel wool over the head and press the driver in firmly as you turn slowly. If that fails, a screw extractor bit bites into the head, or you can cut a fresh slot across the head with a rotary tool and use a flat-head driver.
A screw head strips when the driver slips and wears away the shaped recess, usually from using the wrong size or type of bit, not pressing in hard enough, or driving at an angle. Once the recess is rounded out, the driver can no longer grip it.
Use a bit that matches the screw's size and type exactly, keep the driver pressed firmly straight into the head, and turn steadily rather than fast. For tight screws, a hand driver gives more control than a power drill set too high.
Often yes. A wide rubber band placed between the driver and the worn head fills the gaps and adds friction, which can give just enough grip to back the screw out.
It is a specialized bit designed to grab a damaged screw head or shank, commonly by biting in as you turn it counter-clockwise, so you can twist the screw out when a normal driver no longer grips.
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