How to... Revive chewed up screws

When you want to re-use original slot-head screws that have been damaged by screwdrivers, filing off the damage is the usual solution – but is it the best?

1 This screw is badly chewed up. By the time I’ve filed all these burrs off, it would be so misshapen there’s no point trying to replate it. Time for the dustbin?

2 Not yet. Metal is surprisingly elastic and providing there are no chunks missing, with careful hammering it’s possible to squeeze the metal back where it came from.

3 Looking much better already. If possible, it’s worth trying to close up the screwdriver slot a little, pushing the material over with careful hammer blows.

4 Then you can use a thin file to tidy the slot and sharpen up the edges. A wobbly or flared slot looks terrible and will encourage the driver to slip again.

5 If I say so meself, you wouldn’t think it was the same screw – but it is. Final job was polishing it up on a bit of fine emery paper – you can do it holding the screw in a drill.