Use a rubber band or friction pad between the screw head and the driver to improve grip
Try a properly fitting screwdriver or driver bit; replace with a new bit if rounded
Apply penetrating oil (or a light lubricant) and wait 10–30 minutes, then try again
Use a left-hand (reverse) screw extractor bit if the screw will turn slightly
Drill a small pilot hole centered in the screw head, then use a screw extractor (extractor removal tool)
Use an extractor with a tap-and-turn technique, keeping steady downward pressure
If the screw is in metal, drill the correct size hole for the extractor and avoid overheating
If the screw head is stripped, drill out the head first, then remove the remaining shank with pliers or vice grips
Use locking pliers/vice grips on the exposed shank (grip firmly and turn slowly)
If the screw has no exposed shank, drill deeper to free it, then remove the shank with pliers or magnet
For very small screws, use a micro-grab tool or needle-nose pliers if any part is exposed
If the screw is loose enough, try tapping the driver tool lightly to seat it before turning
If the screw is in plastic/soft material, consider switching to a slightly larger driver bit to bite into the stripped recess
As a last resort, cut a new slot in the screw head with a rotary tool/Dremel, then use a flathead screwdriver to turn
After removal, chase the threads with the correct tap or re-tap if needed