Screws and Painting

[jam3p]

I've searched quite a bit, but I can't seem to find another case where someone has had this problem.

I've got my cabinet together, it's solid and I'm very proud of it.  Now I'm ready to paint.  I have putty to cover the screws that I sunk in, however, there are more than a few that didn't make it in, mainly due to my fatigue while drilling.

The screws are stripped so I can't pull them out easily and replace, or sink them anymore.  Does anyone have a good suggestion on how to handle this before I prime/paint?  (Filing the top of them, etc.)

Thanks in advance.

[Chadwick]

Get a dremel and grind/cut them flush.

[EwJ]

If you mean the head is stripped, use the dremel to grind a slot in the head then use a standard flat-head screwdriver.  Better yet, use a screw extractor a.k.a E-Z Out bit with your drill.
If by stripped you mean the screw is just spinning, jam a flathead screwdriver under the head and pry it out just enough to grab it with pliers, or wear away the wood/mdf around the head enough to grab the head whichever comes first. You're going to putty around the hole anyway.

Quick way - take a nail set and a big hammer and force that bugger flush with a couple good wacks.(don't forget your goggles).

[jam3p]

Yeah, I thought that was the best, and probably only, way to go.  I just don't have a dremel and didn't want to borrow/rent/buy one.

Any other suggestions?

[EwJ]

Well, if you don't have a screw extractor, you can do the poor man's way -
1)get a small robertson, torx, or hex bit,
2)find a drill bit just slightly smaller than the head of your chosen bit in step 1
3) drill a small hole in the head of your fubar'd screw
4) force the robertson/torx/hex bit ibnto the hole with a hammer
5) back screw out

[jam3p]

Thanks a lot Ewj, I like the hammer and nail idea, given my tool availability.

[EwJ]

Sounds good. Quick and easy.
Use a good sturdy Nail Set ex.(hope you didn't mean a nail - unless it's a really good, solid spike, or a solid screwdriver might do in a pinch.)

[jam3p]

I definitely thought you meant a nail, so thanks again for saving the day.  Going to pick up paint after I get off of work and I'll grab a couple of those as well.

[EwJ]

Hey, I just suggested those as something quick you could try with stuff you may have on hand.
If you're going to the store anyway, you would be much better off picking up a screw extractor. examples.
You'll probably run into something like this in the future and be glad you have one on hand.
Good luck.