Ring Doorbell Screw Stripped? (We Have a Fix!)
Ring doorbells are great, and are some of the easiest smart home security systems to install. Unfortunately, things can happen that can screw you out of a good installation session. One of the worst things that you can have happen is a stripped screw that’s either stuck to your doorbell or that came with your install package. So, what can you do?
If your Ring doorbell somehow came with a screw that’s been stripped, call Ring to get a replacement. They’ll be able to fix it. If a screw got stripped on your doorbell, then you can remove it by typing a rubber band around the screw and using steel wool to hopefully pull it out.
If you got a new Ring doorbell, then you are proably wondering what you can do about this situation and what it means about your doorbell. So, let’s talk about it.
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What Does It Mean If Your Ring Doorbell Comes With Stripped Screws?
Before we begin, we should explain what’s going on with stripped screws in the first place. Some folks might say that this is a “design advantage,” but this is not actually a selling point that Ring has. Ring is not supposed to come with stripped screws, ever!
If you get a Ring doorbell that has stripped screws, chances are that you got a doorbell that’s already been used, broken, and had brief repairs done on it. In some rarer cases, it could be that you ended up with a defective part from a legitimate Ring bell.
Either way, it means that you probably shouldn’t use your doorbell because it’s not the quality you wanted.
What Should You Do If You Have A Stripped Screw On Your Ring Doorbell?
What you should do all depends on the newness of the doorbell. So, we’re going to parse it into sections that detail how to fix this issue.
The Ring Doorbell Is Brand New
If you just got your Ring doorbell from a store or online shop, it’s time to take a closer look at the shop. Stripped screws on Ring doorbells often mean that they were bought illegally from a refurbisher and that they may have already experienced problems before you bought them.
Since you’re already getting a bunch of red flags, you have to assume that returning the doorbell is going to be the easiest method to use. Calling Ring might be able to further along the process. It’s worth noting that Ring also has its own screw kits for sale. So, if you got a “refurbished” one with stripped screws, they really were lax on quality control
The Ring Doorbell Is Old
Let’s say that you’ve had your Ring for a while and you now realized you stripped the screw yourself. I mean, you had to be able to install the doorbell, and that requires that you have a non-stripped screw. Regardless of why, sometimes screws lose their stripping. When this happens, you often need to use a little “hack” to make these work out well.
Rubber and Steel WoolYou can always use the rubber and steel wool trick to loosen and remove the screw:
- Put a rubber band around the screw.
- Place steel wool on top.
- Then use a wrench, screwdriver, and nail remover to get rid of the screw. Most people find it’ll move with a wrench best. However, I’ve also heard about pliers being used.
Others have found that gluing something to the top of the screw’s head helps give it the leverage you need in order to pull it out. Once again, using pliers, a screwdriver, or a wrench is a smart move here.
Author’s Note: If you find that your screws have been stripped, you will not just have to remove the screws that are there. You also are going to have to replace Ring doorbell screws if you want to keep your doorbell workable.
Can You Replace Ring Doorbell Screws?
Ring doorbell screws are kind of uniquely made, so at first glance, it doesn’t look like you’re going to be able to replace them. However, appearances can be deceiving and the truth is that you’re far from the first person to look up a way to ensure that you are able to move and replace stripped screws from a Ring doorbell.
While you probably don’t want to have to shell out the extra money for Ring branded replacement parts, you can find a slew of sellers who are willing to give you aftermarket screws. I mean, this one kit comes with a replacement screwdriver and screws.
Can You Use Regular Screws On A Ring Doorbell?
I mean, technically you can. While Ring’s screws are meant to make it easier to avoid theft of your device, you can always use T6 screws as a replacement if you really need to. You can usually find these at a local hardware store, or if you have one, a robotics store.
T6 screws have a couple of drawbacks that can make it rough on homeowners. They are more prone to theft, and they also tend to be likely to jut out of the doorbell. It’s not ideal, but it’ll work.
Will Ring Replace My Screws Alone?
Ring will usually be able to point you towards their spare parts section of the site, where you can actually buy entire kits complete with the full number of screws that you need. These replacement part kits are slightly more expensive, but the good news is that you get a major perk.
Unlike T6 screws or aftermarket parts, you get the theft-proofing that you would want to have if you currently live in a crime-prone area. Obviously, you may still want to get those theft-proof screws if you can. I mean, everyone loves that little extra bit of security, right?
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Related Questions
Do you need to have screws to install a Ring doorbell?
Though you traditionally would need to install a Ring doorbell with screws, the truth is that you no longer need to screw it in. There are other installation methods out there, including some that allow you to “glue” your doorbell into place. With that said, screws are still the most common way to install your doorbell.
What are you supposed to use to remove the screws on a Ring doorbell?
Ring doorbells are unique because they don’t just come with a doorbell, they come with an installation kit that involves a specialized screwdriver. This star-shaped screwdriver is specially designed to fit with Ring screws, and actually acts as a part of the anti-theft features.You really can only use the Ring screwdriver to remove the screws on your doorbell. Otherwise, you run the risk of stripping the screw or getting them stuck.
Why does Ring use unusual screws?
Honestly, it’s actually a part of Ring’s anti-theft measures. The screws have their unique shape as a way to make it harder for petty thieves to remove it using traditional screwdrivers. While they still can if they have a Ring screwdriver, it’s still hard to do.With that said, it’s also an aesthetic thing. The screws on Ring doorbells are meant to be more flush against the doorbell. So, if you want to make sure that your doorbell has a smooth look, stick to ring doorbells.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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