A loose screw in a wooden crate looks like a quick job. The trouble often starts with the bit already sitting in the drill: it seems close enough, so you press harder when it slips. Before turning an old screw, spend a moment checking what actually fits its head.
Empty the crate and support it on a steady bench. Brush loose dust out of the screw recess so the bit can seat fully. If paint or packed debris hides the shape, clear it carefully with a suitable hand tool, keeping your free hand out of its path. Do not test the fit with a powered driver running.
Match both the drive pattern and the size. Phillips and Pozidriv can look similar but need different bits; square and star drives also come in several sizes. With the tool unpowered, try the correct candidates gently. The right bit should sit fully in the recess with little sideways play, rather than balancing on its tip.
Check the bit itself before blaming the screw. Rounded corners or a chipped tip are reasons to replace it. For a light repair, a hand screwdriver gives useful feedback: keep it in line with the screw and turn slowly with steady pressure. If the bit climbs out, stop instead of repeating the slip and chewing away more metal.
A good bit will not fix every loose joint. If the screw spins without tightening, the wood may no longer hold it; if the head is already badly damaged, forcing it can make removal harder. Set that repair aside for a suitable removal or joint-repair method. Do not substitute a longer screw without checking the material thickness and where its point would emerge.
Practical takeaway: clean the recess, identify the drive, check the bit and start by hand. Keep common bit sizes in a labeled holder near the repair bench so choosing the right one is easier than making the wrong one work.
Crate RepairsHand ToolsSmall-Shop Skills