[Robert A Cook PE]

Get a screw extractor set (from Sears or back at Home Depot).

If you know the size of the stripped screw, you only need that single extractor.

You'll end up "screwing" the extractor into the exposed surface (screwing it in counterclockwise...) After a little bit, the extractor will begin "biting" into the metal and then turning the stripped screw backwards.

Take it slow and accurately.

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Once you get the mis-directed screw out, put some wood glue (or "guerilla glue" - it expands a bit and holds real good!) and a dowel/toothpick/wood pencil (what ever the right size is to fit firmly but not too tight!) into the miss-drilled hole.

This fills the hole, and lets you re-drill it when the glue is dry (if guerilla glue) Wood glue you can pretty much re-drill immediately. Then you can replace the screw.

Close fit? There are (modestly inexpensive) right-angle attachments for the common 3/8 drills (again at Sears or home Depot) that let you fit into that kind of space.

For bannisters, are you sure you want to use a screw (lag bolt?) .... are you attaching the small clamp that holds the banister out from the wall? I'd recommedn at least a Nbr 10 x 1-1/2 screw for strength.

Tex? Your opinion?

[secret garden]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

He's off to the store right now! You're the best! :-)

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I have to admit Robert, as I was reading this advice I was positive it was Texan5 writing it..... I was stunned when I got to the end and it was you....... no offense, I just expected it to be our Construction expert.....apparently is was...one of our experts......lol

[Conspiracy Guy]

Man what a waste. Put duct tape on it and paint the whole thing flat black.