Remove a stuck screw with an extractor
1 of 3Photo 1: Drill the stuck screw
Drill a hole in the center of the broken
screw or bolt using the drill bit size
specified by the extractor manufacturer.
2 of 3Photo 2: Engage the extractor
Tap the extractor into the hole and
turn it counterclockwise with locking
pliers or a tap wrench to remove the
screw.
3 of 3Photo 2A: Close-up of extractor
Extractors are available in several sizes to fit the approximate screw size.
When you twist the head off a
bolt, break a screw shank or
mangle a screw head, you have
a few options: In metal, you can completely
drill out a bolt and restore the damaged
threads with a tap. Likewise, you can drill
out a wood screw and replace it with a
larger one. But before you try these tricky
methods, try a screw extractor, which usually
does the job quickly and cleanly. You'll
find extractors at home centers and hardware
stores for screw diameters from 3/32
in. to 1/2 in. or larger. Small extractors
cost about $4.
Start by drilling a hole in the center of
the screw (Photo 1). If your drill bit won't
stay centered on the jagged, broken surface,
switch to a smaller bit (1/16 in. or
smaller). A smaller bit is easier to control
and creates a shallow starter hole for the
larger bit. Drill cautiously and apply only
light pressure. The worst thing you can do
is break off the drill bit inside the broken
screw because removing a broken bit is
almost impossible.
Next, insert the extractor and give it a
firm tap with a hammer. Then push down
on the extractor as you twist it counterclockwise
(Photo 2). If the extractor
threads won't grab and turn the screw, try
these other suggestions:
- Tap the extractor into the screw with a
bit more force. Heat from a heat gun
may also loosen stuck threads.
- In metal, apply a penetrating lubricant
and let it soak in for 30 minutes.
- Enlarge the hole with a slightly larger
drill bit and try again.
