A screw extractor, which is a drill bit set designed to remove stripped screws, is an important tool for homeowners. There are many occasions when the problem with removing a broken or stripped screw can be solved by using a screw extractor instead of just trying to pry it out with pliers.
Here are five steps you should take in order to successfully remove a stripped screw with a screw extractor.
Step 1: Select the Drill Bit Size
Select the correct size of the screw extractor drill bit for your threaded hole. Screw extractors will not work on screws that are too large or too small because the threads in these holes do not hold the drill bit inside. Smaller diameter ones must be used on wood screws only, while larger diameters are used for metal.
Step 2: Select the Screw Extractor
You must be sure that the screw extractor drill bit is long enough to get into and all the way through your stripped screw hole without any part of it coming out of the other side at your mark depth.
Step 3: Only Work With Wood
A general rule for screw extractors is that they only work in wood, not metal. Anything harder than aluminum or plastic will simply shatter the drill bit and cause it to break off inside the hole. Metal screws will require a more specialized type of drill bit called a “tapping” or “thread forming” drill bit.
Step 4: Start With a Screwdriver
It is a good idea to start the stripped screw extractor into the hole with your screwdriver, but do not force it. Let the cutting edges of the drill bit do all of the work. If no forward progress is being made then something is wrong and you need to change sizes or try a different type of drill bit.
Step 5: Drill Through the Hole
When the screw extractor drill bit has drilled all the way through the hole as it should, then simply use your nail set or punch tool to drive it out of the stripped screw hole. Another option is to tap it out with a hammer and block of wood. When using the nail set, you should try to be careful not to push on or scratch your workpiece when performing this step.
If used properly, screw extractors can save you a lot of time and hassle in removing stripped screws from any project that you are working on. Make sure that you know how to use the screw extractor drill bit in order to get the most out of them every time you work with them.
