3 Tips for Removing Wood Screws

Wood screws are not meant to be removed from whatever item they happen to be in. There may come a time when you need to replace wood screws. The screws can be rusty, bent or sheared off and you want a nice clean look to your finish. Removing a wood screw may prove more difficult than it should but this article will share with you some tips on how to remove them.

1. Use the Elements

Wood is a very fickle product to work with. It can be the greatest thing and, at times, the worst. Wood is susceptible to climate changes and the elements. This can aid you in removing wood screws without damaging the wood. All you will need is the right screwdriver for the job and a hairdryer. Turn the hairdryer to its highest setting and point it at the wood for several minutes. This will cause the pores of the wood to open up and the wood to swell slightly. Quickly use the screwdriver and remove the wood screw. Repeat with each of the screws you need to remove. The wood will eventuall y contract so you have to work fairly quickly and methodically.

2. Screw Extractor

The first thing you will notice about a screw extractor is that they look an awful lot like a drill bit. They are typically sold in sets of varying sizes and multiple configurations. They are made to remove wood screws that have had their heads damaged or sheared off. Examine the head of the screw you wish to remove and match the screw extractor to it as closely as possible. You will now need to prepare the screw. Look at the screw extractor you are using and it will tell you a drill bit size. Use this drill bit to drill directly into the top of the damaged wood screws. The pilot hole only needs to be about 1/8 of an inch. Put the screw extractor into the pilot hole on the screw and gently tap in place with a hammer until it is secure. You can now use a pair of pliers to grip the screw extractor and turn it to the left. The teeth of the screw extractor dig into the pilot hole which will allow you to continue unscrewing it. Some screw extractors can be used with an electric screwdriver or drill to make the process even easier.

3. More Torque

It's frequent to hear grinding and skipping noises. This is an obvious indication the screw cannot go any deeper and you should stop what you are doing. They also cause the screws to become stripped. Trying to remove the screw at this point will prove difficult because not enough of the head remains to properly grip onto a drill or screwdriver bit. In most circumstances you can avoid using a screw extractor by adding more torque. Use a bit that is slightly larger than the one you are using and use a socket wrench to produce the torque needed to grip the screw and remove it.