How to Remove a Broken Screw

A broken screw head can be a problem occasionally when you are trying to take apart any object that is fastened with screws. It may be that the top groove or indentation is stripped, or it may be sheared completely off. You will need to use a handy device called a screw extractor to remove it. The screw extractor also works on bolts up to 1/2 inch in diameter. It has a square top section, and a shaft that ends in threads that are sharply tapered to go inside the screw shaft. Learn how to use the screw extractor to remove inacessible screws and bolts by following the outline below.

Step 1: Start a Guide Hole into the Screw for the Screw Extractor

The guide hole provides an entry for the screw extractor into the screw. Attach a size 1/16 drill bit to your power drill, and align it with the center of the screw you want to remove. Slowly drill into the center of the screw shaft. Once you have the start of the guide hole, change your drill bit to the size of the embedded screw, and enlarge the hole to the size you need. Check on the packaging of the extractors to confirm which size of guide hole you need to make.

Step 2: Assemble the Screw Extractor

Hold the screw extractor upright with the square attachment end at the top. Fasten the T-handle to it by pushing the threaded joint down over the square end and turning it till it is snug. This allows you to both turn the extractor and apply pressure to it at the same time.

Step 3: Insert the Screw Extractor into the Guide Hole

Set the threaded tip of the screw extractor into the drilled guide hole. Strike the T-handle directly above the extractor tip with a hammer to force it into the guide hole.

Step 4: Press Down and Twist the T-handle Counterclockwise

While pressing down on the extractor handle, turn the T-handle to the left from its start point, this being counterclockwise. Keep the screw extractor as vertical as possible so it does not slip out of the guide hole.

Step 5: Adjust Guide Hole Size and Reinsert the Extractor

If you cannot get the screw extractor to grip the embedded screw, pick a larger drill bit size, such as 5/32, and make the guide hole larger. Tap the T-handle more solidly to get the best connection for the screw extractor. Turn the T-handle more rapidly as you feel the screw loosening, until you have detached the screw completely from the material it was holding together.

If you frequently repair old objects or renovate old buildings, you may run across damaged screw heads often. A single screw extractor will cost about $5 each at your building supply or hardware store. Save yourself time and money by purchasing a set of 4 for between $15 and $20.