Tapcon Problem?


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Old 05-25-06, 04:57 PM
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Question Tapcon Problem?

I broke the head off a 1/4 tapcon while screwing it into block. It is snapped off a little inside the block so I can not get it with vise grips. Is there any way to get the screw out?
 
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Old 05-25-06, 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by mkat
I broke the head off a 1/4 tapcon while screwing it into block. It is snapped off a little inside the block so I can not get it with vise grips. Is there any way to get the screw out?
a 5 lb sledge hammer!

just kidding. I have never successfully removed a tapcon.

Is there some reason you cannot simply abandon this tapcon and move the hole to a new spot?
 
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Old 05-25-06, 06:10 PM
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I've never tried to remove a Tapcon screw, but is there any reason why you can't drill it and use a screw extractor?
 
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Old 05-26-06, 05:47 AM
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Tapcons are extremely hard. You might drill it but you'll need a very good bit.

I've had this happen several times, never got one out yet that broke inside the hole. Best way to avoid breaking them: ensure the hole is a bit deeper than needed, blow out hole with compressed air, turn tapcon in by hand, not with drill/driver.
 
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Old 05-26-06, 04:41 PM
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You could get an external screw extractor which does not require drilling (which you won't drill a tapcon), and unscrew it with a drill in reverse. I think I have seen them at the orange big box.
 
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Old 05-26-06, 04:46 PM
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But he said it is below the surface. I think it is time for a new hole (if possible)

BTW: to wreckwriter.

Have you actually got to use one of the install tools? It will not let you run it all the way down with it. It forces you to use a different tool, preffereable (as you suggested and good advice) by hand. I use a battery screw gun but use very low speed when near tight and still have broken a few. They are touchy little buggers for sure.
 
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Old 05-26-06, 08:17 PM
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The external remover will dig enough of the material out around the stub to allow it to grab the tapcon. If you have to use the same hole, you could chisel out around the tapcon and remove it, since it will be covered by something, and/or repaired with concrete repair material. Nothing is ever embedded too deep.
 
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Old 05-28-06, 09:52 AM
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Talking Thanks

Thanks the external screw remover worked!!!!!!
 
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Old 05-29-06, 06:23 AM
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can you guys provide a link to one of these tools?
 
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Old 05-29-06, 06:49 PM
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Tom: I believe this is the one, although I don't have a pix. They look like shafts with reverse saw blades on the bottom. You don't have to drill a hole first, and that is what makes them work so good on tapcons or stainless. Kinda hard to describe. This is from the orange big box.

"Screw Extractor Set, Black & Decker"
"Includes 5/64-, 7/64-, 5/32-, 1/4-, and 9/32-inch screw extractors."
__________________________________________________________________________

SKU 800686, 5-Piece --@.000 Ea 8.97 -- 8.97
 
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Old 05-30-06, 05:54 AM
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I'll check it out. Thanks Larry.
 
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Old 05-30-06, 04:24 PM
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Tom: I was over there today, and that was the wrong sku number. I'll try to get the right one and send.
 
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Old 05-30-06, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by chandler
Tom: I was over there today, and that was the wrong sku number. I'll try to get the right one and send.
OK, no hurry. thanks!
 
 

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