A broken or stripped screw imposes an abrupt "halt" to DIY projects. Anyone who delights in these jobs must occasionally deal with such a mishap; as a result, owning a screw extractor saves a lot of time. This tool looks like a screw, but has a reverse thread; to use it you have to drill a hole in the center of the screw with the drill, insert the extractor and turn it counterclockwise. Once the hardware is removed, you can immediately resume your project.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Vine
Step 1. Put on the protectors
Using the puller involves drilling into the metal and the last thing you want is a hard splinter in the eye; wear safety glasses made with polycarbonate lenses.
Step 2. Align the awl on the screw
It is a metal cylinder that looks like a pen; you can buy it in any hardware store. Hold it with one hand so that the tip rests in the center of the screw head.
Step 3. Create a notch by hitting the awl with the hammer
Grab one with your free hand and use it to hit the awl. A very light blow is enough; if you proceed correctly, you should leave a depression in the center of the hardware.
Step 4. Apply a drop of thread oil
This product is sold in large bottles at hardware stores, but you only need one drop. Tilt the container over the head of the screw and drop a small dose; the oil lubricates the metal reducing the wear on the drill bit and the time it takes to create a hole.
If you don't have this oil, you can use a drop of engine oil, WD-40, or another lubricant; Cooking oils can be useful, but they protect the tip less effectively
Step 5. Add a drop of penetrating oil to the rusted screws
It is indispensable for those coated with oxide or for those that are connected to metal surfaces; apply a drop just like you did with filleting oil.
If you don't have penetrating oil, try acetone
Part 2 of 3: Drill the Screw
Step 1. Choose a tip slightly larger than the screw
Place it on top of the screw or hardware you want to remove to evaluate its size. The right tip should be slightly smaller than the screw head; once chosen, insert it into the drill.
You can buy individual tips at the hardware store at a relatively low price or buy a kit with pieces of various sizes
Step 2. Align the tip with the center of the screw
Insert it into the small depression you made with the awl. At first go slowly; applying too much force can damage the hardware. Concentrate on keeping the tip in the same lead hole every time so that it penetrates perpendicularly to the screw head.
Step 3. Drill a hole for the extractor
You must reach a depth between 3 and 6 mm; the exact value depends on the model of extractor in your possession. Lift the tool to compare the tip with the hole; if it does not fit, continue drilling to widen the housing.
Part 3 of 3: Remove the Screw
Step 1. Insert the extractor into the hole you just drilled
The threaded end must enter the hole; you can use a hammer to fit it properly, but be careful not to force it; the other end should have a "T" handle which guarantees a firm grip. Turn the extractor counterclockwise until it stops moving.
Step 2. Turn it with a wrench or drill
Grab the top of the extractor with a wrench and continue turning counterclockwise until the screw unlocks. Many models can be adapted to the drill; if so, connect the free end to the power tool and turn the power tool on so that it spins counterclockwise. The screw should come out without putting up much resistance.
When you couple the extractor to the drill, remember to set the rotation in reverse
Step 3. Heat the locked screw
If you have a propane or butane torch, expose the hardware to a low flame for a minute or two; you can only do this if you are working with non-flammable material such as metal. Try using the extractor again; the heat expands the metal facilitating operations.
Step 4. Remove the screw with the pliers
You can use the traditional ones, but the "parrot" models offer a better grip on the small parts. Turn the screw and remove it; the heat should have made it easier to extract.
You can also try to drill a deeper hole with the drill to weaken or break the screw; However, be careful not to damage the surrounding material
Advice
- If the extractor doesn't work, try turning the screw with pliers to remove it.
- If you can't get something out with the puller, maybe it's best to drill through the bolt completely and re-thread the hole with a larger screw.
- You can treat corrosion by heating the bolt with an oxy-acetylene torch, but make sure the material can withstand the high temperatures.
Warnings
- Always wear safety glasses when drilling metal.
- Remember to work slowly and apply the least possible pressure on the screw; if you damage the screw or extractor, you make the situation worse.
- Do not force the extractor; if the screw is stuck, stop to avoid breaking the tool inside.
