Twist the extractor anti clockwise until you cannot turn it any more Place the spiral end of the extractor into the hole you have drilled. Work slowly to drill a hole for the extractor Line the drill bit up with the centre of the screw

How to remove a screw using a screw extractorĪlways select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw you want to remove. The screw extractors are similar to a screw but have a reverse thread. The easiest way to remove the screws before replacing with a new one, is to use a specialist tool such as a screw extractor. This brings any work or project to a halt. Screws can break, rust, or become stripped and need to be replaced. These sets usually contain corresponding drill bit sizes, for a complete solution. Screw extractor sets and bolt extractor sets are also available and are ideal for removing broken screws and threaded bolts without damaging the thread. You can learn more in our guide to screw extractors. They can be driven manually using adjustable spanners or vice grip pliers or by using a hand-held power tool. A much better cutting tooth.A screw extractor or bolt extractor is a tool for removing broken, damaged or seized screws and bolts. That way, the corner of the triangle undercuts the front face of the next tooth, creating the little hook of the tooth. You can see what the geometry of the teeth needs to be.Įdit: By the way, the trick to filing the teeth is to use a small triangular file to shape the spiral ramps. And because I have a metal lathe, I undercut the OD and ID to make it work smoother. I made this one from tool steel and did harden it, but it's not really necessary. And there's your extractor bit, 1/4' OD, so you can plug the holes with a standard 1/4' dowel.Ĭhoose the diameter of the Cap Screw based on what dowel size you want to use. Saw the slots and file the shape of the teeth. Continue on shaping it like Robbie K did. Then, saw off the head with a hacksaw and file the end flat. The socket of the head will help you get it centered.

Clamp it vertically in a drill press vise and, in a drill press, drill the core hole down through the head into the shank. Most hardware stores have them, often for sale individually. So, for example, you can buy a 1/4'-20 x 3' Stainless Socket Head Cap Screw. You can drill holes in it, saw it with a hacksaw, and file it to shape easily. Standard stainless machine screws and socket head cap screws are made from what's called 18-8 Stainless, which is basically the same as 304 alloy. I also use 304 stainless for making up special counterbores and reamers, etc.Īnother source of stainless steel rod stock for making these extractor bits is.stainless bolts. Maybe not in heavy production use, but great for special occasional use tools. Hand-filed cutting edges will cut hardwoods just fine. It's pretty easy to drill, saw with a hacksaw, and file to shape. Stainless steel works well for making up specialty woodworking cutters like this. I normally cut them from standard 304 stainless rod stock. I've got a row of similar bits here on a shelf that I've made up over the years, for whenever emergency strikes! I've got a small machine shop here, which makes things a little easier. RobbieK's design for these extractor bits is good, and simple to make.

Screw easy out