How to Back Out a Broken Wood Screw
Often during a woodworking project such as building a deck or installing frame-work, a screw can become stripped or broken and need to be removed. This is normally the result of using power tools set on the wrong torque setting or screwing into really tough wood. Luckily, tools such as pliers and extractor drill bits have been designed to solve this problem. Removing or backing out a broken wood screw from your carpentry project can be performed quickly using the appropriate tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Extracting a Screw with a Broken Head
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1
Grip the screw with a pair of needle-nose pliers tightly around the diameter of the screw. If the head broke off and the rest of the screw is sunk into the wood too far, then you cannot go any further as these are impossible to remove without ripping the wood apart.
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2
Turn the pliers counter-clockwise, applying firm pressure until the screw starts to move. You may have to re-position the pliers to get a firm grip.
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3
Turn the screw counter-clockwise until it comes out from the surface of the wood about a half inch.
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4
Use a drill without a bit to remove the screw the rest of the way. Clamp the drill's bit jaws down around the broken screw as tight as you can and set the drill on reverse. Press the power button, and remove the screw the rest of the way.
Larger Broken Screws with Stripped Heads
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Drill a small hole with a drill bit small enough that it won't damage the structure of the screw. It should fit neatly into the center of the stripped screw.
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Drill down about 1/16 of an inch and brush away any metal shavings. Use caution or wear gloves, as the shavings can get lodged in the skin.
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Use a drill with an extractor bit to remove the screw. Size for the appropriate extractor bit to remove the screw. Unlike ordinary drill bits that run a clockwise thread, extractor bits run a counter-clockwise thread. Place the extractor bit into the drilled hole and press firmly.
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Depress the power button on the drill using forward action and the extractor bit will remove the stripped screw.
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Tips & Warnings
If you start to notice that your screw is getting stuck, back it out before you break the head or strip the screw. Adjust the torque setting on your drill for the appropriate torque or reset the screw into a different spot.
Always wear appropriate eye and hand protection when working with power tools.
