How to Use a Screw Extractor Without a Screwdriver
It is exasperating when the head of a screw or bolt breaks off and leaves the shank of the fastener embedded in the hole. This usually happens because the person unscrewing the fastener doesn't pay any attention to its condition before trying to break it loose with a power drill or impact wrench. If the fastener were inspected prior to twisting off the head, it could be determined if there is rust holding or has deteriorated the screw. Unfortunately, when the head of a screw does break off, there is really only one way to remove the rest of the screw.
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Things You'll Need
- Chemical rust dissolving spray
- Drill bit set
- Cordless drill
- Center punch
- Hammer
- Screw extractor
- Adjustable wrench
Instructions
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1
Spray the area where the shank of the screw meets the hole with a rust-dissolving chemical compound, available at most auto parts stores. Follow the instructions on the product's container.
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2
Insert a drill bit into a cordless drill chuck that is smaller than the shank of the target screw.
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3
Make a dimple in the broken screw by putting the point of the center punch on the end of the screw. Srike the center punch with a hammer.
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4
Set the tip of the bit in the cordless drill into the dimple. Drill a hole into the screw as far as possible.
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5
Insert a screw extractor into the hole in the screw as far as it will go. Turn the screw extractor counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench at the square-off top portion of the extractor. If the rust dissolver has done its job, the teeth and the screw extractor should be able to grab onto the inside of the screw and unscrew it.
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Tips & Warnings
If the screw extractor does not turn the screw after applying rust-dissolving compound, apply heat from a butane torch to the area around the screw.
Always read and follow the directions on power tools.
Always wear safety glasses when operating a cordless drill.
