Alexei Volkov
A stuck screw can derail projects and cause a lot of frustration. There are many reasons a screw might get stuck: they might rust, the threads could adhere to the hole and seize, or the screw head might strip. Removing a stuck screw can be done in several ways, depending on the tools available and the reason the screw is stuck. For example, using a screwdriver with a rubber band or steel wool on top of the screw head, melting plastic onto the screw to gain traction, or using a screw extractor kit.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Screw has broken head | Use screw extractor kit, pliers, or drill a hole for a new screw |
| Screw head is stripped | Use a different screwdriver, add super glue, use a rubber band, or use screw removal pliers |
| Screw is stuck | Heat the end of a plastic pen and press it onto the screw, use a lubricant, or use a screw extractor kit |
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What You'll Learn
Use a screw extractor kit
If you're dealing with a broken plastic screw, a screw extractor kit can be a handy and inexpensive solution. Screw extractors are designed to grip onto the screw, allowing you to turn and remove it more easily. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a screw extractor kit:
Choose the Right Size:
Before you begin, it's essential to select the correct size of the screw extractor. Screw extractors come in various sizes, and using the right size for your specific screw is crucial. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or a screw size reference chart to determine the appropriate extractor size.
Prepare the Screw:
Put on a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes from any debris. Use a center punch, which is a cylindrical piece of metal with a pointed end, to create a small indent in the center of the screw head. This indent will help prevent the drill bit from slipping.
Drill a Pilot Hole:
Choose a drill bit that is slightly narrower than the screw head. Attach the drill bit to your drill and line it up with the indent you created. Drill straight down into the screw head, creating a pilot hole about 1/8–1/4 inch (0.32–0.64 cm) deep. This hole should be drilled in the opposite direction to the thread of the screw.
Insert the Screw Extractor:
Select the appropriate screw extractor bit and insert it into the pilot hole. Tap it gently with a hammer to ensure it has a good bite on the screw. The screw extractor should be twisted counterclockwise as you insert it. Continue turning it counterclockwise until it reaches its full depth.
Remove the Screw:
Once the screw extractor is securely in place, grip the protruding end with a wrench. Twist the wrench counterclockwise to loosen and remove the broken plastic screw. If needed, you can attach a power tool to the protruding end of the extractor for added gripping power.
Remember to work carefully and patiently when using a screw extractor kit. With the right tools and techniques, you can effectively remove broken plastic screws.
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Melt plastic onto the screw
Melting plastic onto a screw is one method to help remove it. This method can be used when the head of a plastic screw has broken off, leaving the screw stuck in place.
One way to do this is to heat the tip of a screwdriver and push it into the screw. After allowing it to cool, the screwdriver can be used to turn the screw out. Start gently and slowly increase the heat until the plastic begins to melt. This method may take a few hours of work.
Another way to melt the plastic is to use a soldering gun. Holding the tip of the gun on the screw may transfer enough heat to melt the plastic without damaging the surrounding area.
It is also possible to melt the plastic by heating a nail and pushing it into the screw. Once the plastic has cooled and set, the screw can be removed.
One source suggests that melting the plastic may cause it to stick to the threads of the braze. Instead, they recommend drilling a small hole in the centre of the screw and then using needle-nose pliers to grip the screw and turn it out.
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Heat a screwdriver and push it into the screw
If you are dealing with a broken plastic screw, you can try heating up a screwdriver and pushing it into the screw. This method can be approached in a few different ways, depending on the tools you have available and the condition of the screw.
Firstly, you need to heat the screwdriver. You can use a lighter or another source of heat to do this. You should start gently and increase the heat gradually until the screwdriver is hot enough to melt the plastic screw.
Next, you need to push the heated screwdriver into the plastic screw. Apply firm pressure and hold it in place until the plastic cools down and bonds with the screwdriver. This will create a new groove in the screw for the screwdriver to grip onto.
Once the screwdriver has cooled down and is firmly lodged in the screw head, you can try to turn the screw counterclockwise to unscrew it. If the screw is still stuck, you can try applying a lubricant like WD-40 to help loosen its grip.
It is important to be cautious when using this method, as heating the screwdriver can be dangerous. Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to shield yourself from potential burns or injuries. Additionally, be mindful of the surrounding materials and surfaces to prevent any unintended damage.
If heating a screwdriver and pushing it into the screw does not work, there are alternative methods you can try. For example, you could use a screw extractor kit, which is designed to remove stuck or broken screws and is available at most hardware stores. You could also try using a pair of pliers specifically designed for screw removal, such as the Engineer Nejisaurus brand, which has a curved mouth and serrations to bite into the screw head, making it easier to remove.
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Use a shorter screwdriver with a larger head
If you're dealing with a stripped screw, you can try using a shorter screwdriver with a larger head. This method can also be used to remove a stuck screw. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Firstly, ensure that the screwdriver is the correct size for the head of the screw. Using a driver that is too small can cause stripping. Next, place the screwdriver into the head of the screw. Grab a hammer and gently tap the base of the screwdriver. This will lodge your screwdriver into the screw head, providing you with more grip. Set down the hammer and attempt to slowly remove the screw by applying downward pressure. Be careful not to damage the screw, as there will be less surface area in contact with the screw head.
If you don't have a hammer, you can try to secure the screwdriver tip to the screw head and apply gentle pressure. Then, in an anti-clockwise motion, attempt to unscrew the screw, using low speed and high torque.
If the screw still won't budge, you can try to increase the friction between the screw and the driver. This provides extra grip between the drive of the screw and the screwdriver tip. You can also try putting a rubber band or a piece of steel wool on top of the screw head before attempting to unscrew it, which will give the screwdriver something to grip onto.
If you don't have a screwdriver, there are other methods you can try to remove the broken plastic screw. For example, you can use a plastic toothbrush by lightly melting the end using a lighter or other heat source. Once the plastic is soft, insert it into the head of the screw and let it harden. Then, try to turn the screw counterclockwise to unscrew it.
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Drill a hole into the screw
Drilling is a common method for removing broken plastic screws. It is important to note that this method will destroy the screw, and there is a risk of damaging the threads of the hole.
To begin, select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw. It is recommended to opt for high-quality, durable drill bits designed for metal as they are better suited for drilling through stubborn screws.
Set your drill to a low speed and slowly drill into the centre of the screw. Drill a tapered hole that is large enough to fit an extractor. Flip the drill bit so that the extractor side is facing outwards. Gently insert the extractor into the hole and use the drill at a slow speed to remove the screw.
If you do not have a screw extractor, you can use other tools to grip and remove the screw. Needle-nose pliers can be wedged into the hole to grip and turn the screw. Alternatively, you can use a small flathead screwdriver to grip and turn the screw, but be cautious as this may damage the hole threads.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use screw extractors, pliers, a drill, a screwdriver, a soldering iron, or a steel screw.
Pick a bit smaller than the screw. Drill a hole down the center. Push the extractor into the hole. Push down on it hard and use a hammer to tap it fully into the hole. Turn the extractor counterclockwise to remove the screw.
Grip the head of the screw with your pliers, apply pressure, and twist.
Secure the screwdriver tip to the screw head and apply gentle pressure. Attempt to unscrew the screw with low speed and high torque.
