How to Use a Screw Extractor

Are you struggling to remove a screw? Unlike rivets, screws are temporary fasteners. You can install them by driving them into a surface, and you can remove screws by driving them out of a surface. As long as you have a screwdriver with a matching bit, you can easily install and remove screws.

There are times, however, when screws may not come out of the surfaces in which they are installed. Even if you use the right bit, the head of the screw may be stripped. A stripped head means the bit won't turn the screw. Instead, the bit will spin inside of the head. The good news is that there are special bits designed to remove stripped screws such as this. Known as screw extractors, they will allow you to remove stripped screws. 

Drill a Hole in the Stripped Screw

The first step to using a screw extractor is to drill a hole in the stripped screw. While there are different types of screw extractors, most of them mimic the appearance of a drill bit. They feature external threads that converge to form a pointed tip. You can use the screw extractor to drill a hole in the center of the stripped screw.

Insert Bar Through the Top of the Screw Extractor

After drilling into the stripped screw, detach the screw extractor from your drill. The screw extractor should essentially be sticking out of the stripped screw. Next, insert the included bar through the top of the screw extractor.

Screw extractors are special bits. They feature external threading on the bottom and a handle-like bar at the top. To use them, you'll need to drive the bottom of the screw extractor partially into the stripped screw, after which you can insert the bar through the top of the screw extractor.

Turn the Bar Until the Stripped Screw Comes Out

Now it's time to remove the stripped screw. Grab the bar at the top of the screw extractor and turn it counterclockwise. Assuming the screw extractor has traction with the stripped screw, turning the bar counterclockwise will remove the stripped screw.

You should be able to remove the stripped screw by turning it. If the screw extractor spins freely, try driving it deeper into the stripped screw. Repositioning the screw extractor deeper may help it grip the stripped screw, in which case you'll have an easier time removing it.