Facing broken screw is a common thing for a handyman or the people who work on a DIY project. But this can be frustrating to remove the screw without an extractor kit. In this situation, a question comes to mind, how to remove a broken screw without an extractor? Is there a way? Luckily there is!
If you don’t have enough time to shop for an extractor still you can remove the broken screw easily and comfortable way. Our experts team research deeply on this topic for hours and finally, they have discovered some short and simple processes to deal with the problem. So, let’s have a look!
Step by step guide to remove a broken bolt or stripped screw without an execrator
Basic Home Tools required:
- Hammer
- Clamp locking pliers or needle-nose plier
- Multi-head screwdriver kit
- Wide rubber band
Stop Applying Wrong Tools or Skill: First of all, stop using immediately the tools or skills that lead to stripping the screw. Most of the time it won’t allow you to control the pressure superiorly applied to the stripped screw.
Use a Multi-Head Screwdriver: Use a short-length screwdriver that includes a bigger head. Even you can choose based on the screw head types to have better control. A screwdriver kit with an Allen or a Torx shape can offer you the needed grip to remove the stripped screw more efficiently. Keep in mind you have to go slowly to ensure much pressure downward and prevent the worse situation.
A Rubber Band: Sometimes a screw is a strip so much that any alternatives head type or size can’t work. In this time, you can utilize a rubber band. It can provide you enough grips to remove the screw or at least can loosen the screw. All you have to do is place a rubber band flat in between the screw and screwdriver. Then powerfully but slowly apply force to turn the screw. At this time, the rubber band will fill the space caused by the strip.
Clamp Locking Pliers: Though a rubber band is an effective tip it won’t let you fully remove the screw. In this case, a locking clamp-style long nose plier will help you complete the rest. Turn by turn helps remove the stripped screw completely.
Last Resort: Still, if you find none of the above mention techniques effective then you can chisel the screw head. Let’s add extra depth to the stripped areas so you can offer more tension lost from the strip. But make it carefully with force. If you hammered too hard, there will the risk of losing the screw completely. This technique is a recommendation as a last resort.
How to Remove a Small Broken Screw
Removing a broken screw is a frustrating job. But things can go worse when it is required to remove a small broken screw since there is less metal to handle. Simultaneously, it is tougher to use normal-size tools on small metal. The success of removing a broken screw without an extractor greatly depends on the remaining accessible shaft.
Try to Turn Using Vise Grip Pliers: Start with using vise grip pliers to Grasp the shaft and then spin it both ways. Backwards and forwards action may help you make it loose.
Apply Penetrating Oil: You can apply penetrating oil to the shaft of the screw if you don’t want to immediately remove the broken screw. The more the oil seeps in, and then it works better. Again, try to remove the screw using vise grip pliers
Heat the Screw: Use a butane pencil torch to Heat the screw. Besides you can use a heated metal rod to heat the screw. The target is to make the screw hot without causing any damage to its close area. Let wait for a while so the screw can be cool so you can touch it by finger. Then Remove the small broken screw with vise grip pliers.
Make A Larger Hole: Make a larger hole into the shaft of the screw using a larger drill bit. Make a hole it until remaining only little remnants of the screw. Finally, remove the remnants with a pointed object.
#4 Quickest ways to remove a stripped screw
1. Using an Impact Driver
This impact driver is another effective tool to remove the broken bolt, but ensure a quality bit. Both Phillips and flathead screwdriver bit will be acceptable option. After getting the right essentials put it and tighten it. Then clear the head from dust and waste and make sure the proper direction of the bit.
Wear safety glasses and put the impact driver snugly into the broken screw head. Use a hammer to hit the hold end of the broken screw for a couple of times. The bit should set strongly into the screw head and by rotating the impact driver head you should be able to loosen the screw. Now you should be able to remove the screw using drill or screwdriver.
2. Manual Screwdriver Method
If you can’t remove the broken screw with a screwdriver as its bit sliding against the screw head, apply this process. Use a hammer so you can tap the screwdriver down. Then ensure it will stay strong into the screw head. Especially it will offer you the extra grip needed to twist the fastener if it is made of soft metal. If you can, then cover the screw with a rubber band or duct tape to have a better grip on the screw. Now push the material into the hole using the screwdriver and try once again.
If the screw has a Phillips’s head, you will have to use a narrow flat-head screwdriver to fit within the hole perfectly. Now you should able to pull the screw easily.
3. The Magic of the Rubber Band
The people who ask how to extract a broken bolt can try this method as well. Since the surface of the rubber band is rubbery it helps hold the screwdriver in place. Any type of rubber band including car and bicycle tire innertube will work as long as it will ensure maximum contact between the screwdriver and the broken screw.
Start with placing the soft rubber band at the end part of the screwdriver. Push it sufficiently into the head of the broken screw so that it can stick well. Now turn to remove the broken or seized bolts.
If the screw head isn’t damaged, then use the rubber strip to fill the partially damaged areas. It will help you successfully remove the screw.
4. Use a Table Knife
The people who ask how to unscrew a tight screw without a screwdriver can encounter this trick. So take a table knife and use its tip to remove the screw. but remember one thing that you will have to use a knife with a round trip rather than pointy tips. Following the method, you can successfully remove both Phillips and slotted screws.
FAQs on How to Remove a Broken Screw Without an Extractor
How do you remove a rusted screw and bolt?
If the threads of the screw or bolt attack by rust, it will be better to use WD-40 penetrant spray to lose them. Use it to the screw and then hit it with a hammer. It will help the penetrant spray to enter into the fitting and make the bolt loose so you can remove it easily.
How to fix a screw that turn in metal?
You will have to use something to push the screw up while you will rotate it. Considering the situation, a pronged fork tool, a flat head screwdriver, or vise grips should work.
What can I use instead of wd40?
Though WD40 is over popularized, plenty of alternatives way is available that can be use rather than WD40. Such as, Cooking Spray, vegetable oil with 10 percent acetone, Vaseline, or sometimes coconut oil.
Final Words
Now you have the best piece solution guide. So you don’t need to ask further how to remove a broken screw without an extractor. We have produced plenty of alternative ways with step by step guide so you don’t feel any hassle even if you don’t have previous knowledge. One more thing doesn’t forget to wear safety tools even for the easiest operation.
