What Is a Stripped Screw Extractor?
A stripped screw extractor is a specialized tool designed to remove screws whose heads have become deformed, making them difficult to tighten or loosen. This can happen due to over-tightening, corrosion, or damage.
Ordinary tools often fail to remove stripped screws, necessitating the use of a stripped screw extractor.
How to Use a Stripped Screw Extractor
Stripped screw extractors are typically used with an electric drill. These extractors have a drill bit on one end and a reverse thread (or reverse tap) on the other. To use, first drill a hole in the center of the stripped screw. Then, insert the reverse tap end, which is designed to grip the screw when turned counterclockwise. Be cautious to avoid stripping the newly drilled hole, as this will prevent the extractor from gripping properly.
How to Choose a Stripped Screw Extractor
Stripped screw extractors usually come in sets with various bit sizes. It’s important to select a bit that corresponds to the size of the screw. Using a bit that is too small for a large screw will lack sufficient grip, while using a bit that is too large for a small screw can lead to improper centering during the drilling process, making the screw difficult to remove.
For Phillips head screws or hexagonal bolts, drilling a hole is necessary before using the reverse tap. However, for hexagon socket head bolts (cap bolts), the reverse tap might work without needing to drill first. If it grips firmly, the screw can be removed as is.
Note that standard steel drill bits may not be effective on certain materials, such as stainless steel screws, which are harder to work with and more difficult to drill into. If dealing with stainless steel screws, a suitable, albeit slightly more expensive, stainless steel-compatible drill bit should be used.