Projects come to a sudden end when screws are broken or wrenched out. Anyone who undertakes home improvement work will eventually run into this difficulty, so having a screw extractor on hand will save you a lot of time. The extractor is similar to a screw, except it has a thread in the other direction.
Use it by drilling into the middle of a screw, inserting an extractor inside it, and then turning it counterclockwise until it is fully engaged. When the screw is removed, you’ll be ready to go back to work on your project immediately.
Despite the screw extractor’s simplicity, some individuals are unable to use it properly. There is some more information that you may require to complete the work properly and efficiently. Let’s have a look at it further down!
What is a Screw Extractor?
When extracting broken or damaged screws from work, a screw extractor is used to prevent thread loss from occurring. It has the appearance of a screw; however, it has a reverse thread. Electric and manual equipment, such as spanners or drills, can be used with the screw extractor.
Why Do I Require a Screw Extractor?
It’s possible to cut or bend a fastener yet have it work properly. Other times, however, you have to get it out of your system. Even while rounded-out and stripped screws might put a serious crimp in your workday’s productivity, they don’t always have to bring your operation to a complete standstill. Keep a screw extractor on hand in case you need it.
They are quite affordable. It will allow you to swiftly and easily remove those bothersome worn and corroded fasteners with the least amount of frustration possible.
From mechanics to furniture makers, any professional should always have a set of screw extractors on hand for emergencies. When it comes to screwing extraction, whether you’re just starting or working as an apprentice under a professional, we can teach you how to remove a screw as if you’ve been doing it for years.
What is the Proper Way to Use a Screw Extractor?
Here is a simple step-by-step lesson on how to use a screw extractor.
Step 1: Ensure Safety Measures
Striking, Drilling, and cutting screws are all required when using a screw extractor, and each of these operations has the potential to send tiny shards of metal flying. Safety glasses should be used to avoid eye harm.
Step 2: Align the Center Punch with Broken Screw
Align the center punch with the center of the torn or broken screw and softly tap it with a hammer to release the punch from its holding. You want to make a slight depression in the middle of the screw so that the drill bit may be guided more easily.
Step 3: Apply a Few Drops of Cutting Oil
Select a drill bit with a smaller radius than the screw or fastener, then attach it to the power drill using a retaining ring. A tiny drop of thread cutting oil on the head of the broken screw will make the drilling process much simpler.
If the stripped screw is corroded or permanently attached to a metal surface, a little drop of piercing oil on the threads will aid in loosening its hold on the metal.
Step 4: Align the Drill Bit with Screw Head
Align the drill bit with the punched point on the screw head to ensure proper alignment. Drilling carefully and slowly, making sure to maintain the drill and bit aligned properly with the screw throughout the procedure.
Prepare to drill approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch into the bolt head; the depth will be affected by the size of the screw extractor you’ll be employing.
Step 5: Start the Extraction Process
Finally, place the tip of your helpful screw extractor into the bored hole you created earlier. The specifics of how to use a screw extractor may vary depending on the kind you choose, but you will most likely use a wrench or a drill to turn the tool clockwise.
As you crank the screw extractor, the threads of the extractor will move it closer to the hole until it bites into it. When you feel the extractor grab hold of the stripped or broken screw, continue twisting counterclockwise and pulling to remove the damaged or stripped screw completely.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Screw Extractor?
The ease with which these products may be used when working with corroded, worn, or broken bolts is the most compelling reason to do so. The tool makes it easier to replace the screws than it would have been otherwise. Extractors can provide a quick and straightforward solution to this problem.
If you use an extractor, you can avoid drilling a bigger hole in the material because the extractor is smaller. It indicates that you may preserve the screw hole’s original size.
This is good news. Once you have successfully removed the damaged screw, replace it with a screw of the same size as the broken one. Consequently, your finished product will be clean and tidy in appearance.
You can utilize the screw extractor as a remedy if the integrity of the prior thread needs to be maintained in the item under consideration. The tool makes it possible to replace the bolt with the same thread size as the original.
You will not need to use a drill if you have the aid of the screw extractor. Because of this, there is no need to waste time returning the hole to its original size. You are free to continue with the previous thread if you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Conclusion:
The tutorial above shows you how to use a screw extractor in a step-by-step fashion. The most important thing to remember is to follow the instructions attentively and not exert excessive effort throughout your task.
If you don’t, you might end up damaging the surface. If a screw becomes stuck, do not attempt to remove it by hand. As previously stated, another solution should be used to resolve the problem.
