A screw extractor is a tool used to remove broken or damaged screws, bits, and bolts. It is available in different sizes and consists of very hard metal. Users begin by drilling a pilot hole in the top of the broken screw using a standard drill bit. The screw extractor must be mounted on a hand handle or drill when in use. Another type of screw extractor looks like a hollow cylinder with saw-cut teeth along one end.
A screw extractor is a tool used to remove broken or damaged screws, bits, and bolts. When the screw head breaks or becomes too damaged to use, the screw can be very difficult to remove from an object. The same goes for a drill bit that breaks off and gets stuck in wood or metal. A screw extractor allows users to remove these obstructions and continue working on the project while creating minimal damage to the surface of the object.
The simplest screw extractor model looks like a standard drill bit. It is available in different sizes and consists of very hard metal. The tip of the screw extractor tapers to a point, while the body is threaded like a screw. The top of the tool is square, allowing the user to choose from several methods of operation, including drills or hand grips that fit over the top of the handle. Some users may simply use a pair of pliers to twist the extractor.
To remove a broken screw, users begin by drilling a pilot hole in the top of the broken screw using a standard drill bit. This hole acts as a guide for the screw extractor. Users must therefore choose the correct size of extractor to minimize damage to the surrounding surface. Typically, the extractor should be close in diameter to the screw it is being used to remove. Many screw extractor sets contain a variety of sizes to meet different needs.
The screw extractor must be mounted on a hand handle or drill when in use. Workers insert the extractor tip into the pilot hole, then rotate the tool clockwise, as if driving in a screw. This causes the tip of the extractor to dig into the broken screw and grab the head or shaft. The screw extractor is reverse threaded, so turning it clockwise turns the screw counterclockwise. This unscrews the broken screw so that it can be removed from the hole by hand.
Another type of screw extractor looks like a hollow cylinder with saw-cut teeth along one end. These devices fit into a standard drill. Users should center the tool around the broken screw, then turn on the drill as if driving a regular screw. This causes the extractor to drill material around the damaged screw, removing both the wood and the broken fastener. The wood can then be plugged or patched up so work can continue on the project.
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