If you've ever worked with a broken screw, you know how annoying the process of removing it can be. For screws with broken heads, you can use a screw extractor or even pliers to remove them. For screws with worn heads, you can try changing the screwdriver, using a rubber band, or using super glue to improve grip.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Pulling the Broken Headed Screw
Step 1. Prepare the screw extractor tool
This tool is designed to help remove broken screws. You can find them at hardware stores for cheap, and these tools will make the process a lot easier.
The screw extractor is most effective for screws with worn grooves and/or broken heads
Step 2. Drill holes in the screws
Choose a drill bit that is smaller than the screw, and make a hole exactly in the middle. If you can't, try changing to a smaller drill bit, for example, 1.5 mm in size. Do this gently and slowly to prevent the drill bit from breaking in the screw head.
Step 3. Tap the extractor with a hammer
Push the extractor into the hole you just made. Push down as hard as you can, and use a hammer to hammer it all the way into the hole.
Step 4. Turn the extractor counterclockwise to remove the screws
When pushing the extractor down, use a drill or screwdriver to turn the tool counterclockwise. The groove on the extractor will catch the screw so it can be twisted until it comes out
If this doesn't work, try tapping the extractor harder, or applying a lubricant like Liquid Wrench to the screws. Let the grease sit for 40 minutes before attempting to remove the screw
Step 5. Grasp the screw rod with pliers alternatively
To remove a headless screw, you can simply grip the end of the rod with pliers. Twist the screw rod to remove it from where it is stuck, and pull it out.
Method 2 of 2: Removing the Wear Headed Screw
Step 1. Use a variety of screwdriver sizes to test whether the screws can be removed easily
Sometimes, if the screwdriver size is increased or decreased, the screw head can be caught even though it is very worn. You could also try switching to a minus screwdriver instead of a plus.
If the screw doesn't turn on the first try, switch to the next screwdriver size. Do not exacerbate screw head wear
Step 2. Attach the rubber band to the screw to increase the grip of the screwdriver
Cut a large rubber band so that you get a piece of rubber band instead of a circle. Put the rubber on the screw head, then try to remove the screw using a screwdriver. The rubber will provide extra grip which helps to remove the screw.
Step 3. Pour the chemical on the rusty screw to help remove it
Sometimes, rusty screws will bond with nearby material. Spraying or pouring a chemical on the screw, such as Liquid Wrench, oven cleaner, soda (like Coca Cola or Pepsi), or even lemon juice can dissolve the bond. Spray or pour, and let sit for 10 minutes before checking. You may need to re-spray several times or even wait a day for the chemical to take effect.
Step 4. Glue the screwdriver or drill bit to the screw head using glue
Drop a drop of superglue on the worn screw head. Place the drill bit or screwdriver on the screw head. Allow the glue to dry, then try to remove the screw by pressing and twisting it until it comes off.
Step 5. Cut a new notch in the screw head using a rotary cutter if all else fails
When the screw heads are completely worn, use a rotary cutter to cut a small notch into the top of the screw head. Remove the screw with a screwdriver or minus head drill bit.
Step 6. Break the screws with a drill bit for annoying screws
If all else fails, use a drill bit to crush the screws. For example, you can use a large drill bit to drill a screw until it breaks. You can also use a drill bit to remove the screw head and pull the rod out with pliers.
