A screw extractor is a specialized tool used to extract defective or chipped screws from a piece of work without causing harm to the threading. They look like screws; however, the threading is in the opposite direction of a screw. Both conventional and powered hand tools, such as adjustable spanners and drills, and vice grip pliers are intended for use with these accessories.
In some situations, they are also referred to as bolt extractors or tap extractors. Despite the screw extractor’s simplicity, some individuals have trouble using it. If you want to do the work properly and efficiently, you may want more information.
When to Use a Screw Extractor:
Using a screw removal kit has many advantages over other methods. If you have stripped, corroded, or broken bolts, one of the most obvious reasons to utilize these tools is the ease of having them available. Broken screws should be replaced as soon as possible, and extractors are intended to make this process as simple and quick as possible.
It is advantageous to use an extractor because it eliminates drilling a larger hole in the material. In this case, it is possible to keep its same size screws in the existing hole, which results in a neater and cleaner finish once the troublesome screw has been removed.
One of the most common reasons for using a bolt extractor is when the quality of the pre-existing thread in the workpiece must be maintained. This is frequently the case since it allows you to replace the bolt with one with the same thread size as the original. This eliminates the need to punch the hole and then rethread it to the original thread size after that.
How it works:
Using a screw extractor is a rather simple process. A pilot hole must be drilled into the damaged screw or bolt before being repaired.
Once the bolt or screw has penetrated the whole depth of the hole, you may use the screw extractor to extend the length of the bolt or screw. This approach makes removing it from the object easy without encountering any difficulties.
Their manufacturers frequently make these tools from durable materials such as alloy steel, high-strength steel, and carbon steel. With their sturdy construction and spiral flute design, they are suitable for extracting a broad range of screws, bolts, studs, bolts, and even fasteners from a variety of different materials.
Each acceptable size of the extractor requires a different fastener to be used in conjunction with it. As a result, selecting the appropriate size is critical to your overall performance.
Preparing the Screw Extractor:
Before withdrawing the screw, check to see that it is in the best possible condition before proceeding. There are several things you can do to get ready for it.
- Punch a hole in the center of the screw with a center punch. The center punch has the appearance of a metal pen. The item may be purchased from any neighborhood hardware store. One of your hands should be placed on the center of the troublesome screw head to secure the punch tip.
- Then, using the other hand, take a hammer and bash the head of the punch.
- It should be tapped with a light touch. If you followed the instructions to the letter, you should see a little indentation in the screw. This phase drives the drill bit into the screw’s core, as seen in the illustration.
- To proceed, spray the thread-cutting lubricant onto the screw. Occasionally, huge bottles of this oil are sold at select hardware stores. For a project, though, you only require a single drop of the solution.
- The liquid will act as a lubricant on the metal surface. As a result, you will spend significantly less time drilling. Additionally, the drill bit can survive for a longer time. If you cannot locate the lubricant, motor oil or household oil might be substituted. However, the product’s efficacy does not compare to that of true cutting oil.
- After that, lubricate the screw with the penetrating oil. This type of oil assists in loosening the screw, permitting it to be removed with relative ease. The oil is also effective when dealing with rusted screws or screws attached to a metal surface. If you cannot obtain access to the penetrating oil, use acetone as a substitute.
Using the Screw Extractor:
To use a screw extractor, you must go through numerous stages. Each phase contains a set of requirements and suggestions to ensure the greatest possible outcome. Please glance at these articles.
Selecting the Drill Bit:
To initiate, select a drill bit that is a little smaller in diameter than the intended screw. Set the drill press against the nut or screw that has to be removed and turn them to the desired depth. To be effective, the right one must be thinner than the screw’s tip. Once you’ve determined which one is the proper one, attach it to your drill.
Drill:
3 to 6 millimeters in length, make a hole in the screw tip to accommodate the screw. The hole depth is determined by the screw extractor you are using. Put the screw remover up to the holes you have drilled to see whether it matches the hole you have drilled. Continue to drill to extend the hole until the extractor can be accommodated.
It is possible to damage the threads of a screw by using a drill bit that only enters the screw’s interior.
Insert the Extractor:
This hole must be filled with the extractor’s spiral head. To ensure that the extractor can slide in, softly tap it with a hammer to ensure that it can. To complete this stage, you must maintain your grip on the T-shaped handle located on the loose thread of the extractor.
Afterward, spin the tool counterclockwise until you can no longer turn it any further.
Twist:
You will use a drill or a screwdriver to rotate the screw extractor in the desired direction throughout this stage.
If you decide to use a wrench, make sure to grab the head of the extractor. To loosen the screw, continue to spin it counterclockwise until it comes loose.
If you decide to use a drill, make sure you attach it to the extractor’s free head. Then, using your drill, turn the screw in the opposite direction of the clock. A small amount of force is required to remove the screw from the socket.
Unless the screw still doesn’t budge, try twisting it in different directions to see if it helps.
Pull:
It’s better to use clamping pliers than regular pliers since they have a better hold on the screws. Turning the plier will allow you to remove the screw. The removal of the screw is aided by the heat, which makes it simpler to remove.
Screw Extractor Size:
The screw extraction should be the same size as the bolts and screws intended to remove. Most screw extractors are packaged with a variety of various sized tools for ease of usage. This is ideal for professionals and those who frequently require different-sized removers.
The following data is required to determine the screw extractor’s size:
- Size 1: 5-millimeter to 8-millimeter screws
- Size 2: 10-millimeter screws
- Size 3: 10-millimeter screws
- Size 4: 12-millimeter to 16-millimeter screws
- Size 5: 16-millimeter screws
- Size 6: 20-millimeter screws
Final Words:
This article shows you how to use a screw extractor. The ultimate guideline is to follow the stages and not use too much force carefully. We hope this guide helps you understand the details you need to buy a Screw Extractor.