Damaged screw removers

[colinuk1]

Hi guys, looking for recommendations really. After the second job recently where I spent far too much time removing damaged headed screws, I need to get a proper tool for the job. Or at least some left-handed drill bits. Checking reviews on damaged screw removers, on Amazon and Screwfix, seems that none of them are rated highly (soft metal, etc). Can anyone recommend me a decent quality set that won't let me down?

 

[EddieM]

Hi guys, looking for recommendations really. After the second job recently where I spent far too much time removing damaged headed screws, I need to get a proper tool for the job. Or at least some left-handed drill bits. Checking reviews on damaged screw removers, on Amazon and Screwfix, seems that none of them are rated highly (soft metal, etc). Can anyone recommend me a decent quality set that won't let me down?

I've got some trend ones that worked for me on an old set screw, I even got a spare set somewhere that you could have. TBH I don't think any of them really live up to expectations.

 

[colinuk1]

Hi Eddie, would love the spare set, thanks. Anything you may need in return let me know. Where are you?

 

[EddieM]

Anything you may need in return let me know. Where are you?

Anything?

If you send me a PM with your address, I'll post them to you.

I suppose I should warn you that I think they are in our infamous cupboard under the stairs, which whilst it exists, is also a euphemism for "Lost, no idea where they are, disappeared, vanished without trace, AWOL" etc.

I'll have a look for them tomorrow.

 

[colinuk1]

Couldn't work out the pm bit but, so 'started a conversation'. Maybe it's the same thing ???

 

[Burnerman]

Are you dealing with metal or timber here, Colin?
John

 

[colinuk1]

Timber John. Fence work. Some idiot put a fence around a field and most of the screws have been rounded off. Replacing it is a nightmare.

 

[Burnerman]

Sounds like a nightmare.....
I think I'd drill the heads off and knock the rails off if possible. If the rails are knackered anyway, cut them away, expose the old screw and cut it off with an angle grinder.
There's not a screw extractor in the world that'll get you out of this one!
John

 

[lostinthelight]

Save EddieM the hassel of finding the extractors, as John says, they wont help.
Another way is to chip the wood lower than the head and tighten a drill chuck onto to them and reverse them out or it will give room to get some grips on.

 

[EddieM]

Hey, let met free a tiny bit of space up! Anyway you're welcome to them if you want them, but I do share others reservations about them, they can work on set screws but screws in wood is a different beast but you can always try.

 

[Burnerman]

These are the only extractors that have ever worked for me....
https://www.sykes-pickavant.com/products/workshop-tools/fastener-tools/54
Great for removing snapped off taper spark plugs on Fords (earned a fair bit of brass there)
Those tapered LH threaded things either snap off or expand the drilling which makes things worse
John

 

[colinuk1]

Guys, some great tips there thanks.

Eddie, I would still love the bits if you can locate them please? Worth keeping in my kit for other jobs, and I will - at least - pay for postage.

 

[Keithmac]

Reciprocating saw (Sawzall) with a flexible metal blade works well slid between the two pieces of wood.

 

[EddieM]

I've advocated a sticky about how to remove awkward screws bolts etc.. there's loads of ways to get the blighters removed.

 

[opps]

If they are not exterior grade screws, you may find that even if you manage to turn the head, the screw snaps.

I have tried a number of screw extractors over the years, they seldom lived up to expectations. Someone recently gave me an "impact screw extractor" to remove pozi drive screws that are clogged with paint. You hit the end of the driver with a hammer and it is supposed to force the screw to turn- I haven't tried it yet.