Grub screw Removal Tool?

[Graeme]

After painting the bathroom and removing all towels rails, soap tray etc. all which are connected by grub screws, I was unable to remove a couple of screws as the tops have became 'threaded' by excessive use of the allen key. Is there a tool that I could insert into the grub screw enough to enable me to remove and replace the screws?

Thanks

 

[Deluks]

Drill it with a small bit, then use a slightly larger bit in reverse.
Tap it to shock it, bit of WD40 etc. Probably too small but could try a torx bit.

 

[Graeme]

Hi Deluks,

I've got some metal drill bits that should be small enough, I'll give that a try,

Thanks!

 

[Inky Pete]

Before you drill them, are you using ball-ended or straight ended allen keys?

The reason I ask is that ball ended keys, while convenient, come into contact with only a small part of the depth of the key hole in a grub screw. This can result in the hole getting rounded off - but only in the places the ball touches. Cheap ball-end keys can also wear quite easily which makes the problem even worse.

In this situation an allen key without a ball-end -inserted full depth and even tapped in lightly with a hammer - can often get enough purchase to remove them.

 

[nickjb]

Try to hammer in a torx bit. Usually works on rounded allen bolts.

 

[ladylola]

Or a cheap straight screwdriver hammered in often works too.