Screw Extractors - A Complete Guide

How Do Screw Extractors Work?

Using a screw extractor is simple. First, you will need to drill a pilot hole in the broken screw or bolt. You must then thread in the opposite hand thread extractor. Once the extractor is at full depth of the thread, it can be used as an extension of the screw or bolt. This then allows it to be easily removed from the workpiece.

These tools are typically made from durable metals such as HSS, alloy steel, carbon steel, and hardened chrome vanadium steel. Coupled with their spiral flutes design, this robust construction means that they are suitable for removing many types of screws, studs, bolts, and fasteners. Various sizes are available for use with different sizes of fastener and most screw extractors can be used with fixings of medium tensile strength.

How to Use a Screw Extractor

Follow these steps to learn how to use a screw extractor safely and effectively:

1. Choose a drill bit that is smaller in size than the screw that needs removing. For assistance with this, please see our size chart further on in this guide

2. Attach the drill bit and line it up with the screw head

3. Carefully drill a pilot hole in the centre of the existing damaged screw

4. Insert the spiral end of the extractor into the newly drilled hole

5. Screw the extractor into the pilot hole. You should always use the opposite hand thread, meaning that it should be twisted counterclockwise

6. Twist the extractor anti-clockwise until it has reached its full depth

7. Grip the protruding end of the extractor with a wrench and twist it until the screw loosens

8. If you are using a power tool for added gripping power, attach the drill to the protruding end of the extractor and power the drill with a reverse rotation

9. Once the troublesome screw has been loosened, you should then be able to easily extract it with a pair of pliers

This process should unscrew the stubborn screw from its hole.

How to Remove a Screw with No Head

If the screw you want to remove has no head, this will present more of a problem. In this scenario, it may be easiest to use a drill with a bit that is the same diameter as the screw to simply drill it out.

How to Remove a Small Stripped Screw

To remove a small stripped screw, you will simply need to follow the same process as you would for removing a standard-sized screw with a stripped head. The only difference is that you will just need to use a smaller screw extractor set.

Screw Extractor Sizes

The sizes for screw extractors are directly derived from the corresponding screw and bolt sizes. Therefore, making sure that the extractor size is right for the specific type and size of the screw is essential. Most screw removers are available in kits featuring multiple tools of various sizes for convenience and ease of use. This is ideal for professionals and those regularly requiring removers suitable for different sizes.

You should also be aware that different manufacturers may use their own extractor sizes. However, if this is the case, these should always be provided with a screw size reference chart.

This table should help you determine the right extractor size for your application:

Why Choose RS Components?

So, now you know how to use an extractor and how to determine the right size for your application, all that's left to do is to browse and shop for screw extractors. We offer a range of tools and kits, but why should you consider buying from RS Components?

• Over 500,000 top-quality products from more than 2,500 leading brands and manufacturer

• All the information you need, when you need it, from technical datasheets to specific product details

• A wide range of delivery options (including next-day and same-day delivery) to suit your project requirements