Picture this: you’re in the middle of a home repair project, and suddenly, disaster strikes. You’re trying to remove a screw, and it snaps! Now you’re stuck with a broken screw that you can’t seem to get out of the wall. Don’t panic! There are several ways to remove a snapped screw, and we’re going to walk you through them step-by-step. With a little patience and the right tools, you’ll have that screw out in no time.
Before you start, it’s important to gather the right tools. You’ll need a pair of needle-nose pliers, a small screwdriver, a drill, and a set of screw extractors. Once you have your tools, you can start by trying to remove the snapped screw with the needle-nose pliers. If that doesn’t work, you can try using the screwdriver to pry the screw out of the wall. If that still doesn’t work, you can use the drill to create a small hole in the center of the screw. Then, you can use the screw extractors to remove the screw.
Removing a snapped screw can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. With the right tools and a little patience, you can get that screw out of the wall and get back to your project.
Extracting with a Hacksaw Blade
If the screw is accessible enough, you can use a hacksaw blade to create a new slot in the head of the screw. This method is particularly effective for screws with rounded or stripped heads.
- Gather your materials: You will need a hacksaw blade, a hacksaw frame, and a pair of pliers.
- Secure the screw: Clamp the screw in place using a pair of pliers or a vise.
- Insert the hacksaw blade: Insert the hacksaw blade into the saw frame and tighten the blade tension.
- Create a new slot: Carefully saw a straight line across the top of the screw head, creating a new slot.
- Use a screwdriver: Once the slot is created, insert a screwdriver into the slot and try to unscrew the screw.
- Apply downward pressure: While unscrewing, apply downward pressure on the screwdriver to ensure the blade engages properly.
- Use a penetrating lubricant: If the screw is rusted or stuck, apply a penetrating lubricant to the screw before inserting the screwdriver.
- Heat the screw: If the screw is particularly stubborn, you can try heating it with a heat gun or torch before unscrewing it.
- Use an impact driver: An impact driver can provide extra torque to help break loose stubborn screws.
Pros Cons ❌ Effective for rounded or stripped screw heads ✅ Requires some precision and handiness ✅ Can be done with commonly available tools ❌ May not be suitable for all screw sizes ✅ Non-damaging to surrounding materials ❌ Can be time-consuming Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before attempting to remove a snapped screw, it’s crucial to assess the situation and determine the cause of the breakage. Identify if the screw was overtightened, made from poor-quality material, or exposed to excessive force.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Tools
Ensure you have the proper tools for the task, including needle-nose pliers, tweezers, a screwdriver set, and a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter.
Step 3: Extract the Broken Screw
Choose the appropriate method based on the situation. Use needle-nose pliers for screws accessible from the surface, tweezers for smaller screws, and drilling and extracting for screws embedded deeply.
Step 4: Use a Screw Extractor Kit
If other methods fail, consider using a screw extractor kit, which includes specialized tools designed to remove broken screws.
Step 5: Preventative Measures for Future Breakage
Use the Correct Screw Size
Choose screws of the appropriate size and type for the application. Avoid using screws that are too short or too long, as they may break under excessive force.
Apply Lubrication
Apply a lubricant, such as graphite or petroleum jelly, to the screw before inserting it. This reduces friction and prevents the screw from seizing.
Use a Screwdriver Bit
Use a screwdriver bit that fits snugly into the screw head. This ensures proper engagement and prevents slippage, which can lead to breakage.
Avoid Overtightening
Tighten the screw until it’s snug but not overtightened. Excessive force can cause the screw to snap or strip the threads.
Use a Torque Wrench
For critical applications, consider using a torque wrench to ensure the screw is tightened to the specified torque value.
Choose High-Quality Screws
Invest in high-quality screws made from durable materials. Cheap or low-quality screws are more prone to breakage.
Use Corrosion-Resistant Screws
In environments where corrosion is a concern, choose corrosion-resistant screws to prevent rust and seizing.
Drill Pilot Holes
When working with hard materials, drill pilot holes before inserting screws. This reduces the risk of screw breakage and ensures proper alignment.
Replace Broken Screws Promptly
If a screw breaks, replace it promptly to prevent further damage or safety hazards.
Inspect Regularly
Periodically inspect screws, especially in areas exposed to vibrations or other stress factors, to detect any signs of damage or loosening.
How To Remove A Snapped Screw
A snapped screw can be a frustrating problem, but there are a few different ways to remove it. Here are the steps on how to remove a snapped screw:
- Use a pair of pliers to grip the snapped screw and try to turn it out.
- If that doesn’t work, you can try using a screw extractor. A screw extractor is a tool that is designed to grip the snapped screw and turn it out.
- If you don’t have a screw extractor, you can try using a drill to drill a small hole into the snapped screw. Once you have drilled a hole into the screw, you can use a screwdriver to turn the screw out.
People Also Ask About How To Remove A Snapped Screw
Can I use a drill to remove a snapped screw?
Yes, you can use a drill to remove a snapped screw. First, drill a small hole into the snapped screw. Then, use a screwdriver to turn the screw out.
How do I remove a snapped screw without drilling?
There are a few different ways to remove a snapped screw without drilling. You can try using a pair of pliers to grip the snapped screw and turn it out. You can also try using a screw extractor.
What is the best way to remove a snapped screw?
The best way to remove a snapped screw is to use a screw extractor. A screw extractor is a tool that is designed to grip the snapped screw and turn it out.
