Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Removing the headless screw
• Method 2 of 2: Removing the sheared screw
• What do you need

Removing a broken screw can be a hassle. If the head breaks off the screw, you can remove it using an extractor or pliers. If the problem is a torn slot, you can try changing the screwdriver, using a rubber band or superglue.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Removing the headless screw

1. 1 Use an extractor. This tool is for loosening broken screws. Extractors are sold in hardware stores and are fairly inexpensive.
   • The extractor is effective when you need to remove a screw with a stripped thread or a broken head.
2. 2 Drill a hole in the screw. Choose a drill bit smaller than the screw.Drill a hole in the center. If you can't drill, try a smaller drill, such as 1.6 mm. Drill slowly. Do not push the drill too hard to break the drill.
3. 3 Drive the extractor into the screw hole with a hammer. Insert the extractor into the drilled hole. Press it into the hole as far as you can, and then hammer it all the way into the hole.
4. 4 Remove the screw by turning the extractor counterclockwise. Depending on the type of extractor, attach it to a drill or use a screwdriver to twist it. The thread on the extractor should engage the screw from the inside, after which you can unscrew it.
   • If the screw cannot be pulled out, try driving the extractor deeper or use a penetrating lubricant such as a liquid wrench. Lubricate the hole in the screw, wait 30 minutes, and then try again to remove the screw with the extractor.
5. 5 Alternatively, try unscrewing the screw with pliers. If the screw head breaks off, try to grasp the protruding end with pliers and unscrew the screw from the hole.

Method 2 of 2: Removing the sheared screw

1. 1 Try using a different sized screwdriver to remove the screw. Perhaps one of your screwdrivers will fit well into the slot, even if the slot is heavily punched out. You can also try using a straight screwdriver instead of a Phillips screwdriver.
   • If the screw does not twist the first time, switch to a different size screwdriver so as not to damage the slot even more.
2. 2 Use a rubber band to tighten the grip of the slotted screwdriver. Cut a long piece of rubber band, place it over the screw head and try to remove the screw with a screwdriver. Due to the tape, the screwdriver should better adhere to the slot.
3. 3 If the stuck screw is corroded, try dripping some solvent onto it. Rusty screws sometimes “adhere” to the surrounding material. Use a liquid wrench, oven cleaner, soda water (such as cola or Pepsi), and even lemon juice for corroding rust. Spray or drip the substance onto the screw and wait 10 minutes. Sometimes you need to drip it several times or even wait a day until the rust dissolves.
4. 4 Glue the tip of a screwdriver or drill bit to the slot. Put some super glue on the slot. Insert a screwdriver or drill into the slot. Wait for the glue to dry, then try to push the screw and unscrew it.
5. 5 If none of the methods worked, make a new groove in the screw head with a grinder. If the slot still fails to hook, try to carve a new groove with a grinder on the screw head. Then take a straight tip screwdriver or drill bit and remove the screw.
6. 6 If the screw is too tight, break it with a drill and drill. Take a large drill bit and drill the stuck screw until it cracks. Also, using a drill, you can break off the screw head, and then unscrew the protruding rod with pliers.

What do you need

• Screw extractor
• A hammer
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers of different sizes
• Lubricant
• Bulgarian
• Drill
• Drills for metal
• Rubber band
• Scissors