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At some point in the never - ending list of do - it - yourself projects , nearly every handy homeowner encounters a stripped screw , and this low obstruction can turn even the most straightforward plate advance project into a drawn - out liaison . Stripped screws ordinarily come when you ’re dealing with worn or weathered holdfast , such as those find on room access hinges , locker hinge , and door tap plates .   And , once you ’ve manage to damage or warp a screw drumhead , it ’s almost impossible to get that screw out with a common Phillips - head or insipid - brand ( slot ) screwdriver . Even worse , the odds of off the jailor step-down each time the screwdriver slip in the slot . Enter a veteran DIYer ’s go - to peter : a   screw cartridge extractor .

While the specific design of this inexpensive implement varies , it most commonly take the form of a tapering Mandrillus leucophaeus act with a reversed thread . When you put it to use , the extractor penetrates a yap plug or drill in the top of the screw and its transposed thread snaffle hold so that the screw can be twist out . A selection of screw extractors can be obtain in most ironware store , whether brick and howitzer or online , available in many different size to lodge a wide assortment of screw sizes . Once you ’ve snag one as an immediate fix ( and future repair peter ) , read on for the guidelines on how to use ascrew extractorand save the 24-hour interval .

Woman inserts a screw extractor into a drill.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

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Step 1: Don safety gear.

Using a screw cartridge remover imply drilling , spectacular , and cutting nookie , all of which can potentially send small shards of metallic element flying .   To forbid eye harm , wearsafety glasses .

Step 2: Punch the stripped screw.

Align the center plug with the center of the denude or broken shag , and gently strike it with a hammer . You desire to produce a small indentation in the meat of the screw to help direct the drill flake .

Step 3: Oil the screw.

Select a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the jailer or fastener , and secure it to thepower drill . Apply a small drop of ribbon cutting oil to the head of the broken screw propeller for easier drilling . If the stripped piece of tail is corrode or affixed to metal , place a low drop of infiltrate fossil oil on the ribbon to help loosen its grip .

Step 4: Drill into the punched spot on the screw head.

Align the drill bit with the punched slur on the screw propeller headspring . Drill slowly and carefully , making certain to keep the drill and bit aligned straight with the piece of tail .

Drill about 1/8 to 1/4 column inch into the screw caput ; the profoundness will depend on the size of the screw extractor you ’re using .

Step 5: Insert the screw extractor.

at last , enclose the bakshish of your handy shtup cartridge extractor into the bored hole . How to use a screw extractor will depend on the particular theoretical account you ’ve choose , but   you ’ll belike hire either a spanner or drill to turn the tool counterclockwise . As you turn the nooky cartridge remover , its thread will draw it in until it burn into the trap . Once you palpate the cartridge extractor take grasp , carry on turning counterclockwise and pull to completely get rid of the stripped or broken screw .

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Drill, hammer, and screw extractor on a step stool.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Person uses a hammer to hit a screw punch into a stripped screw.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Person drills screw into door hinge.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Drill pulling screw out of door hinge about 1/2 inch.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

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