4

I have a piece of moulding on an appliance that is held on by a long, thin screw with a hex head. The screw is perhaps 5" long and perhaps 1/8" diameter (modestly heavier than a wire coat hanger).

The overall dimension of the channel is slightly larger, but not substantially so. The channel has no gaps or openings that would allow me to pry the remaining screw through.

When attempting to remove the moulding to replace a light bulb I noticed a lot of resistance on the screw. I applied penetrating oil, waited, jiggled, repeated a few times and finally managed to snap the head of the screw off along with perhaps 1/2" of the shaft. The shaft is now recessed within the moulding by 1/2"

I now realize that the screw is seized at the bottom as well. I cannot access it from the bottom, or else I could just drill out the bit of threading at the bottom and be done.

What sort of bit could I use in a cordless 18V drill to remove this safely?

Is there another technique that would be applicable given that I cannot replace the moulding and thus must make a serious attempt not to damage it?

At present I envision using a longer drill bit to completely eat away the existing screw and then replacing it.

Improve this question
1
  • A couple of pictures of the situation might be helpful
    – James Van Huis
    Commented Jan 23, 2012 at 16:43

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
4
+25

Have you tried using a Screw Extractor bit?

They are made for this purpose. You basically put it into your drill and when the drill slowly turns in reverse, the bit bites into the screw and tries to unscrew it simultaneously.

Improve this answer
1
  • I haven't seen these before, I will investigate if they come small enough to be of help.
    – Stephen
    Commented Jan 25, 2012 at 19:32
3

Chuck the protruding end of the screw into your drill (as you would a drill bit). Put the drill in reverse and try to back it out that way.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Good technique. but it could break it even further.. since already only using hand power broke it.. but the chuck will give good grip .. Good tip
    – Piotr Kula
    Commented Jan 20, 2012 at 17:14
  • 1
    Added edit to indicate that the shaft is now recessed within the channel and is not gripable (or Mr. Vice Grip and I would have solved this :)
    – Stephen
    Commented Jan 20, 2012 at 17:35
2

You might be best served by filling the channel with epoxy, so it grips the remaing screw stub, letting that harden, drilling a pilot hole in the epoxy, and threading for a new 1/2" long screw. If the long screw was originally in there for vibration prevention, the above kludge should work as well since you're still attached to the original screw stub. This is hardly an optimal solution, but you've got to go with something that is reasonably possible. Done properly, you will still be able to disassemble the end result if you need to get in there again.

Improve this answer
1

I've had good luck removed stripped screws with this screw extractor set:

Grab-it set

You use the cutting end to cut a new hole into the top of the screw, then you flip it around, push hard, and use the other end to grip the hole that you just made.

Improve this answer
1
  • As with @Mike's answer, I'll see if these come small enough, they might be a solution.
    – Stephen
    Commented Jan 25, 2012 at 22:05

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.