Screw Extraction Part-1

Sometimes a screw/bolt on a machine assembly brakes during its maintenance and need to
be extracted.

Screw Extraction by Screw Extractor

A screw/bolt extractor is a tool for removing broken screws/bolts. It most commonly takes the
form of a tapered hand tap with a reversed thread.

To remove a broken screw, drill about 3 to 6 mm deep hole into the screw head; the depth
will depend on the size of the screw extractor you are using. The hole diameter varies
according to the extractor size you are using. Follow the recommendations on the package
that came with the extractor. Next, insert the tip of the screw extractor into the drilled hole
and using a hammer, tap the extractor firmly into the hole. Noe apply downward pressure on
the extractor and turn it counterclockwise (for right hand screws) with a wrench (or drill). As
you turn the screw extractor, its threads will draw it in until it bites into the drilled hole. Once
the extractor takes hold, continue turning it counterclockwise and pull it to completely
remove the broken screw.

If the extractor slips and loses its bite in the screw, try the following:

 Tap the extractor more firmly to get a better bite into the screw.
 Push down more firmly as you turn the extractor counterclockwise.
 Enlarge the pilot hole slightly and try again.