How to Use a Screw Extractor Like a Pro

A Handy Tool for Broken Bits, Bolts, or Stripped Screws

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/14/22
Reviewed by
Kelly Bacon
Kelly Bacon
Reviewed by Kelly Bacon
Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by
Emily Estep
Emily Estep
Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Screw extractor

The Spruce / Margot Cavin 

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 20 mins
  • Total Time: 5 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10 to $40 (for tool purchase)

Removing a screw or bolt can be exasperating if the slots on the screw or the head of the bolt have been damaged from efforts to remove the fastener. This predicament can easily happen if the fastener is rusted in place or if you've used the wrong-sized tool. A few slips of the screwdriver or wrench and the head of the screw or bolt can be so damaged or stripped that it's almost impossible to get a good grip on it.

To your rescue comes this clever little accessory—the screw extractor. Screw extractors come in a range of sizes for screws of diameters ranging from 3/32 inch to upwards of 1/2 inch. You can use them on all manner of screws and bolts.

Before You Begin

A screw extractor is a high-strength steel shaft with a square head on one end and reverse tapered cutting screw threads on the other. The square head fits into a T-handle used to turn the extractor. You can also grip and turn the head of the tool with locking pliers.

The tapered threads are at the business end of the tool. These are designed to screw backward (counterclockwise) into the head of the screw or bolt after a pilot hole has first been drilled. The end is sharply tapered so that the extractor digs into the damaged screw deeper and tighter as the extractor is turned. So while turning the extractor counterclockwise, it's digging into the damaged screw more and more as the damaged screw is backing out.

A T-handle is a useful accessory when using a screw extractor. Named for its shape, the handle fits over the end of an extractor bit. T-handles are made to fit various extractor sizes, and many types also work with taps for threading holes. You can turn a screw extractor with locking pliers if you don't have a T-handle.

Tip

You must use the proper size extractor. Too large, and it will not leave enough metal to hold the extractor properly, damaging the threads holding the screw or bolt. Too small and the torque required for larger screws and bolts may cause the extractor to break. Use a chart to help you determine the correct size to use.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Screw extractor with T-handle
  • Locking pliers (optional)
  • Power drill with twist bits
  • Hammer

Materials

  • Cutting oil

Instructions

1:51

Watch Now: 4 Ways to Remove a Broken Screw or Bolt

  1. Drill a Pilot Hole

    To use a screw extractor to remove a screw, drill a pilot hole into the center of the damaged screw, using a power drill and a twist bit of appropriate size. If the head of the damaged screw is rough or uneven, it can help to start with a very small pilot hole, such as a 1/16-inch bit. Make sure to place a drop or two of motor or cutting oil on the damaged screw before drilling; it will help keep the drill bit from overheating. Oil is also a key ingredient for unscrewing a screw that won't budge.

    Then drill a larger hole with the bit sized for the extractor. The pilot hole diameter varies according to the extractor size you are using. Follow the recommendations on the package that came with the extractor.

    Tip

    Since you are drilling into metal, keep the drill speed slow and steady; drilling too fast will overheat the bit and dull it quickly. Be careful not to break off the drill bit inside the hole, especially when drilling with small bits.

    Drilling pilot hole into wood
    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  2. Extract the Screw

    Attach the extractor bit firmly to a T-handle or grip it with locking pliers. Place the extractor bit into the pilot hole in the damaged screw.

    Using a hammer, tap the extractor firmly into the pilot hole. Apply downward pressure on the extractor while turning it counterclockwise to remove the damaged screw.

    If the extractor slips and loses its bite in the screw, try tapping the extractor again to get a better seat in the pilot hole. Push down more firmly as you turn the extractor counterclockwise. If that doesn't work, slightly enlarge the pilot hole and try again.

    If a screw extractor doesn't work, you can still get the screw out without an extractor. Before anything, try twisting the screw with pliers to remove it. If that fails, drill out the screw completely by slowly screwing into the old screw with a smaller bit. Slowly reverse or drill counterclockwise and get the pieces of old metal out. Re-thread the hole and use a larger screw.

    Extracting screw
    The Spruce / Margot Cavin