How To Get Broken Screw Out Of Wood

How to Get a Broken Screw Out of Wood: A Comprehensive Guide

Removing a broken screw from wood can be frustrating, but with the right tools and techniques, it's entirely manageable. This guide provides various methods, from simple to more advanced, to help you tackle this common DIY problem. Whether you're a seasoned handyman or a beginner, you'll find a solution here to extract that stubborn screw.

Why Screws Break: Understanding why a screw breaks in the first place can help prevent future incidents. Common causes include over-tightening, using the wrong size screw for the wood type, or using a stripped screwdriver. Using a pilot hole (a small hole drilled before inserting the screw) can significantly reduce the risk of breakage.

Methods for Removing Broken Screws

Here are several effective techniques, progressing from simplest to more involved:

1. The Easy Out (If a Little Remains): If a portion of the screw head remains visible, your best bet is to try using a screw extractor. These specialized tools have reverse-threaded bits that grip the remaining screw and unscrew it. Simply choose the appropriate size extractor for the broken screw and follow the manufacturer's instructions. This is often the quickest and easiest method.

2. Using a Vice Grip (For Stubborn Screws): If the screw is particularly stubborn or the head is completely broken off, a vice grip pliers might work. Carefully position the jaws of the pliers around the remaining screw shank, ensuring a firm grip. Then, slowly turn the pliers counterclockwise to remove the screw. This method requires some finesse to avoid damaging the surrounding wood.

3. Drilling It Out (A More Invasive Method): If the above methods fail, you may need to drill out the broken screw. This is a more invasive technique, so proceed with caution.

• Step 1: Center the Drill Bit: Use a small drill bit (slightly smaller than the screw's diameter) and carefully center it on the broken screw. Drilling off-center could damage the surrounding wood.
• Step 2: Drill Slowly and Carefully: Drill slowly and steadily to avoid breaking the drill bit. Stop frequently to clear away wood shavings.
• Step 3: Use a Screw Extractor (If Necessary): Once you've drilled a significant portion of the screw, you might be able to grab the remaining piece with a screw extractor or pliers.
• Step 4: Remove the Remaining Fragments: Carefully remove any remaining screw fragments with tweezers or pliers.

4. Using a Hammer and Chisel (For Extreme Cases): As a last resort, you could try using a hammer and chisel. This is a destructive method and should only be used when other techniques have failed. Carefully chip away at the wood surrounding the broken screw, being very careful not to damage the surrounding area. This is best suited for situations where the surrounding wood is replaceable or unimportant.

5. Heat and Freeze (Sometimes Effective): Expanding and contracting the screw with temperature changes might loosen it slightly. Try applying heat with a soldering iron or heat gun (carefully!) to expand the metal, followed by quickly cooling it with an ice pack. This method works best on smaller screws.

Preventing Broken Screws:

• Use the Right Size Screw: Always select the appropriate size and type of screw for the wood you're working with.
• Pre-Drill Pilot Holes: Pre-drilling pilot holes prevents wood from splitting and reduces the risk of breaking the screw.
• Use the Correct Screwdriver: Employ a screwdriver that perfectly matches the screw's head type to avoid stripping.
• Don't Over-Tighten: Avoid over-tightening screws; this is a major cause of breakage.

By following these methods and preventative tips, you can efficiently remove broken screws from wood, minimizing damage and frustration. Remember to always prioritize safety and proceed with caution. The right approach depends entirely on the situation, so be patient and choose the method best suited to the task.