Stripped screws can be a real pain when you need to remove them. They are a nightmare to work with, and can cause damage to the screw head and the surface it is inserted in.
But if you’re in a fix, there are a few ways to get it out without damaging the surrounding.
Drilling
When you have a screw that has lost its head due to rust, corrosion or fatigue, it can be hard to remove the screw. But if you have the right tools, removing it is not an impossible task.
One of the most common types of screw removal tools is a drill bit. But if the screw is so stripped that it is not possible to use a normal bit, there are special bits designed for this purpose.
Another tool you can use is a drill bit that is smaller than the screw shank. This allows you to drill a hole in the screw while removing it at the same time.
You can also try a wood plug cutter, which is similar to hollow cylinder extractors but with saw-cut teeth that bore through the surrounding area around the screw. This can break down the screw completely, allowing you to extract it with a screw extractor or a plier.
Welding
The welding process fuses two or more parts using heat, pressure, or both to form a join. It can be used on metals, thermoplastics, or even wood.
There are several different types of welding, but the most common is metal-in-metal (MIM) welding. It combines metals through the application of an arc between a consumable electrode and the workpiece, usually with the addition of shielding gas.
This type of welding is typically used for large projects in industrial environments. It is a low-cost and rapid method for joining thick sections.
Another welding method is friction welding, which doesn’t need filler material. It can be used on stainless steel, aluminum, and wood.
In some cases, screws can seize because of cold welding or thermal expansion. This is why it’s important to know how to handle a torch safely. It’s also a good idea to check that the metal on your screw can stand high temperatures. If it can, this is a great method for removing a broken or stuck screw.
Pliers
Pliers are an essential hand tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks. They are useful for gripping, holding, bending, twisting, cutting, and stripping wires.
Some pliers are made specifically to cut electronics. These pliers have extremely small jaws and are ideal for making very accurate cuts on circuit boards and other delicate parts of equipment.
Another type of pliers is used for turning or shaping objects. They can be either long-nosed or needle-nosed.
These pliers are commonly found in metal shops and similar industries where sheet metal is used. They often come with insulated handles for better grip and are great for forming seams or making loops in metal.
Slotted Screwdriver
When a screw becomes stuck, the first step is to remove it with the correct tool. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a slotted screwdriver, which can help you in removing the stuck fastener.
To begin, you need to make sure that you have a slotted screwdriver with the right size tip. The screwdriver should fit into the slot of a stuck screw so that you can get a good grip on it.
Next, you’ll need to apply a lot of force as you turn the screwdriver counterclockwise, keeping it in place and preventing it from moving. This will help you to remove the screw without damaging it further.
A slotted screwdriver is an essential part of any toolbox, especially when removing screws with no head. Shop4Fasteners stocks a range of slotted screwdrivers from trusted brands like Wera and Stanley. They feature flared or parallel tips and come in many sizes. They also have handles that are ergonomically designed to reduce hand strain and work fatigue.
