Ways to unscrew a small screw with a broken head - drill, nails, cut a slot. How to unscrew a stripped screw The screw turns in the metal

Using screws to fasten any products is convenient and reliable. But it often happens that you urgently need to unscrew a screw, but there is no suitable screwdriver at hand. Of course, using a screwdriver is the easiest and safe method, but if necessary, you can do without it. How to unscrew a screw without a screwdriver? Today you will learn about it!

Let's start off with, a screw is a cylindrical rod with a special head onto which a screw groove is applied. Screws are produced in a wide range regulatory documents, including GOST 1144-80, GOST 1145-80, etc.

However, there are two main types of hardware:

• classic screws;
• self-tapping(also known as self-tapping screws).

To designate in in this case the diameter and length of the screw are used (for example, a product with a diameter of 5 mm and a length of 3.5 cm will be designated as 5x35 mm). In addition, hardware can be classified according to the shape of the slot and the features of the head itself:

• with a flat (countersunk) head;
• with the same, but smaller type;
• with press washer;
• with a hemispherical head.

All these varieties are produced with a cross-shaped slot, with a straight (flat) and with Torx slot(the latter is also known as an “asterisk”), as well as with an internal hexagon and other, less popular options. There are also self-tapping screws with hexagonal and octagonal heads (roofing), which are also made with different slots.

On a note! According to the type of thread, screws are also divided into several varieties, which is determined, first of all, by the materials being connected and the specific purpose (for metal, wood, drywall or small household appliances).

Methods for unscrewing a screw without a screwdriver

Let's consider the most effective ways depending on the specific type of slot. Let's start with the cruciform.

Option No1. Phillips slot

First, note that some screws may have one recess on the head longer than the other. If so, then you should only work with a longer recess to make the task easier. Let us also add that the edges of these recesses can be worn down, and therefore you should work carefully, otherwise you can damage the product.

One of the most simple ways is the use of a coin. The method often works only with small screws. The coin must be inserted into the groove and then turned counterclockwise.

You can try to unscrew a loose screw with your fingernail. The steps are the same as in the previous method.

Take a knife, place it in the recess (long if they are different lengths) and scroll. Be careful, because if the screw is tightly tightened and the knife you are using Low quality, then it (the knife) can be bent without achieving the desired result.

Step 5. Use an old CD. Place its edge in the groove and turn it. The CD itself may suffer as a result of such manipulations, so make sure in advance that it is no longer needed. This method will definitely not help with a tightly tightened screw.

Step 6. You can cut a long groove on the head with a hacksaw, but this method is effective only when the hardware is not completely twisted, that is, if the head protrudes somewhat above the surface. Hold the saw at a right angle to the head, saw slowly and carefully. Next, when the groove is ready, the screw can be unscrewed with a flat-head screwdriver or improvised means (for example, a credit card).

Step 7 Take a flathead screwdriver of the appropriate size if you don't have a Phillips head screwdriver. Typically, this can only work with large/medium diameter screws. Be careful not to tear off the edges of the slot!

Step 8 Another option is to use a toothbrush. Melt one end of it with a lighter, then immediately insert it into the recess on the screw head. After waiting a bit for the melted plastic to harden, turn the brush counterclockwise. Of course, this will not help if the screw is tightened too tightly.

Option No2. Flat spline

As noted earlier, there is only one recess on the head of such a screw. If you do not have a flat-head screwdriver, you can unscrew the product using improvised means. Let's see how this can be done.

Use a credit card - insert it into the groove and try to turn it. Use only an unnecessary card, because it may well be damaged during unscrewing.

You can also take an “ear” from a tin can (soda, beer). Insert the broken “ear” into the groove on the head of the hardware and twist.

Use a regular coin - insert it into the groove and try to turn it the same way.

Step 5. If the screw is not tightened very tightly, you can try to unscrew it with your fingernail. The method is not always effective due to obvious reasons.

Step 6. Try to unscrew the screw with a knife, inserting the blade of the latter into the groove. There will be a risk that you will bend the knife.

Step 7 Last method– use of pliers. Suitable if the screw is not completely tightened. It is advisable to use needle-nose pliers for this rather than regular ones.

Option No3. Unscrew the Torx screw

We are talking here about screws with a recess in the form of a six-pointed star on the head. Such screws, by the way, are protected - with a rod in the center of the star. In any case, proceed with caution, because the edges of such a slot can easily be damaged.

Try using a flathead screwdriver. Insert its tip into a pair of opposite rays, carefully scroll counterclockwise. And if the screw is protected, then insert the screwdriver between the rod and any of the beams, and scroll in the opposite direction.

To unscrew a protected Torx screw, try using a screwdriver for an unprotected one, but in this case the rod on the head will have to be removed (this can be done, for example, using a center punch and a hammer).

Another possible option is to drill a hole on the tip of a regular screwdriver for the star rod.

Finally, you can use the same toothbrush by melting one end with a lighter (proceed in the same way as described in one of the previous methods).

Option No4. Unscrew the small screw

Let's say right away that small screws are especially difficult to unscrew without having the appropriate tools on hand. As a rule, such screws are found in various electronic devices. Ideally, tools designed for repairing glasses should be used for unscrewing (there will be no difficulties in finding them, and they are not very expensive). If such equipment is not available, resort to one of the methods described below.

Table No1. How to unscrew a small screw.

Steps, photo	Description of actions
	Use a knife - place its sharp end into the slot and try to turn it. It is advisable to insert the tip at a slight angle to increase the contact area.
	Use a nail file. Proceed by analogy with the previous method.
	If you have small scissors with pointed ends on hand, you can use them. But let us immediately note that such scissors are not the best option for unscrewing screws.
	Use tweezers. Insert its sharp end into the groove and try to turn it.

On a note! Another good option is to use a regular nail, the tetrahedral point of which is ideal for a cross slot. For example, for screws mobile phone An 80mm nail will do.

Screw with torn edges

Screws with a flat/hemispherical head (or rather, slots) often break off, and there may be several reasons for this:

• using old, low-quality or unsuitable tools;
• incorrect screwing (with a hammer, for example);
• insufficient force when unscrewing/tightening and, as a result, the screwdriver pops out of the slot;
• “souring” of the screw (corrosion);
• incorrect use of hardware (without drilling when necessary, or for unsuitable material).

Method No1. Twisting

Carefully inspect the screwdriver you use to remove the screw and, if necessary, replace it with a more suitable one. It is important that the tip fits tightly into the groove and is not damaged. If replacing the screwdriver does not help, you can use other methods. If necessary, for example, unscrew a screw from wooden product, then hit the head and then tap the tool every time you apply force. You can also use pliers if possible, as we already mentioned above. Or you can use rubber bands to seal it.

On a note! To make the self-tapping screw start to rotate, use a few drops of lubricant or brake fluid or kerosene. You can also heat the screw so that it expands - this way the material surrounding it is deformed, and the product can be unscrewed.

If all else fails, you can take drastic measures.

Video - The best ways to remove a broken screw

Method No2. Sawing

You can try to unscrew any type of screw with a flat-head screwdriver. Using a grinder or a hacksaw, make a straight slot in the screw head. But remember that the slot must be at least ½ the height of the head, otherwise you risk destroying it. This method can be used in combination with others.

Method No3. Extractors

Another good way to remove a screw. Select a drill so that its diameter is smaller than that of the threaded part of the hardware, make a recess in the head, cut a left-hand thread there and unscrew the screw using conical extractors. This is suitable for all types of heads, but in the case of self-tapping screws you will have to choose a different method - they are produced hardened.

What conclusions can be drawn? If you need to unscrew a screw with torn edges, the easiest way to do this is by welding (or gluing, if the force is not too great) a nut or some kind of stop to the remaining part of the hardware, heating it and making a cut.

Video - How to unscrew a licked screw

Sometimes the head of the screw wears out and is difficult to remove with a screwdriver. This practical guide will explain how to remove a screw if it is stuck.

Your actions

Don't make things worse. If the screwdriver slips out, then you need to stop using it. Because sliding will wear down the screw head even more, and it will be even more difficult to get it out. Unscrew the screw in the correct direction, usually counterclockwise (“unscrew to the left, tighten to the right”). Press down firmly on the screwdriver to prevent it from slipping.

Use a bolt extractor. This is a tool designed to remove broken bolts without damaging them further. It's essentially a screwdriver that has strong, rough metal threads right on the tip. Their purpose is to penetrate the metal head of the bolt and remain there in order to remove it.

As a last resort, drill out the entire bolt, and only if it is holding metal objects together. If all else fails, you can drill out the bolt using a drill. This will most likely destroy the thread. On at this stage the following solutions are possible:

Often, by placing a wide, flat rubber band between the bolt and the screwdriver, you can achieve good results, if pressure and slow rotation are used. The rubber band fills the space that a screwdriver can't reach.

• The Phillips head screw can be removed using a hacksaw. After this, you can use a screwdriver to remove the bolt.
• Try this simple method:(explanation for Torx bolt)

• (1) Hold and rotate the screwdriver with your dominant hand and guide the tip with the other.
• (2) Without applying any pressure, turn the screwdriver counterclockwise, feeling tension in all possible positions.
• (3) Continue turning until you feel maximum grip (after one full turn).
• (4) Stop and turn clockwise to get maximum grip effect.
• (5) Now use all your strength to press (concentrate more on this, because if you fail, the head will be damaged even more) and turn the screwdriver counterclockwise. If the bolt can be removed at all using a screwdriver, then this is your best chance.

Cautions

• Welding is very dangerous and should only be performed by specialists.
• If you use a bolt extractor, it may get stuck in the worn bolt and be difficult to remove. You can try using it again, and then at least you'll get the bolt out.
• Make sure that the object you are removing the bolt from is well secured and under control so that if it does slip out, you will not be harmed. You may have to put a little effort into this.
• Metal shavings from the bolt can cause injury or mechanical failure.
• Power tools can be dangerous and should only be used under adult supervision. Follow instructions and wear safety glasses.

What do you need

• Screwdriver
• A device for removing broken bolts, a device for removing pieces of broken bolts, or a retrieving screw (from 35 to 700 rubles)
• Socket wrench
• Electric drill
• Metal drill
• Protective glasses
• Work gloves
• Hammer
• Professional welder (optional)

How to unscrew a self-tapping screw if the thread turns?

Self-tapping screw in the lock iron door and sits deep, nothing can hook it.

If the slot is torn off and you can’t unscrew it completely with a screwdriver, then only a drill and a drill bit will help you.

5 DIY ways to remove a screw with a broken slot

You will have to select the drill according to the diameter of the hole. This can be done by unscrewing another screw. And for the drilling process to go perfectly, the drill must be moistened in an emulsion of water and soap. Since the screws are hardened and very strong.

You need to take advantage hard drive magnet or neodymium magnet, which can be purchased. By the way, the magnet from the hard drive is also neodymium and has great strength, despite its small size. If using metal object, to which it is attached Neodymium magnet, for example, a nail, attach it to your self-tapping screw, then you can pull it out if the self-tapping screw is not screwed into the thread.

It was originally screwed into the door, but now it cannot be pulled out, since it was screwed into the thread.

If it really scrolls freely, then using strong magnet, you can simply pull it out. If there is no magnet, or there is nowhere to get it, and the screw spins easily, then you can glue a 40-50 mm nail with a head to the screw with epoxy, and then, after a day, carefully unscrew it.

The fact is that it is thoroughly screwed in, the self-tapping screw sits tightly and does not spin at all. I tried to unscrew it myself and the thread wore off.

If you really try to glue something to it and then unscrew it. Thanks for the advice.

Then all that remains is to drill with a thinner drill exactly in the center of the screw, and then remove the scraps of the old screw and tighten a new one as necessary. If the screw does not turn, then epoxy will not help.

It’s clear, I’ll have to call a specialist, it’s difficult for me not to do this, but thank you again for the competent explanation in my situation, otherwise I don’t know what to do. And I can’t really explain it either. It’s bad when there is no help, I live alone.

Then you need to find a person nearby with hands that are growing out of nowhere and ask him to do such work. A woman clearly cannot do this.

Usually there are no problems with unscrewing a self-tapping screw or screw - a screwdriver, screwdriver or drill, rotation counterclockwise - and now metal fastener in your hand. However, if the cap, head of a screw or self-tapping screw is torn off, the thread is damaged, the task becomes difficult.

We have already written about how you can remove a nail whose head has broken off. Unscrewing a screw or self-tapping screw with the same problem or torn edges on the head is even more difficult.

Option one

If part of the screw or self-tapping screw protrudes above the surface, you can try to grab this tip with pliers. Experts advise using thin-nose pliers, known as duckbill pliers. Then, by rotating counterclockwise, pull out the fastener.

Option two

However, if the screw or self-tapping screw is screwed in deeply, there is simply nothing to grab onto. In this case, you will have to touch the surface into which the fastener is screwed. Yes, it will be damaged and will have to be fixed later. But sometimes there is simply no other choice.

If a self-tapping screw or shurpa is screwed into a tree, you can get to it using a chisel. In case of concrete surface You can shallowly drill the surface nearby or make cuts with a grinder to be able to grab the fasteners with pliers or pliers.

If you used a metal self-tapping screw, all that remains is to make additional holes nearby so that the platypuses can get to it.

Option three

Let's assume that the head on the self-tapping screw or screw remains, but the slot is torn off, as many craftsmen say - “licked”, rolled. A screwdriver or drill simply breaks off such fasteners. The easiest way to deal with this problem is to use a piece of rubber or any rubberized material. For example, a medical tourniquet or a bicycle tube would be suitable. We cut out a small rectangular or square piece from the material and place it on the head of the fastener with the broken thread. Then we rest against it with a screwdriver and begin to carefully unscrew it. The rubber creates additional grip, the metal screwdriver no longer comes off the slippery metal head and does its job. If the rubber was damaged or torn during operation, just take a new piece and continue unscrewing.

Video on the topic:

Option four

New edges can be cut on a torn or damaged screw head. Or rather, to deepen previously existing but erased ones. The easiest option is to make one cut using a flat-head screwdriver. To do this, use a grinder, a metal saw, or a Dremel. However, in the case of a self-tapping screw made of hardened metal, this option is problematic. In addition, part of the fastener must protrude above the surface so that the notch can be made.

Option five

Apply “Moment” type glue to the damaged head of the self-tapping screw or screw. Wait until it hardens a little, apply a screwdriver to this place and press for about five seconds. The glue will set and the screwdriver will no longer slide off; you can slowly begin to unscrew it.

Option six

Use extractor. This special tool for unscrewing unruly bolts, but also suitable for self-tapping screws. The secret of the extractor is that as it rotates counterclockwise, it grips the fastener more and more, preventing it from being pulled out. But before using the extractor, you should drill a hole in the screw according to vertical axis, where the tool will then be inserted. In the case of a regular screw, this is possible, you just need to choose a thin drill. But it is very difficult to drill a self-tapping screw from hardened steel; the drill will simply go to the side.

The edges of a screw usually break off at the most inopportune moment, regardless of whether you are a master or a beginner. How to unscrew a screw whose edges are torn off?

Why is this happening

Most often, the edges of screws are torn off due to wear of the tool used. When the edges are on work area The screwdriver blades are not sharp enough and there is no tight contact between the blade and the screw, causing destruction (“licking”) of the ribs on the screw head.

Another common reason is that the force applied by the hand to the tool is not strong enough. Due to the fact that the screwdriver tip does not fit tightly enough into the grooves on the screw head, the screwdriver tip slips during rotation, causing the edges on the screw to break off.

What to do first

The first thing to do when the screwdriver tip begins to jump off the edges and turn is to stop immediately. You should not be persistent, repeating attempts that aggravate an already difficult situation.

No matter what you did before: screwing a screw or unscrewing it, the only task facing you now is to unscrew the screw without damaging the material in which it is located.

Tool change

The second action in case of problems with the edges of the screw should be to replace the screwdriver with a new one with an unworn tip.

Using new tool, try to unscrew the unruly screw, making sure that the tip of the screwdriver fits securely into the grooves on the screw head and is pressed tightly against it.

If this does not help, the screwdriver continues to slip, and the edges on the screw are irrevocably torn off, proceed to the next methods of unscrewing a stuck screw.

Emergency methods for unscrewing a screw

If the screw is not screwed in completely, grab the head from the sides with the jaws of the pliers and, squeezing the pliers tightly, slowly begin to turn them in the direction opposite to the clock. Usually, after some physical exercise, the screw comes free.

Another way to unscrew a screw that is not fully tightened is to use a hacksaw to make a shallow (about 1-2 mm) cut, and then use a screwdriver with a flat (and always sharp!) blade to try to unscrew it.

If the material into which the screw is screwed allows, it is also a good option to remove it by heating the screw head with the flame of a match or. When heated, the screw, although slightly, will expand and increase in volume, compressing the material into which it is screwed.

After the screw cools, its volume will return to its original state, but a microscopic gap will appear between it and the material. Now the screw will no longer “fit” so tightly and you can unscrew it, if not with a screwdriver, then certainly with pliers.

A good idea would be to have WD-40 lubricant on hand and spray it into the gap between the screw and the material into which it is screwed. Thanks to the lubricating properties of the liquid, the friction force between the screw and the material will be significantly reduced and the screw will become easier to unscrew.

If none of the above tips help, the screw will have to be either completely drilled out or drilled out a little, and then screw an extractor into this hole and use it to remove the screw.

There are no hopeless situations, and solving the problem of unscrewing a screw with broken edges is proof of this.

Good luck to you! May everything work out for you!

As a rule, the edges of the screw break off at the most inopportune moment. At the same time, whether you are a master or a beginner does not affect this in any way. It is quite possible to unscrew a broken screw. But, of course, this will require additional time. So, let's look at some methods for unscrewing a broken screw.

Why does the screw break?

In most cases, screws break due to worn-out tools. For example, if the tip on a screwdriver is not sharp enough and the edges are slightly worn, the screw may well break off. The screw also breaks when too little pressure is applied to the screwdriver. In this case, the screwdriver jumps off the edge, and after several such unsuccessful attempts, the slots “lick off.”

But there is another reason. In some cases, part of the head breaks off. This can happen if the screw has aged over time and broken due to wear and tear. On the other hand, a screw may be fairly new, but it bends and subsequently breaks due to poor quality. Let's figure out how to unscrew a screw if it has torn edges.

What to do first

As soon as your screwdriver slips along the edges for the first time, don’t get excited and repeat the procedure. The situation could get even worse and lead to bigger problem. The primary task is not to spoil the workpiece in which the screw is located.

To begin with, you can simply replace the screwdriver. Perhaps in your case the screwdriver simply does not fit the screw you have chosen. Therefore, you can try your luck by using several attempts with other screwdrivers. At the same time, make sure that the tip of the screwdriver fits securely into the head. If this does not help, then you will have to resort to alternative methods.

If you have not yet completely tightened or, conversely, unscrewed the screw, you can do this using pliers. Grab the cap tightly with them and scroll counterclockwise. In most cases, this method of unscrewing a broken screw ends in success.

Another option: take a hacksaw and use it to make a shallow cut. Then use a flat-end minus screwdriver to try to unscrew the screw.

Note! The cut should be no more than two millimeters, otherwise the cap will weaken and break completely.

If the screw is twisted and has a torn head, take a grinder with a small circle and make a similar cut.

But in this case you should act extremely carefully, because it is very easy to damage the workpiece. For safety reasons, you can quickly turn the angle grinder on and off immediately. While the disk is spinning by inertia, you can make a small cut.

Note! When using an angle grinder, wear safety glasses!

Using the Extractor and Drilling Method

There is a much more technologically advanced method using an extractor. It is mainly used when it is necessary to unscrew a broken screw. It does not break during the unscrewing process. An extractor is the same as a screwdriver, only it has strong and coarse metal threads at the tip. With their help, you can penetrate deep into the screw head without any problems and unscrew the screw accordingly. So, unscrewing the torn screw using an extractor is performed in the following sequence. Using the extractor, you need to remove the screw, while lightly pressing on it. This is necessary to avoid slipping. After several attempts you will be able to scroll it. If this doesn’t work, then place a chisel on the screw and hit it lightly with a hammer. The screw will move from its place and then it will probably be possible to remove it.

If you cannot unscrew the screw using an extractor, then you will have to take drastic measures. Take a drill and a drill of the appropriate diameter for the screw. In this case, the drill must be exclusively for working on metal. As a result, you may be able to deepen the hole for the screwdriver, and then you can unscrew the screw.

Note! If you drill a hole too deep, the screw head will become too loose. This will cause the head and screw to become brittle and make the problem worse.

Note! When drilling a screw, it is important to follow safety precautions, since during the work metal shavings may fall off and bounce into your eyes. After drilling, do not sweep away the shavings with your palm; you may drive a metal splinter into your hand. Use a wire brush or hard sponge.

Among other things, there is another type of bolt extractor - spline. It resembles a hex washer with a slot that is located on the internal channel instead of a thread. So, you put the spline extractor on the head of the screw, while the internal spline is screwed into it. The bolt extractor should be lightly pressed down and turned with a socket wrench.

Extreme measures and maximum results

If none of the above methods helped you, then you can simply drill the screw all the way to its base. This method is also applicable if the screw is prevented from being unscrewed by a broken thread. If the thread is broken, by drilling out the screw, you will destroy it all and removing the screw from the workpiece will not be difficult. Afterwards, you can replace it with a new one, but of a larger diameter.

Another, less primitive method is to use a flat rubber band that is inserted between the screw and the screwdriver. At low pressure and light scrolling you can achieve success. The rubber band will fill any space that a screwdriver cannot reach.

So we've looked at possible options and methods for unscrewing a stripped screw. If you have your own developed technology, then write to us about it in the comments to the article.

Video

And another interesting alternative way: