Hex Head Screw Extractor: Removing Stubborn, Damaged Screws

screw extractor hex head

Hex-head screw extractors are a type of tool used to remove broken, rusted, or stripped screws and bolts. They are designed with a left-hand spiral and multi-spline design, which provides extra gripping power to remove fasteners. The IRWIN Hex Head Multi-Spline Screw Extractor Set is a popular choice among mechanics and DIY enthusiasts, with 25 pieces ranging from 1/8 to 7/8 and a durable carrying case. The NEIKO Hex-Head Multispline Screw and Bolt Extractor Set is another highly-rated option, made from chrome molybdenum steel and featuring 25 extractors from 1/8 to 7/8 in a convenient storage case. Hex-head screw extractors offer a versatile and efficient solution for removing damaged screws and bolts.

Characteristics Values
Brand STARK USA, Powerbuilt, LLNDEI, NEIKO, IRWIN, Topec, RIZOM, REBRA, ARES, RIMKOLO, THINKWORK, UYECOVE, REXBETI, Eapele, Laser, RIZOM, MIXPOWER, MAZING, THINKWORK, RIMKOLO, Topec, LLNDEI, XEWEA, IRWIN, REBRA
Number of Pieces 25, 8, 10, 25, 25, 25, 12, 12, 14, 25, 13, 10, 13, 15, 25, 15, 10, 25, 18, 13, 14, 10, 15, 27, 10, 13, 42, 15, 25, 13
Material High-carbon steel, Chrome Molybdenum Alloy Steel, Chromium-molybdenum steel
Use Removing broken studs, pipes, and screws, removing damaged fasteners, removing stripped, rounded, damaged, and broken screws and bolts

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Removing broken studs, bolts, and screws

Using a Screw Extractor Hex Head Set:

The IRWIN Screw Extractor Set, Hex Head, Multi-Spline 25-Piece is a versatile and powerful tool designed to remove broken studs, bolts, socket screws, and fittings. It features an aggressive left-hand spiral design for extra gripping power. The spiral flutes embed themselves to increase grip as resistance increases. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

  • Select the appropriate extractor size and recommended drill bit size, which are etched on each tool.
  • Use a drill to create a hole in the broken stud, bolt, or screw.
  • Insert the screw extractor into the drilled hole, ensuring it bites into the stud securely.
  • Using a wrench or ratchet, turn the screw extractor counterclockwise to remove the broken stud, bolt, or screw.
  • The set includes various sizes, so select the one that best fits your fastener.

Other Methods:

  • Vice Grips and Heat: Heat the area around the stud threads with a propane or MAPP torch. Apply a penetrant like PB Blaster (avoid WD-40). Use vice grips with sharp teeth to get a tight grip on the protruding stud. Gently wiggle the stud back and forth, tightening and loosening to break its hold.
  • Dremel and Wrench: Use a Dremel to sand down the sides of the stud, creating two flat surfaces. Then, use a wrench or vice grips to turn and remove the stud.
  • Pipe Wrench: If the stud has stripped threads, a pipe wrench can provide a strong grip to turn and remove it.
  • Nut Technique: If there are threads on the stud, thread a nut down and then thread another nut on top of it. Use two wrenches to turn them into each other to lock them, and then turn the stud out.
  • Drill and Allen Key: Drill a hole into the side of the stud. Insert an Allen key into the hole and tap it with a hammer to loosen and remove the stud.
  • Flathead Screwdriver Technique: Cut a slot in the stud for a flathead screwdriver if it is not too deep and won't damage the finish.
  • Left-Hand Drill Bit: Drill a small hole in the centre of the broken screw and work your way up with a left-hand drill bit. The drill bit may catch and pull out the screw.

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Left-hand spiral design for extra gripping power

The left-hand spiral design of screw extractor hex heads provides extra gripping power to remove broken studs, bolts, socket screws, and fittings. The left-hand spiral design, also known as a reverse spiral, allows the extractor to grip onto the damaged fastener as you turn the tool. This design ensures that the extractor bites into the stubborn bolt or screw, providing the necessary grip to facilitate its removal.

The left-hand spiral design is an essential feature of screw extractor hex heads, enabling them to tackle even the most challenging cases of broken, stripped, or frozen screws and bolts. This design, combined with the use of durable and resilient materials like chrome molybdenum steel, ensures superior performance and extra gripping power when extracting damaged fasteners.

The left-hand spiral design of screw extractor hex heads is a significant factor in their ability to handle high-torque applications effectively. This design maximizes the gripping power of the tool, making it possible to remove even the most stubborn and tightly fastened screws and bolts. The spiral design also helps to prevent further damage to the surrounding components during the extraction process.

The left-hand spiral design of screw extractor hex heads is a key differentiator when compared to other types of screw extractors. This design enables the tool to firmly grip and remove right-handed threaded screws and bolts, which are the most common type. The left-hand spiral ensures that the extractor works in the opposite direction of the fastener's thread, allowing for a secure and controlled extraction process.

The left-hand spiral design of screw extractor hex heads is a testament to the engineering and innovation that goes into creating effective tools for mechanics, carpenters, and DIY enthusiasts. This design maximizes the tool's performance, ensuring that users can efficiently tackle a wide range of extraction tasks with ease. The left-hand spiral is a crucial element in the success of screw extractor hex heads.

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Screw extractor kits

The IRWIN Screw Extractor Set is a popular choice, offering a 25-piece kit with hex head multi-spline extractors. It is designed to remove broken studs, bolts, socket screws, and fittings, and features an aggressive left-hand spiral design for extra gripping power. The set also includes a heavy-duty carrying case for easy storage and transport. Another well-known brand is NEIKO, offering a 25-piece hex-head multispline screw and bolt extractor set. Their set is made from chrome molybdenum steel and features multiplane teeth with a left-hand spiral design for enhanced gripping power.

The Alden Grabit Pro Broken Bolt and Damaged Screw Extractor is another option, offering a 4-piece kit that is proudly made in the USA and comes with a full lifetime warranty. For those looking for a more comprehensive kit, the IRWIN Bolt Extractor Set provides a 13-piece collection of tools designed to handle a wide range of extraction tasks.

When choosing a screw extractor kit, it is important to consider the types of screws and bolts you will be working with, as well as the durability and toughness of the extractors. It is also helpful to select a kit that includes a range of extractor sizes to handle various fastener sizes. Additionally, look for features like aggressive left-hand spiral designs or multiplane teeth that provide extra gripping power.

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Multi-spline screw extractors

The NEIKO 04204A Hex-Head Multispline Screw and Bolt Extractor Set is another popular option. It is constructed from premium chrome molybdenum steel, which provides superior toughness. The aggressive multiplane teeth feature a left-hand spiral design for extra gripping power and faster threading. This set includes 25 extractors in sizes ranging from 1/8" to 7/8".

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Spiral screw extractors

The IRWIN Screw Extractor Set, Hex Head, Multi-Spline, 25-Piece (53227) is a popular choice for those seeking a spiral screw extractor. It features an aggressive left-hand spiral design and comes with a heavy-duty carrying case. The set includes extractors from 1/8" to 7/8" in size. Another well-known brand, NEIKO, offers a similar 25-piece hex-head multispline screw and bolt extractor set. Their product features sizes ranging from 1/8" to 7/8" in 1/32-inch increments and is constructed from chrome molybdenum steel for superior toughness.

In addition to IRWIN and NEIKO, there are several other brands that offer spiral screw extractors, such as CRAFTSMAN, BOSCH, and RYOBI. These extractors come in various piece counts and are designed to remove screws and bolts of different sizes. Some sets also include drill bits for added convenience.

Frequently asked questions

Screw extractor tools are used to remove stubborn and challenging fasteners, especially those with badly damaged heads. They are also useful for removing headless screws without damaging the surrounding surface.

Choosing the right size extractor is vital for the success of the extraction process. Quality brands will provide detailed size charts or laser-etched extractor sizes on the tools themselves.

High carbon steel is the most common material for screw extractors. High carbon steel contains more than 0.5% carbon, making it tough enough to tolerate high shear and wear.

Extractor length varies depending on the type of screw or bolt they are designed to remove. The standard length for double-ended extractors is around 2.2 inches, while spiral extractor lengths can range from 0.9 inches to 3 inches.

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