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Allen screws are often used to hold faucet parts neatly in place. However, it becomes a problem when one or more of the faucet screws are stripped because regular screwdrivers don’t work anymore to remove the screws. So, how to remove a stripped Allen screw from the faucet?
You will need to remove screws from a faucet if you want to do some repair work. An easy solution is to use a Torx head screwdriver.
Read on to find out in the step by step DIY guide.
Push in the Torx head screwdriver using a hammer. The Torx head will offer grip in the stripped Allen screw.
You can also try using a flathead screwdriver to create the grip.
You can also use a drill. Read on to find out the details.
How to Remove a Stripped Allen Screw from Faucet
Step 1: Gather the tools you will need to remove a stripped screw from the faucet
To remove a stripped screw, you will need a few handy tools.
If you are the kind of person who likes to repair things, you will already have these tools in your tool cabinet.
What You Will Need
- Screw extractors
- Metal drill bit
- Power drill machine
- Hammer
- Adjustable wrench or locking pliers
All these tools serve different purposes to remove a stripped screw.
Step 2: Find the right size of the screw extractor
At first, you will need to find the right size of screw extractor that will match the screw head that you want to remove.
Usually, there are a variety of sizes of screw extractors in a screw extractor set.
The extractors come in different sizes so that you can choose the right one to work with.
You will find a set of screw extractors in your nearby hardware store or online.
Step 3: Select the right size of a metal drill bit and a power drill machine
After you have found the right size of screw extractor, you need to find the right size metal drill bit.
Then, you will need a power drill. You can use whichever one you are more comfortable handling.
Now, place the metal drill bit in the power drill machine. Hold the metal drill bit on the screw head.
Make sure that the metal drill bit is at the center of the screw head.
Step 4: Drill a pit on the screw
Turn on the power drill machine and drill a pit for about 6.5 millimeters.
After you make a hole in the screw, remove the metal drill bit from the screw by reversing it.
This step is crucial as you need to make sure that you make the correct hole with the drill machine.
Otherwise, if the size of the hole and the screw extractor doesn’t match, the screw extractor won’t fit well in the hole.
Step 5: Place the screw extractor deep into the screw hole
Now, take the screw extractor and place it in the hole that you made earlier. Use a hammer so that the screw extractor sits well in the hole.
If the size of the screw extractor is a bit bigger, then remove the screw extractor and make the hole deeper.
The screw extractor should be placed tightly on the screw hole.
Step 6: Remove the stripped Allen screw with an adjustable wrench
It is the final step. You will need locking pliers or an adjustable wrench.
Place the adjustable wrench right on the head of the screw extractor.
Before moving the wrench, make sure you have tightened it so that it doesn’t move out of place.
Now, you will need to move the wrench in a counter-clockwise direction.
Once you start turning the adjustable wrench, you will see the stripped screw is coming off from the faucet.
After you have read the step by step guideline, you will feel confident in removing a stripped screw by yourself rather than calling an expert.
The tip to be successful here is to collect the right tools. The technique is easy if you have the right tools with you.
How to Remove a Stripped Set Screw?
There are a couple methods that you can choose from, depending on what the condition of the stripped Allen screw.
Rubber band method
To remove a stripped set screw, place a rubber band over the stripped screw to create a grip.
Then, place a flathead screwdriver over the rubber band and turn counterclockwise to remove the screw.
Screw extractor method
If the screw is missing its head, it will work better to if you use a screw extractor with the help of a power drill.
Select the right screw extractor size.
After that, insert a screw extractor of the right size into the screw and remove the stripped set screw.
How to Remove a Rusted Screw with No Head?
To remove a rusted screw, you will need to loosen the rusted screw with heat.
To prevent it from catching fire, use a rag dipped in a degreaser and wipe it in the rusted screws.
Take a hairdryer and give heat to the screws and wait till the screw starts smoking. After the smokes start occurring, immediately soak the area with cold water.
You can use a garden hose or a wet rag. The reason for heating the screw first and then cooling it down is to let it expand first and then contract.
Do this at least three times depending on how rusted the screws are. The screw should be loosened enough to remove it by hand.
How to Take Out a Broken Screw?
First, you will need to find a screw extractor.
Now, with the help of a power drill machine, drill a hole in the screw.
Choose a metal drill bit that is smaller in size than the screw head. Use a drill to push the screw extractor in the screw hole.
Then, turn the extractor with an adjustable wrench in a counter-clockwise motion.
Takeaway
These are all kinds of tips related to removing the stripped screw and broken screw. With the right tools, you will always be successful in removing screws.
Put more emphasis on choosing the right size of screw extractors and metal drill bit. Also, make a hole with correct measurements.
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