On Jun 3, 6:44*am, bobmct wrote:
We have all experienced screw heads breaking off on occasion and its
always quite a job to get the old one out and then trying to fix the
damage.

I've tried a couple of tpical screw extraction products such as ones
from Harbor Freight and HD, but they both sucked and actually broke
while trying to use them.

Occasionally I've seen on TV some magical extractors but we all know
what adviertizing is like...

For those of you you may have had success with some and would like to
recommend a good solution or two I would greatly appreciate hearing of
you choice(s).

I figure, if one purchases something that actually works, it worth the
investment rather than buy junk only to throw it away and still have
the problem to solve.

Thanks IA -

Mileage always varies with screw extractors. The screw wouldn't come
out in the first place so extracting it is always iffy. The extractor
creates outward pressure as it attempts to embed in the screw. That
makes the problem worse.

Bets case is don't break it. Soak in wd40 or you favorite penatrating
oil for several days. If it will turn at all just work it back a
forth carefully. Let soak more.

Another option is to heat the surrounding metal. You really need an
oxy/act or mapp torch for this though. Propane is too slow.
Sometimes combine heat and soaking.

I often just drill with increasing sized bits until I start to expose
the threads. Then a tap will chase out the remaining metal. You need
to be really accurate. Helps to use a center puch and really small
bit to get exactly in the center. to start with.