Whatever the job, it will be quicker and easier provided you have the correct tool to do the job. The same is true if you need to use a screw extractor. It is especially important that you have the correct tool for the application, even if you’re trying to fix a bungled job. There is more than one option when it comes to screwing extractors, even though they all perform the job of removing broken screws and bolts. Before you tackle any project, you should know what types of screw extractors are available and how they operate.
Spiral Flute
Before you can use a spiral flute screw extractor you need to drill a guide hole. Once you have the pilot hole you can turn the square head of the extractor into the hole. Once it’s set, you need vice grips or a wrench to work the broken bolt or screw out of the hole. The spiral flute screw extractor will bite with minimal contact. It’s the perfect solution if you are dealing with harder materials. But if you are working with hard materials a brittle extractor can break without much warning. In all cases, you should take the process slowly.
Straight Flute
A straight flute screw extractor is an affordable solution for dealing with broken screws and bolts. They are heat-treated for durability as they are made using low-cost steel. Before you can use it, you need to drill a guide hole into the broken screw or bolt. You then hammer a piece of four-sided hardened steel to grip the drilled hole from the inside. You can then use a wrench or vice grips to turn the extractor to remove the broken bolt or screw.
The main issue with a straight flute extractor is they don’t specify the break torque because they are unpredictable. Additionally, the grip is only in two places so they may easily lose their bite or break within the broken bolt or screw. It is best for use when working with soft metals or materials.
Alternatively, the straight fluted extractor with a turned nut is also an option. It’s as simple as the other two, but with some additional benefits. These feature six sides to cut into the broken bolt or screw for increased contact points. It can be used clockwise or counter. It’s a far more effective option because of its contact points, which offer higher break-torque and resist breakage. It is the most expensive of the three options.
Final Thoughts
These aren’t the only options available when it comes to screwing extractors, but they are the three most commonly used on the market. All three of these screw extractors are effective when used in the correct application. You should always use caution, however, as screw extractors can be over-torqued. You don’t want to make the problem any worse. As with any tool, the essential factor in successfully executing any project is the quality of the tool you use. This is particularly true when you are dealing with a particularly challenging repair.
