Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Don't ask how it got that way, I am where I am

How do I get that screw out, and be able to put the same size screw in it's place?

you will need to drill a hole in the screw and get yourself -don't know the name- see picture - that fits to unscrew the remains .
If they exist that small off course.
You could also just drill it out at het exact diameter and just screw another in. It'll work.

Forget about drilling it, the screw is way too small and that's a messy procedure. This is the only kit you'll ever need for cleanly extracting broken screws. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Routi ... e_Kit.html

I have seen that tool called an "easy-out", but "screw removal tool" or "screw extractor" is probably as generic as it can be

Finding one that size may be difficult.

Stew-Mac makes one:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Routi ... =3&xsr=243

But it actually cuts the screw out with surrounding wood, requiring a replacement wood plug (a not so elegant solution, IMO).

Try doing an Internet search on "mini screw extractor" or "micro screw extractor".

This maybe?

http://www.amazon.com/Alden-8530P-Grabi ... ctor+micro

Actually for such a small job I'm thinking my local hardware store will have something

Tape around it, get some flat nose nippers, grab, twist.
Or.. Diamond file a small groove, just enough to get a flat blade screw driver to pull it out.

marc61 wrote:This maybe?

http://www.amazon.com/Alden-8530P-Grabi ... ctor+micro

Actually for such a small job I'm thinking my local hardware store will have something

Those only work if the head is still intact.

AlexM wrote:Tape around it, get some flat nose nippers, grab, twist.
Or.. Diamond file a small groove, just enough to get a flat blade screw driver to pull it out.

+1

local hardware store couldn't help. They said the screw was too small for any extractors. I will try to carve a slot in there but, the size I think is still going to be a problem

marc61 wrote:local hardware store couldn't help. They said the screw was too small for any extractors. I will try to carve a slot in there but, the size I think is still going to be a problem

If I were facing this issue I would be tempted to drill down into the screw with a very small bit (requires patience!) to make it hollow in the middle. I would then try to wedge a small screwdriver into that hole and turn it loose that way.

My 2 cents.

That's actually what the hardware store suggested but, we're talkin' tiny tools here...

Is that screw still in there?
It looks as if it sticks out a little bit.
Grinding a groove in it with a dremel and then inserting a sharpened flat screwdriver into that groove has worked for me too in the past.
Off course, if the screw is really really tight that won't help either.
You could level it with the wood then, and drill it out on your drilpress (keep the drill short) as if you are predrilling the hole.
Dont forget to mark the center to guide your drill.

They also make "left handed" drill bits with a reverse twist. Often when drilling into a broken screw with one of these, it'll catch the metal enough to work the screw out...

wim wrote:drill it out on your drillpress

darn, I knew I forgot something at the hardware store

cjj wrote:They also make "left handed" drill bits with a reverse twist. Often when drilling into a broken screw with one of these, it'll catch the metal enough to work the screw out

Well, my drill has forward and reverse. I'll give it a gentle try

marc61 wrote:

wim wrote:drill it out on your drillpress

darn, I knew I forgot something at the hardware store

cjj wrote:They also make "left handed" drill bits with a reverse twist. Often when drilling into a broken screw with one of these, it'll catch the metal enough to work the screw out

Well, my drill has forward and reverse. I'll give it a gentle try

You really need the reverse cut drill bits though, they will cut when running in reverse and so will grab the screw. Ordinary ones will just spin. Go SLOW...