Screw Extractors & Bolt Grips

Find out more about Screw Extractors & Bolt Grips

Screw extractors and bolt grips are essential tools for anyone who frequently works with fasteners. These tools are specifically designed to remove damaged or stripped screws and bolts, making them invaluable in repair and maintenance tasks.

Screw extractors typically feature a tapered design with spiral flutes that grip the screw as you turn it counterclockwise. They come in various sizes to accommodate different screw dimensions, and they often require you to drill a small hole in the centre of the damaged screw before insertion. The extractor's threads engage with the screw, allowing for a secure grip that facilitates removal without damaging the surrounding material.

Bolt grips, on the other hand, are used for larger fasteners that may have become rusted or stuck. These tools often feature a unique gripping mechanism that expands as you turn it, providing a strong hold on the bolt. Some bolt grips are designed with a ratcheting mechanism, allowing for easier use in tight spaces. Both screw extractors and bolt grips are typically made from durable materials like high-carbon steel or chrome vanadium, ensuring they can withstand the torque needed to remove stubborn fasteners.

In summary, having a set of screw extractors and bolt grips can save time and frustration when dealing with damaged screws and bolts, making them a must-have for any toolbox.

Screw Extractors & Bolt Grips FAQs

What are screw extractors?

Screw extractors are specialised tools designed to remove damaged or stripped screws that cannot be easily removed with a standard screwdriver. They are particularly useful when the screw head is broken, rusted, or worn down, making it difficult to grip or turn.

The design of a screw extractor typically features a tapered shape with spiral flutes. These flutes are designed to grip the screw as you turn the extractor counterclockwise. The extractor is made from durable materials, often high-carbon steel, which allows it to withstand the torque required to remove stubborn screws.

To use a screw extractor, you first need to drill a small hole in the centre of the damaged screw. This hole acts as the entry point for the extractor. It's crucial to drill straight and to the appropriate depth to ensure a good fit. After drilling, you insert the screw extractor into the hole and turn it counterclockwise with a wrench or pliers. As you turn, the extractor's flutes grip the screw, allowing you to pull it out.

Screw extractors come in various sizes to accommodate different screw dimensions, so it's important to select the right size for the job. They can be used on various types of screws, including wood screws, metal screws, and machine screws. However, they are most effective on screws that are stripped or damaged rather than those that are completely broken off.

Overall, screw extractors are a handy tool for anyone working with screws, as they provide a solution for those frustrating situations where a screw won't budge.

How do I use a screw extractor?

Using a screw extractor is a straightforward process, but it requires careful steps to ensure success. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively use a screw extractor:

Gather Your Tools: Before you start, you’ll need a few essential tools: a drill with a drill bit that matches the size of the screw extractor, a screw extractor set, pliers or a wrench, and possibly a centre punch for precise drilling.

Assess the Damaged Screw: Examine the screw to determine the extent of the damage. If the screw head is stripped or broken, you’ll need to proceed with the extraction. Make sure there’s enough of the screw left to grip with the extractor.

Drill a Pilot Hole: Using the appropriate drill bit, drill a small pilot hole in the centre of the damaged screw. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the screw extractor but not so deep that it damages the material surrounding the screw. If you’re having trouble finding the centre, using a centre punch can help create a small indentation to guide your drill bit.

Insert the Screw Extractor: Choose a screw extractor that fits the size of the pilot hole you drilled. Insert the extractor into the hole, ensuring it’s straight and aligned properly.

Turn Counterclockwise: Using pliers or a wrench, grip the extractor and turn it counterclockwise. As you turn, the spiral flutes of the extractor will grip the screw. You may need to apply some pressure, but be cautious not to break the extractor.

Remove the Screw: Once the extractor has a firm grip, continue turning it until the screw begins to loosen and eventually comes out. If the screw is particularly stubborn, you might need to apply penetrating oil to help loosen it before attempting extraction again.

Clean Up: After successfully removing the screw, clean the area and check for any debris or damage. If necessary, you can fill the hole or replace the screw with a new one.

Using a screw extractor can save you time and frustration when dealing with stubborn screws. Just remember to take your time during each step to ensure a successful extraction without damaging surrounding materials.

What sizes do screw extractors come in?

Screw extractors come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different screw types and diameters. Here’s a detailed look at the sizes and types of screw extractors available:

Standard Sizes: Most screw extractor sets will include a range of sizes, typically numbered from 1 to 5 or 1 to 10. The size corresponds to the diameter of the screw you’re trying to extract. For example, a size 1 extractor is generally used for smaller screws, while larger extractors, like size 5 or 10, are meant for bigger screws.

Metric Sizes: In addition to standard sizes, some screw extractors are available in metric sizes. These are useful if you’re working with screws that have metric threads. Common metric sizes range from 3 mm to 10 mm.

Spiral Flute vs. Straight Flute: Screw extractors can also be categorised by their design. Spiral flute extractors are more common and are designed to grip the screw as you turn them counterclockwise. Straight flute extractors are used for larger screws and require a different extraction technique, often needing a hammer to help drive them into the screw.

Material and Coating: Different extractors may be made from various materials, such as high-speed steel or carbide. Some may also have coatings that enhance durability and reduce friction, which can be beneficial when extracting particularly stubborn screws.

Extractor Sets: Many manufacturers offer screw extractor sets that contain multiple sizes, allowing you to choose the right one for the job. These sets often come with a carrying case, making it easy to keep them organised and accessible.

When selecting a screw extractor, it’s essential to choose one that matches the size and type of screw you’re dealing with. Having a range of extractors on hand can make it easier to tackle various extraction tasks efficiently.

What are bolt grips?

Bolt grips are specialised tools designed to help remove or tighten bolts that may be stripped, damaged, or difficult to access. Here’s an extended look at what bolt grips are, how they work, and their applications:

Definition and Purpose: Bolt grips are essentially gripping tools that provide a secure hold on bolts, especially those that have lost their original shape or have been rounded off. They are particularly useful in situations where traditional methods of bolt removal or tightening fail.

Types of Bolt Grips: There are various types of bolt grips available, including:

- Socket-style grips: These are designed to fit over the head of the bolt and provide a tight grip, allowing you to turn the bolt with a wrench or ratchet.

- Pliers-style grips: These resemble regular pliers but are specifically designed to grip and turn bolts. They often have serrated jaws that help to grip the bolt securely.

- Adjustable grips: Some bolt grips can be adjusted to fit different sizes of bolts, making them versatile tools for various applications.

Material and Design: Bolt grips are typically made from durable materials such as steel or high-carbon steel, which provide strength and longevity. Many bolt grips also feature a textured surface or a rubberised grip to enhance control and prevent slipping during use.

Applications: Bolt grips are commonly used in automotive repair, construction, and maintenance tasks. They are particularly beneficial in situations where bolts are rusted, corroded, or otherwise difficult to remove. Additionally, they can be used to tighten bolts that may be in hard-to-reach locations.

Using Bolt Grips: To use a bolt grip, you first select the appropriate size for the bolt you’re working with. After positioning the grip over the bolt, you apply pressure and turn it counterclockwise to remove the bolt or clockwise to tighten it. The design of the grip helps to maximise torque and minimise the risk of further damaging the bolt.

In summary, bolt grips are valuable tools for anyone who works with bolts regularly. Their ability to grasp damaged or stripped bolts makes them essential in both professional and DIY settings, helping to simplify tasks that might otherwise be frustrating or time-consuming.

Can I use screw extractors on any type of screw?

Screw extractors are specialised tools designed to remove screws that are damaged, stripped, or broken. However, they are not suitable for every type of screw. Here’s a detailed look at when and how you can use screw extractors:

Types of Screws: Screw extractors are most effective on screws that have a head that is either stripped or broken off. They are typically used on common screw types, such as wood screws, machine screws, and self-tapping screws. However, they may not work well on screws that are too small or too deep, as there may not be enough surface area to grip.

Material Considerations: The material of the screw can also affect the effectiveness of screw extractors. For instance, softer metals like aluminum may strip easily, making them more challenging to extract. On the other hand, hardened steel screws can be more difficult to remove, as the extractor may break before the screw comes loose. It’s essential to consider the material and condition of the screw before attempting to use an extractor.

Extractor Design: Screw extractors come in various designs, typically featuring a tapered end that allows them to grip the inside of the screw. They are often made from high-strength materials to withstand the torque required to remove stubborn screws. Most extractors are designed to be used with a drill, so you’ll need the appropriate drill bit size to create a hole in the screw for the extractor to fit into.

Procedure for Use: To use a screw extractor, you first need to drill a hole into the centre of the damaged screw. The size of the drill bit should match the size of the extractor you plan to use. After drilling, you insert the extractor into the hole and turn it counterclockwise. The extractor’s tapered design should grip the screw as you turn, allowing you to remove it.

Limitations: While screw extractors can be highly effective, they do have limitations. They may not work on screws that are rusted or corroded to the point where they are fused to the material they are embedded in. Additionally, if the screw is too small, there may not be enough material to grip, making extraction difficult or impossible.

In conclusion, screw extractors can be used on many types of screws, particularly those that are damaged or stripped. However, their effectiveness depends on the screw’s size, material, and condition. It’s always best to assess the situation before attempting to use a screw extractor to ensure you have the right tool for the job.