Removing Worn-out Screws When Drilling Doesn't Work?

Question

I have a rolling desk chair that I need to take apart. One of the screws in it, however, has a worn-out head that I cannot unscrew.

I tried drilling into it, but even after 10 minutes of drilling, I only got about a millimeter into the head. I even tried to use a hammer and flat-head screwdriver to try and "carve" a new head on the screw, but that didn't work (the screw wasn't even dented).

Anyone know how I can remove this stubborn screw?

Answer 1

Auto parts stores sell screw removers that are made of hardened steel that are like drill bits with the threads going in the opposite direction, so when you use it, you actually put the drill on reverse and the screw remover screws into the screw head and at the same time unscrews the screw from the chair. I think you can get a set of 5 different sizes for around $6.

Answer 2

If you didn't drill into the head it's most likely that you have a worthless drill bit. Use a small pilot bit first and then increase the size. Get a good drill bit and get a reverse thread screw removal tool. The removal tool screws into the hole in reverse and as it tightens is starts to turn out the screw. Be sure to use a lubricant such WD40 to free up any rust that might have frozen the screw in. If there is all metal around the screw you can try to heat it with a small torch which usually loosens up the most stubborn of screws. But..............

I just recently bought a really nice rolling desk chair at a yard sale for $15 and it has the hydraulic lift and all. You might want to save yourself some work and try to find one at a thrift shop or yard sale.

Answer 3

The problem is you can't get a new groove in the old screw by pounding on it with a hammer and a screwdriver because the steel in the screwdriver is not hard enough. You need a small cold-chisel. If you have one of these you can use one of the corners to form a new criss-cross so you can use a philips screwdriver to get the screw out or to use one of the corners to form a deeper groove all the way across the screw head so your flathead screwdriver can get some bite. That's the secret. Harder steel. You have the right idea, you just need a better tool. Hope this works for you.

Answer 4

A lot of wood screws are case hardened and would be impossible to drill under normal circumstances. Without seeing the chair, I would force off the offending piece if wood after having removed all the others, they usually pull out by brute force. Alternative method is to drill a series of small holes around the head and force it off, having removed the piece, a vice-grip will remove the damaged screw.

Answer 5

A lot of wood screws are case hardened and would be impossible to drill under normal circumstances. Without seeing the chair, I would force off the offending piece if wood after having removed all the others, they usually pull out by brute force. Alternative method is to drill a series of small holes around the head and force it off, having removed the piece, a vice-grip will remove the damaged screw.

Answer 6

Use a dremel tool with a flat stone wheel to cut a slot into the screw and then use a standard scewdriver to remove the screw. Take a claw hammer or pry bar and pop it loose and when re installing a screw just drive one into it a millimeter or 2 one side or the other of the one ya can't get out

Answer 7

Get a dremel tool with a cut-off wheel, and cut the notch into the head of the screw, then use the strait screwdriver.

Answer 8

Make sure your using a metal bit in the drill and not a wood bit. Then make sure you have the rotation of the drill in the right direction.