How can I remove worn out Phillips screws? They are ground down to nothing - just a hole instead of a cross!?

Question

I am trying to replace the handles on my uPVC double glazing, but someone has been at the screws before and they are completely ground out, my Phillips screwdrivers can get NO purchase whatsoever!

Answer 1

take a hammer and slightly hit the end of your screw driver to make a new notch and it should turn for you..

Answer 2

You might try epoxying a phillips bit into the hole. Let it set for 24 hours and then use a vice grip to turn the screw out of the hole. I don't know what a "uPVC double glazing" is?? I suspect that it would be impossible to get a vice grip on the edges of the screw without damaging this thing?

Answer 3

There is a kit to remove broken screws called an "E-Z out" for a few dollars at the hardware store, perhaps that would work. With this system you would drill into the head then a small bit in the kit is inserted and "bites" into the new hole. After you remove them go get some new screws. You probably know there are different sizes of Phillips, be sure they match and that your screw driver is not damaged from the faulty screw. I f the head is exposed, try to clamp onto it with vise grips.

Answer 4

You need a set of screw extractors. You can probably get a set at a local car parts store. They look like a short screwdriver, but the ends are flat and star-shaped. You put the star-shaped end against your ground down screw and smack the other end with a hammer. It will bite into your screw and you can then unscrew it.

If you can't do that for fear of breaking the glass, you could try super-gluing or temporarily soldering your screwdriver to each screw.

Answer 5

Drill out the screw with a drill bit smaller than the screw and use an EZ out. After the hole is drilled, drive in the EZ out with a hammer and unscrew the damaged screw with a wrench. This sometimes works. Otherwise, you will have to drill out the screw completely using a small bit so as not to damage the thread. There are two types of EZ outs. one has a left hand spiral on it the other has a tapered square shank. On small screws, the square one works best. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Two ways:

1) get a DECENT phillips screwdriver,and a hammerand hammer in a new cross.

2) drill the old screw out.

both of these will involve re-tapping the old hole with a tap and die set

Answer 7

There are a couple of ways, if there is any grip left in the screw head for the screw driver you can try taping it with a hammer and turning it at the same time. IF not Craftsman makes a screw extractor for worn out screws and they are not to expensive, plus its always good to have the right tools around

Answer 8

if it's possible to get at the head at all use a hacksaw & saw into head this makes a new slot 4 a straight screwdriver or wollies sell a gadget 4 taking screws like that out

Answer 9

Fill the old screw head with superglue insert your phillips screwdriver in it hold it there for about 5 minutes , with alot of pressure towards the screw turn it slowly, it should work

Answer 10

use the screw extractor as mentioned by hummingbird!! just drill a hole in the screw about a quarter inch or longer depending on the size of the screw,, the extractor has reverse flutes which allow it to grab the screw and turn it out!! put the extractor in the hole and tap it in,, then use pliers to unsrew it

Answer 11

Good news. There are bits or screwdrivers that are made precisely for your situation. In the United Sates, they are sold at Sears. I am certain if you make inquiry you will find where they are, where you are. Good luck to you, an answer awaits your eager hands! - Chris.