How to undo broken screw head on metal frame?

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Rozmataz

Rozmataz

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Posts
2,773
Loc
Fingerlakes Region of NYS
This has happened on several occasions... help!!

How do you get the screw unscrewed after the head has broken off? (I know "don't screw so tight in the first place!")

Thanks,
 
Auto shops have a tool called an easy-out. Drill into the center of a screw and "screw in" the easy-out, it turns counter to the direction of tightening the screw.

Bit over kill for our needs! You could drill into the screw and "jam" a philips head screw drivre in and try that first.
 
You can also get those "easy-outs" at Home Depot. Is it broken off flush with the metal? If not, I have gotten some screws out by slowly turning them with a pair of slip-joint pliers.

Betty
 
Unless you are planning on reusing the hardware, you can simply drill out the screw using a bit slightly larger than the screw shank.
 
The screw-ins for the metal seem extremely soft and one side is usually what breaks off... I'll try the suggestions, from Betty's easiest and if that doesn't work - off to Home Depot!!

Thanks
 
You can get a small cheap easy out at a Pep boys, Auto zone, (insert your local Chain autoparts store here) I use mine all the time, (Cause I'm cheap like that and hate wasting the hardware)
 
Roz, what kind of metal Frame are you useing that has screws with HEADS? And where is this screw located? All the ones I am thinking about only hvae scres in the Corner plates and hanging eyes and those are allen type screws with NO heads.

On those I'd just drill out the broken screw and use a new corner plate or hanger,with no damage to the Frame .
BUDDY
 
Just drilling out the screw is the best answer.

But if you use an easy-out, drive the tool in the new hole and gently rock it back and forth until the screw breaks loose. Sometimes if you try to back it out without rocking it will strip out and you'll have to start over.

If you have a Dremel, use the metal cutting wheel and cut a new slot into the head. Use a regular screw driver to back the screw out.
The cut will also go across the plate, just replace it.
 
Originally posted by Rogatory:
if you use an easy-out, drive the tool in the new hole and gently rock it back and forth until the screw breaks loose.
Click to expand...
I meant to twist it back and forth (gently). If you rock it, the bit might break.
 
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