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What's the easiest (ie. quick and dirty) way to extract a stripped screw? I couldn't care less about the carnage; I just need it out. I have basic tools, including a drill, but no dremel. The offending screw is #9 in the diagram below (door panel). Thanks.
Usually just try to drill a hole in the center then use a straight flute or spiral type screw extractor. Can also try left hand drill bits if your drill can be reversed.
You could try an extractor bit, pre drill existing screw with cobalt bit then use extractor with 1/4" or 3/8" ratchet drive. Big box home project stores have them as well as most any auto parts locals.
From the looks of what it is I would just drill the head off the screw, remove the panel, and then you should be able to get a hold of it with pliers and turn it out. If it is really stripped you probably would want to center punch the head before drilling.
Grab onto it with some small vise grips and give it a big yank. I'll bet you'll be able to pull it out along with the plastic grommet still attached. Sure would beat drilling and all that.
If you can get at it without making a mess a little cutting wheel on a Dremel, cut a slot in what's left and use a flat blade screwdriver... the Dremel is worthwhile having around your shop anyway
From the looks of what it is I would just drill the head off the screw, remove the panel, and then you should be able to get a hold of it with pliers and turn it out. If it is really stripped you probably would want to center punch the head before drilling.
With stripped screw heads, I've always had luck taking a torx screwdriver head (slightly larger than the screw size) and hammering it into said offending screw. It should be in there pretty snug. Attach the screwdriver handle, turn and the screw comes right out.
Problem solved, thanks all. Turns out it's all plastic, very similar to the plastic rivets in the wheel liners, but phillips head rather than push pin. Came right out with large enough drill bit.
This happened to me too (same screw) last week. I knew it was plastic and just used a chisel to pop it off... then when I got the door panel off I removed the whole thing. Mine would spin but wouldn't come out.
If anyone else has this issue where the phillips part is stripped, you can heat up a screwdriver really hot and then just press it into the screw... the heat will melt a new pattern in there and then you can turn it out.
03-18-2016, 11:15 PM
How to remove stripped screw
