Screw with damaged head

[Deleted User]

Trying to remove a screw which has a damaged head on my back door lock.

Anyone know a good easy way to remove it?

I wouldn't need to replace this plate if Yale hadn't changed the design of the lock after only a couple of years. "Compatible" writen all over the box - as if...

Mr_Ted

If the plate is proud of what its fixed to put a hacksaw cut across the screw in line with the slots and try a suitable sized flat headed screwdriver in the slot you cut, make it deep enough though

If that doesn't work, keep cutting with the hacksaw through the plate, pry off 2 halves of the plate, and hope that you can then get a hold on the screw witha pair of mole grips or pliers to unscrew it

If that doesn't work then I'm afraid its drill out the screw and re-tap the thread, don't drill out with too big a drill bit though or you wont be able to fit the same sized screw

pmartin86

You can get specialized drill bits that removed broken/damaged screws. Theres a guide here.

http://www.lowes.com/cd_Remove+a+Stripped+or+Broken+Screw_1351008597886_

liam8282

If you google it, there are many tips and tricks.

I have usually found that if you hammer your screwdriver into the screw head first, that usually works.

I have heard tricks such as placing a rubber band, between screwdriver and screw head.

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/02/the-12-best-ways-to-remove-stripped-screws/

cyclonebri1

Drill the mother out, it's simple if you are capable, if you aren't, ask elsewhere.:A:A

[Deleted User]

Thanks all, I might just drill it out then. The screw holes on the new plate are in different place so shouldn't have any problems with big holes and loose screws.

Ebe_Scrooge

If the door frame is wood, a simple way to deal with the holes once you've removed the screws is to fill them with a small piece of wood / dowel / stuffed-in-matchsticks and plenty of decent wood glue ( like Evostik Resin W ). Use a hammer to tap the "filler-wood" in pretty tightly. Give it 24 hours to set thoroughly then sand it flat. Good as new, and you can then screw into it if you need to. I know you said the holes are in different places in this instance, but this tip may come in handy if you're faced with a similar situation again :-)

ValHaller

liam8282 wrote: »

I have usually found that if you hammer your screwdriver into the screw head first, that usually works.

Impact drivers can sometimes work. You can achieve similar by holding the screwdriver in the head and applying turning pressure while tapping the end of the screwdriver with a hammer.

[Deleted User]

I will try again over the weekend with screw driver giving it pressure, etc before drilling it. I don't seem to have any small drill bits after they all snapped from other jobs over time.

jcb208

You don't need a small drill bit as you need to just drill the head off the screw to remove the plate and with the a pair of mole grips remove the screw shank

spannerzone

I use this ScrewDocktor paste for worn screw heads and it works well, .... it's basically a silver paste with grit and it grips the screwdriver blade nicely into the worn out screw head.