Screw Extractor

I was skeptical of the product based on reviews here. I purchased the 3/8" extractor to remove #6 screws (no head).

I used the extractor on two screws with broken heads burried in a cherry board (leg of a bed); each screw had about 1/2" of screw in the board.

I took my time making sure to get the screw as near as center as possible. I made sure to keep my drill in reverse. I made sure to back out the extractor every 1/8th of an inch or so and cleared the waste to check on my progress relative to the screws position.

Removing the screws worked easily for both with no broken bits. It did take me about 15 minutes to get the plug with screw out of the bit after the successful removal without chewing up my hand.

Good buy, highly recommend.

First use on a screw with a broken head, in soft pine, shattered.  2/3 left may try that or its back to the old catspaw.

I have successfully used this product where other screw extractors have failed, but I've found it only works under carefully controlled conditions. You need to start it with some sort of guide, you have to use a brace and bit at very slow revolution, you have to be alert  to the possibility that the cutting teeth get snagged by the metal of the screw, you can't let the tool get hot, etc. The tool is incredibly delicate. On the other hand, most other screw extractors don't work at all.

I made a wood jig to guide the extractor as suggested, held a slow and constant slow drill speed, and yet the extarctor broke within drilling a few mm into the wood.

I was very disapointed with this item. I made a guide and followed the instructions! reverse, low speed, etc. I went very slowly and with great care. The item shattered almost immediately. I then reversed it in the drill and it broke again. I found it too short also. /p>