Thread: Hammer A3 31 Torx screw problem - won't come out

Suggestions

Heat - a butane torch and an large ice block and alternate between the two. Not red heat.
The idea is to expand and shrink the screw by whisker amounts.

A proper impact driver (even a manual one) will work better than the clutch on a drill.

Try an impact driver, I use one all the time on the Shelix heads at work and have never snapped a bit.

Rather than heat, maybe try freezing it with something like Freeze and Release

G'Day Brett,
Are the torx bits that broke "impact bits" as there is a difference between standard screwing bits and impact bits....
Cheers, Peter

The other approach I've seen is repeated driving fwd and reverse with a clutched drill.
Definite go the impact driver bit route.

Rightio - standby chaps I'll go and Impact it (I figured that would just snap that bit too, but worth a try). There is only one bit left in the local hardware (I already used up four that I bought).

Dunno what sort crowie as there is nothing written on them. They come in the tiniest amount of packaging possible - room for a bar code, and that's it! (which is kinda refreshing in many ways)

Another trick that may work is to warm it up until it melts a candle when you touch it on the screw. This results in the liquid wax wicking into the thread and should help to release it.

If that doesn't work remove the cutters next to it and give it a good heat. Look out for colour change on the cutter and try to stop before it happens. Very often a threadlocking compound is used on critical screws and this is released with heat. A very small oxy flame, if you can get it, is best.

Well the impact driver was an immediate fail. I set it to the lowest speed and just gave it some short bursts (because I figured a long burst would be sure to snap it). I think it was on the fourth burst that it snapped.

Originally Posted by Bohdan

Another trick that may work is to warm it up until it melts a candle when you touch it on the screw. This results in the liquid wax wicking into the thread and should help to release it.

If that doesn't work remove the cutters next to it and give it a good heat. Look out for colour change on the cutter and try to stop before it happens. Very often a threadlocking compound is used on critical screws and this is released with heat. A very small oxy flame, if you can get it, is best.

Ok, but that will have to be late tomorrow or the next day now (I am officially out of bits until I can get to the hardware, and going to fletty to work on some timber in the morning).

I must say that these bits do seem to have a pretty early fail point. I get why they need to fail, but.....

This is a common problem. Heat may not be necessary, I usually just fit a torx bit and give it a good wack with a hammer and then screw it out.

Originally Posted by Bohdan

A very small oxy flame, if you can get it, is best.

All I have is a very small butane burner for Kitchen duties, such as for use glazing a Creme Caramel. It still pumps out heat though, and is a pretty small flame. Removing the cutters either side is a good idea

There isn't (or shouldn't be) any threadlocking compound as these screws are designed to be removed regularly, and this is the last of 63 screws.

Originally Posted by rustynail

This is a common problem. Heat may not be necessary, I usually just fit a torx bit and give it a good wack with a hammer and then screw it out.

Ken you mean put the bit in, whack the end of the bit, then put it back in the drill or impact driver?

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

Rightio - standby chaps I'll go and Impact it (I figured that would just snap that bit too, but worth a try). There is only one bit left in the local hardware (I already used up four that I bought).

Dunno what sort crowie as there is nothing written on them. They come in the tiniest amount of packaging possible - room for a bar code, and that's it! (which is kinda refreshing in many ways)

Maybe swing by Sydney Tools or Gasweld in Batt St, Penrith tomorrow on your way to Camden to get an impact set??

Brett, you "set" the bit with a percussive device and then use a 1/4 socket or ring spanner to back the screw out . . . Righty tighty . . .