Thread: Ideas on how to extract a broken tek screw from a slab?

trash n treasure, old set of bug gered chisels and dig away to your hearts content..... sorry stupid comment, tired and trying to be funny.

Can you grind two flat faces on the shank and then wind it out with vice grips?

Originally Posted by Beardy

Can you grind two flat faces on the shank and then wind it out with vice grips?

I've done that few times - the issue is usually getting enough exposed screw to grab it with the vice grips.

BTW I prefer to use hex socket screws rather than TEKs.

Originally Posted by Beardy

Can you grind two flat faces on the shank and then wind it out with vice grips?

Whatever way I do it I'm going to have to cut/grind some wood away as the damn thing snapped off flush with the face of the slab

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Originally Posted by BobL

I've done that few times - the issue is usually getting enough exposed screw to grab it with the vice grips.

BTW I prefer to use hex socket screws rather than TEKs.

I was wondering if hex would be better - cheers Bob.

Originally Posted by RSD

I was wondering if hex would be better - cheers Bob.

They are really good for these odd angle cuts.
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Can you grind a slot in the top of the screw with a dremel or thin Angle grinder wheel and unscrew it with a flat head screwdriver ?

Originally Posted by Sam

Can you grind a slot in the top of the screw with a dremel or thin Angle grinder wheel and unscrew it with a flat head screwdriver ?

Maybe - will take a look at it and see - cheers!

How thick is the slab?.
I’ve been able to punch a broken bolt back through a board, from the underside if it’s not to thick.
But unfortunately you will still be left with a mess!!

Cheers Matt.

Originally Posted by Simplicity

How thick is the slab?.
I’ve been able to punch a broken bolt back through a board, from the underside if it’s not to thick.
But unfortunately you will still be left with a mess!!

Cheers Matt.

Slab is 75mm thick - weighs a ton!

My usual approach is a holesaw followed by a plug cut from the invariable offcuts.

Originally Posted by SilentButDeadly

My usual approach is a holesaw followed by a plug cut from the invariable offcuts.

That sounds like a good approach - cheers!

Look like the price of these have gone up. But they do work. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07DXT9..._mT46Eb75XKPQJ

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Look like the price of these have gone up. But they do work. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07DXT9..._mT46Eb75XKPQJ

Originally Posted by justonething

Look like the price of these have gone up. But they do work. Server Busy

I have tried using plug cutters but the ones I have (like this one) are only 25mm deep (don't know how long his Tek Screw is) and its near impossible to drill them to their full depth anyway unless sawdust escape holes are drilled, which in this situation had to be immediately alongside the outside of the cut circle. By the time that is done, one might as well drill a series of say 6mm holes around the Tek Screw that can easily go to the full depth of the screw. Once the screw is out, a rough cut plug can be inserted and neat edged hole can be drilled with something like a Forstner bit.

A bit of stainless brake tube with a couple of teeth cut into the end can be chucked up in the battery drill and drilled over the screw. Minimal wood removal and the screw just pulls out.
I've used a lot of recycled timber.