Skye,
If you didn't use too big a bit to drill out the screw, you should be
able to use and tool
called an easy-out to remove it. This is a tungsten carbide bit sort of
thing that threads
into the whole you drilled and turns counter-clockwise, biting into the
screw and threading
it out if all goes well. Two problems with it, if the whole is too big
not enough of the screw
left), the easy-out will expand the screw causing it to bite into the hole
worse, or the other
thing that can go wrong is if the screw is really rusted/stuck you can apply
too much torque
to the easy-out and it will snap off. Then you really have a problem.
Another option is if you can drill right down the center of the screw you
can drill most of it
out and use a scribe or other sharp implement to unwind the remaining screw
threads out of the
hole.
From what you've said, I think you're probably past the number two
option, so I guess its
down to number one. You didn't say where the broken screw is located, but
the suggestion
of applying a little heat may help. The difference in the expansion rates
between the screw
and it's surrounding hole will usually break loose any rust holding it and
allow the easy-out to
remove it fairly easily. Just remember, take it slow and don't try to force
it.
Good luck.
Harlan.
-----Original Message-----
From: Skye Poier <skye@ffwd.bc.ca>
To: MG Nuts <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 1998 10:58 PM
Subject: Drilling out screws
>Stupid question time. I drilled the center out of some screws today - the
>heads are easily knocked off with a hammer and a screwdriver, but I can't
>get the rest of the screw out, whats left of the threads are hanging on for
>dear life. How do you finish off the job? I tried whacking it from the
>side to try and collapse the hollow screw but that didn't work. I could
>try moving to a bigger bit, but its very difficult to drill down the exact
>center so then I'd be taking out part of the hole too.
>
>Thanks
>
>Skye
>Still learning the basic stuff
>
>--
>1966 MGB GHN3L-70307 __,__\__ Finger for
>The MGB Experience http://www.mgb.bc.ca/ (_o____o_) PGP key
>
|