How to Remove Rusted Set Screws

When rust starts to eat into an object, it can cause all sorts of issues trying to get the problem fixed. In the case of a set screw, it's designed to secure two objects together, but typically to stop one from rotating on the other. This means that there is no traditional head to most set screws, making the process a bit more difficult. But you can still remove a rusted set screw using a few tips.

Instructions

1

Spray the set screw with penetrating lubricant and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. This will help eliminate some of the rust that is seizing the threads on the set screw.

2

Place the center punch in the middle of the set screw and push it down to create a mark in the middle of the screw. This is going to ensure that the drill doesn't wander.

3

Estimate the size of the screw and look at the directions on the screw extractor kit. Each screw extractor uses a different size drill bit to drill the first hole for the extractor to use. Pick the drill bit size and insert it into the drill.

4

Drill the center of the set screw using the drill until you reach at least halfway through the estimated depth of the screw.

5

Install the screw extractor into the drill and drill the set screw. This will either twist the set screw out of the hole, or break it in the process. Either way, the set screw is now removed.