1. Exposed Fracture: Directly Clamp and Remove
If part of the screw is still exposed after breakage:
Use needle-nose pliers or diagonal pliers to clamp the edge of the fracture and slowly rotate counterclockwise to remove it;
If the fracture surface is relatively flat, use pliers to clamp it and unscrew it in the opposite direction, being careful to apply even force to prevent slippage.
2. Fracture Flat or Below the Surface: Use Special Tools
When the fracture is flat or recessed below the surface:
Screw Extractor (Broken Thread Extractor): Drill a small hole in the center of the fracture, screw in a left-hand extractor, and use the reverse thread to unscrew the broken screw;
Welding Method: Weld a nut or handle to the fracture, then unscrew it with a wrench. Suitable for metal parts with sufficient operating space;
Slotting Method: Use an angle grinder or electric saw to cut a slotted or Phillips head groove in the fracture, then use a screwdriver and wrench to unscrew it in the opposite direction.
3. Auxiliary Methods to Improve Success Rate
Lubricant Application: Apply WD-40, machine oil, or 502 glue around the break, let it sit for 10 minutes to soften the rust or strengthen the adhesion, which helps loosen the nail.
Heating Method: Locally heat the metal part, using the principle of thermal expansion and contraction to loosen the broken nail. This is especially suitable for cases where the nail is stuck due to rust.
4. Handling Extreme Cases
If the above methods are ineffective:
The broken nail can be completely drilled out using an electric drill, and then the debris inside the hole can be cleaned.
Then, depending on the needs, re-tapping or installing a wire thread insert can restore the connection function.
