Extracting screws from reclaimed wood

In my previous post, I discussed techniques for removing nails from reclaimed wood. Today, it’s time to deal with screws, which present unique challenges.

Removing screws is easy when the head is intact and the threads are not rusted inside the wood. However, this is often not the case with reclaimed wood. Over time, screws rust as they react with moisture and acidity in the wood fibers, damaging the screw head and threads, making extraction more difficult.

A common problem is that the wood grips the strings tightly, making it difficult to unscrew them without stripping the head. Even with a perfectly intact screw head, the torque required to turn a rusty screw often results in the drive bit “digging” into the screw head, stripping it of its recoverability.

At this point, any attempts to remove the screw may damage the wood or even cut off the head of the screw, leaving the shank embedded – a much more difficult situation to resolve. In such cases, I rely on specialized extraction tools: left-handed drill bits and screw extractors (usually spiral-shaped conical ones).

Step by step: processing the stripped screw

Let’s say you’re trying to remove a Phillips screw from reclaimed wood but the driver bit has stripped the cross-hole, making it impossible to grip. In this case, you can start with the left-hand drill bit. Choose a piece small enough — usually less than half the diameter of the screw head — to avoid completely destroying the head while leaving enough material for the screw extractor to pick up later.

Drill slowly and carefully into the screw head. The reverse action of the left bit may catch the screw and pull it out. Make sure the drill is set to rotate counterclockwise to match the reverse thread of the bit.

When the left piece is not enough

If the left drill bit does not extract the screw and only creates a pilot hole in the head, it is time to bring in the screw extractor. Choose an extractor that fits the hole you just drilled and insert it into the head of the screw. Using a wrench or drill, turn the extractor counterclockwise. The tapered design will bite into the metal, increasing grip while twisting, and in most cases this will be enough to remove a stubborn screw.

Types of screw extraction tools

There are different types of extraction kits. Some kits come with separate left-handed drill bits and screw extractors designed to work side-by-side, while others are combo tools with a drill bit on one side and an extractor on the other. I prefer combination tools for smaller screws, while single sets are better suited for larger fasteners such as lag screws.

Tips for professionals

One thing to watch out for is rigid screws (such as drywall screws), which can be rough on drill bits. This is especially true when working with hard steel screws, which can put extra stress on the drill bit. Although left-handed bits are just as strong as regular bits, drilling into hard steel may cause breakage. To prevent this, I recommend adding a drop of oil to lubricate the screw head before drilling. This reduces friction, extends the life of the drill bit, and makes the job smoother.

The Left Hand Drill and Extractor Set isn’t just for reclaimed wood

If you are restoring furniture or handling screw heads in woodworking in general, this method is a vital skill to have. Whether it’s a stripped head on a cabinet hinge or a screw deeply embedded in an antique, knowing how to use these tools will come in handy at some point.

Drilling, then extracting the mild steel screw

However, some extraction attempts may not go as planned, even with the right tools and proper care. If the screw head breaks off or the extractor fails to get buy, you’ll face a bigger challenge – the compact shank. In these cases, more advanced techniques are needed.

What’s next

Next time, I’ll delve into ways to deal with completely broken screw heads, as well as solutions for deep screws or other obstructions that require removal along with the surrounding wood.

Extract stubborn nails from reclaimed wood

The critical step in using reclaimed wood is removing all minerals. Here’s an effective way to rid your nail plate of nails.

Luxury furniture from reclaimed wood

How to overcome obstacles without losing character

Wooden quilt

In Part 1 of this series, Yoav Lieberman demonstrates a number of creative ways to make use of small scraps of wood.

Recommended products for fine woodworking

Ridgid R4331 planer

At about $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. The three-knife cutter head left wonderfully clean surfaces on plain white oak and white pine. It didn’t perform as well on curly maple as the 735X.

AnchorSeal and wood grain end sealer

Good for sealing the end grain of freshly cut logs and boards, this wax prevents end grain checking and saves material

Dewalt 735X jet

At high speed, the planer works quickly and leaves a smooth surface. But a slower finishing speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.