Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Ree Bolton's Avatar
    Ree Bolton Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 22, 2007, 09:22 PM
    Plumbing/screw removal mishap
    Plumbing Problem - had dripping faucet in bathtub. We were attempting to remove the screw that holds the handle in place, but srew was defective, so we drilled into it, reversed the drill to get the bit out, then used a screw extractor to remove the screw. The screw extractor broke off! (I DO hope I've made my problem clear!)
    What do we do from here? If only there were drill bits that would drill a CIRCLE into and AROUND the little screw in which the screw extractor is embedded, we'd have a solution! But, lo, there doesn't seem to be such an item.
    Any assistance would be SO appreciated!
    Thank y'all SOOO much!
    letmetellu's Avatar
    letmetellu Posts: 3,151, Reputation: 317
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Jan 22, 2007, 09:58 PM
    Buy a small expensive bit smaller than the extractor, drill a hole directly in the center of the extractor then drill a little larger hole and then a larger hole till you get a hole that you can tap and put in a new brass screw. The bits I am talking about in that size average about four dollars each,
    Second option take the stem to a good plumbing supply shop and buy a new stem and screw.
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Jan 23, 2007, 07:21 PM
    Even with the best bits, drilling a hole in a hardened screw extractor is not easy. It may not even be necessary. If the head of the screw is gone, the handle should pull off. Once you have the handle off, on all but the oldest faucets, you will be buying a new cartridge complete with a new stem. If it doesn't come with a screw, you can buy a screw.

    Depending how special the handle is, even if there is too much of the screw head left, you can cut or break the handle off and buy a new one of them too.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Permanent hair dye mishap [ 2 Answers ]

I need some help. I am 35 years old, and I never dyed my hair until this past June. I just wanted to leave my hair its natural color but take away some of the gray. I had very little but felt a bit bothered by it. My stylist knew that I was very apprehensive about the process of dying my hair...

Airport mishap [ 10 Answers ]

I was taking an airline when the plane was delayed. After it arrived and we boarded, the stewardesses gave their safety speech, the plane sat along time on the tar mat and then we were that the airplane had mechanical problems and would have to be repaired. Another plane was brought in and...

Plumbing Adhesive Removal [ 3 Answers ]

[ Can You Suggest A Product That Will Remove Or At Least Soften Dried Adhesive Or Mastic Used To Secure Shower Door Frame To Ceramic Tile Wall. Your Comments Will Be Appreciated. Gandina

Mishap in replacing supply valve under sink [ 3 Answers ]

I was replacing the supply valves under my new bathroom sink as the old ones had old fashioned metal connectors that wouldn't work. The old supply valves had a soldered on metal pipe right behind the knob, and I now realize (too late) that that was what I needed to unscrew (probably by cutting off...

Air conditioning mishap [ 2 Answers ]

Please excuse my lack of knowledge about all things mechanical/electrical, but here we go... I was trimming around my rheem a/c unit with my weedeater and accidentally snagged a thin brown wire and gave it a REALLY hard yank. I stopped and gingerly checked to make sure it was still connected...

View more questions Search