How To Remove A Stripped Allen Screw From Faucet (Do This!)

Allen screws are perfect for holding the components of faucets together neatly. However, the issue is when the screws get stripped, and you cannot remove them since the screwdriver doesn’t work to pull them out. So, how exactly do you remove a stripped Allen screw from your faucet?

To remove a stripped Allen screw from your faucet, you will first need to ensure that you have the correct tools for the job. Then, use a screw extractor that fits the screw, drill a pit into the screw and place the extractor in it. Then use an adjustable wrench to help pull it out.

In this article, we will explain how you can remove a stripped Allen screw from your faucet. That way, you can still replace specific faucet components and continue to do the maintenance on it that you need to do.

For the screw extractor, you will typically have two choices of style. Make sure you choose the one that best allows you to remove the screw you need to remove. Of course, the screw will be drilled away, and then you’ll be able to get the extractor in.

Don’t worry about how hard you are turning the screw, as you may need to use a lot of power to get the screw to budge, depending on how long it’s been stuck in there. The spirals will help by drabbing the walls to more or less help remove themselves.

While screw extractors are excellent, many people don’t like using them because they can destroy what’s left of the drive head. They also make the fastener weak.

To create a grip onto the stripped screw, you can place a rubber band over the stripped area. Then, take a flathead screwdriver and drive it into the rubber band. The rubber will help fill any of those gaps so that the screwdriver can get a better grip and remove the screw as you turn it counterclockwise.

After that, insert a screw extractor of the right size in the screw and remove the stripped set screw. However, this may be hard to do if the screw is completely stripped. In that case, you might need to use the screw extractor method instead. This method only works well if the fastener is small or if the stripping is mild.

Something else you can use is either vice grips or pliers. However, you need to ensure that the head is exposed; otherwise, you might run the risk of breaking it, which will make it nearly impossible to remove. Also, the pliers need to be locking or else; this will make the job more difficult.

Latch onto the screw tightly and turn it counterclockwise. The head of the screw should slightly dent so that it lets you know you have a good grip. Then, turn it slowly so that it can loosen out of where it’s stuck at.

Something you can always try is turning the screw into a flathead. This is also easy to do if the head of the screw is intact and reachable. You can use a Dremel or a file to make a little groove into the head, much like a flathead.

When the groove is the depth you want it to be, you can use a flathead screwdriver to attach it to the screw and remove it. You will need to apply some pressure and turn slowly to get it removed. However, don’t use this method if you don’t want to damage the head of the screw, as it is sure to do that.

This method also won’t work if the head is too thin or if the cut is not in the center, as it will most likely break. Plus, not to mention, you may damage your faucet if the screwdriver slips.

Just like turning the screw into a flathead, this technique also will abuse the head of the screw. However, at this point, you’re probably desperate to get the screw out of the faucet anyway. So, you will need to get a driver size and style that is a little larger than the original one.

For instance, if your driver style is a flathead, you’ll want a slightly larger one. Then, put the larger part inside of the fastener head and lightly tap it using a hammer. The goal is to drive the screwdriver into the head so that it latches. Although you need to make sure you don’t do this too hard, otherwise it will end up breaking the head.

If your screw thread is too stripped, then this technique is perfect for you. You could even use a slightly larger Torx driver that has a flat or hex head if the screw is a Philips base. However, the flathead screws have sharper edges and will dent faster, so be careful so that you don’t break anything.

It’s crucial for you to know that your driver may get damaged if you use this method. Just be careful and take your time doing it. Otherwise, you’ll be left without a driver, and you’ll need to buy a new one before you can finish this job.

If you can’t remove the screw, you always have the option of getting a friend or family member to help you. If the screw is in the faucet and not the base of the sink, then it may be a good idea to get a new faucet.

You can always call for professional assistance. This may cost about $30 to $60, depending on the company you go through. However, they cannot guarantee they won’t break your faucet or screw, so it may be a good idea to save your money and try it yourself anyway.