Advice

How to Remove a Screw with a Broken Head (The No-Nonsense Way)

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On June 4, 2025

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Snapped a screw head mid-job? You’re not alone—and it’s nothing to panic about. One moment you're cracking on, the next you're staring at a headless screw stuck in timber or metal, wondering how to get it out without wrecking the job.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove a screw with a broken head using a few simple techniques and some handy products from Fast Fixings Online. Whether you're on site or doing a bit of DIY at home, these tips will save you time and frustration.

Why Do Screw Heads Break?

A screw usually snaps for one of the following reasons:

Overtightening with a drill on high torque
Cheap screws made from soft metal
No pilot hole, especially in hardwood or metal
Corrosion, causing the screw to seize and shear under pressure

Prevention starts with choosing proper fixings for the job. At Fast Fixings Online, we stock a huge range of Timco screws—strong, reliable, and built for trade use.

How to Remove a Broken Screw

1. If it’s sticking out a bit:
This is your easiest fix. Grab some locking pliers (like these Timco ones with ergonomic handles), clamp on tightly, and twist it out slowly. To make things easier, apply a spray of our Multi-Purpose Lubricant to loosen the threads and reduce friction.

2. If it’s flush or buried:
Drill a small pilot hole into the centre of the broken screw using a 2.5mm cobalt drill bit—something like the Timco M35 Cobalt High Speed Steel Drill Bit – 2.5mm is ideal for cutting into hardened screws or metal surfaces. Then use a screw extractor, turning anti-clockwise to remove it. Left-handed extractors work best, as they naturally bite in the opposite direction to the screw’s thread.

3. Cut a slot and twist it out:
If you prefer a manual approach, use a mini hacksaw like this one to carefully cut a straight slot across the screw head. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to back it out slowly.

4. Still stuck? Try heat or oil:
If corrosion’s the culprit, heat the area using a soldering iron or heat gun to expand the material slightly. This helps loosen the screw. Then apply a healthy dose of our Timco Multi-Purpose Lubricant, let it sit, and try again.

How to Avoid Broken Screws Next Time

A bit of prep saves a lot of hassle:

Use high-strength screws like Timco’s C2 Strong-Fix
Always drill pilot holes in hardwood or metal
Don’t overdo the torque—use a lower setting on your driver
Use corrosion-resistant screws outdoors or in damp environments
Keep lubricant spray handy to ease stubborn fixings

Final Tip

The key to removing a screw with a broken head is patience and the right tools. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature.

And if you’re looking for tough fixings that don’t snap under pressure, check out our full range of Timco screws, trade fixings and accessories at Fast Fixings Online.