I have a piece of moulding on an appliance that is held on by a long, thin screw with a hex head. The screw is perhaps 5" long and perhaps 1/8" diameter (modestly heavier than a wire coat hanger).
The overall dimension of the channel is slightly larger, but not substantially so. The channel has no gaps or openings that would allow me to pry the remaining screw through.
When attempting to remove the moulding to replace a light bulb I noticed a lot of resistance on the screw. I applied penetrating oil, waited, jiggled, repeated a few times and finally managed to snap the head of the screw off along with perhaps 1/2" of the shaft. The shaft is now recessed within the moulding by 1/2"
I now realize that the screw is seized at the bottom as well. I cannot access it from the bottom, or else I could just drill out the bit of threading at the bottom and be done.
What sort of bit could I use in a cordless 18V drill to remove this safely?
Is there another technique that would be applicable given that I cannot replace the moulding and thus must make a serious attempt not to damage it?
At present I envision using a longer drill bit to completely eat away the existing screw and then replacing it.
Best Answer
Have you tried using a Screw Extractor bit?
They are made for this purpose. You basically put it into your drill and when the drill slowly turns in reverse, the bit bites into the screw and tries to unscrew it simultaneously.