Drilling the Pilot Hole
The first step in removing the damaged screw is to prepare it for insertion of the extractor bit. The extractor bit is designed to screw into the damaged screw but first needs a pilot hole.
- Using a power drill, drill a hole in the center of the damaged screw.
- Often the surface of the damaged screw is uneven so the best way to start the pilot is to use a very small drill bit, about 1/16" in diameter. Try to get at least a starter hole for a larger drill bit sized properly for the extractor you are using.
- Drill slowly and carefully into the damaged screw with the proper sized pilot hole drill bit as recommended on the package that came with the extractor. The pilot hole diameter will vary according to the extractor size you are using.
- Be very careful NOT to break off the drill bit in the hole you are drilling.
