Specialized Extractor Tool for Screws with Filled Heads
The person is having a tough time removing a screw because the Phillips head is filled with metal, making standard drivers and even 'speed out' extractors useless. This highlights the need for a specialized tool to tackle this tricky situation.
A product could be a 'Filled Screw Head Extractor Kit' that includes bits designed to grip or cut into the filling material or the screw head in a unique way. For example, it might have a micro-grinding tip to create a new slot or hardened bits that can find a purchase point in the filled area.
This would provide a solution for a particularly frustrating and specific type of damaged screw problem that common extractors often can't handle, especially in tight spaces like a car interior.
Origin Reddit Post
r/tools
Remove filled in Philips head screw?
Posted by u/kyranom•06/02/2025
I am trying to remove this screw in my car but the Phillip head is filled with metal. I've tried speed out but it won't drill into the center of the screw. If you have any recommendations, pl
Top Comments
u/BitterGas69
Knipex Twin-Grip pliers would have this out easier than with a Phillips bit. They’ve got a triangle removed from each jaw face for grabbing fasteners head-on.
https://preview.redd.it/4gvbob1
u/Handmedownfords
Use a magnet and try to pull what appears to be a broken bit out
u/Bluedog212
drill it off or cut a slot in it and use a flat blade is my usual advise or a drift and tap it with a hammer.
u/Handmedownfords
Yeah, it looks like a bit is broken to me as well
u/blbd
Damaged or defective screw or they blew out a bit at the factory. Try a Vampliers or a needle nose locking pliers gripping the outside and swap it out with a fresh undamaged replacement upon
u/tapsum-bong
Slot it with a Dremal for a flat head or drill it out (the latter is my quick no fucking about go to)
u/SpagNMeatball
[These engineer pliers](https://ENGINEERPZ-58ScrewRemovalPliersExtractorwithNon-SlipJawsforDamagedorRustedFastenershttps://a.co/d/a06KHeY) are awesome for removing screws that are stripped.
u/illogictc
I'll be honest, that almost looks like someone at the factory snapped the driver in the head and said fuck it, getting covered up anyway.
But a big old chunker head like that would be easy w
u/Puzzled_Worth_4287
Manual impact driver
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_driver
u/WhereDidAllTheSnowGo
1. Grind PH2 bit flat
And / or
2. Carve out softer? filled in stuff with utility knife
If it’s a broken bit, razor, knife, chisel, hammer sideways the tip out
u/rgcred
Yea, pliers for sure - looks like you can get a grip with vise-grips.
u/TemperatureNo3775
Automatic center punch usually loosens them up then I use a pick or a magnet.