There’s nothing more frustrating than having screws rest in concrete and then needing to pull them out. However, there are some simple ways to get the screws out without driving yourself crazy!
Here’s how you can get screws out of concrete in 4 easy steps:
- Securely attach the screw remover to your drill.
- Start to spin the drill in a counterclockwise direction.
- Securely push the drill bit into the screw.
- Start the drill and pull the screw out of the concrete.
This method isn’t just used for concrete, and whether you have a broken screw in wood or in concrete, you can work your drill in reverse to pull the screw out and then continue with your project!
To learn more about safely removing screws from concrete, read on.
1. Securely Attach the Screw Remover to Your Drill
First, take your standard power drill and remove the main bit, and then place a screw remover/extractor bit on your drill.
Make sure that the remover is on securely, and then press it as firmly as you can into the screw.
Your drill might come with this if it comes with multiple bits or as part of a kit. If you don’t have it, you can find one at any standard hardware store.
You don’t need a screw remover bit to do this, but it does help the process and will increase your chances of not damaging the screw.
Plus, this and other screw heads are pretty cheap to buy or find, especially in bulk.
2. Start To Spin the Drill in a Counterclockwise Direction
Make sure that your drill is set to spin counterclockwise because instead of pushing the screw into the concrete, you’re pulling the screw out.
You should be able to click on your drill to have it spin in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction.
Again, this is typically a small switch or button that you can push, and then you can give the screwdriver a test spin to make sure it’s going the proper way.
3. Securely Push the Drill Bit Into the Screw
Place the drill bit into the screw and try to get the items lined up together.
You don’t want your drill to slip because this close to the concrete could cause some injury or at least a jump from you!
Apply some pressure, keep the drill bit inside of the screw, and make sure you have enough of a grip to keep things steady as you press down on the drill.
4. Start the Drill and Pull the Screw-Out of the Concrete
Now, pull the trigger on the drill and keep the pressure on so the bit doesn’t slip out.
Then slowly raise your hands upward and pull the screw out of the concrete.
This might feel weird and will probably require you to pull the trigger in short bursts, but eventually, you’ll pull the screw out of the concrete, and you can set it aside.
Final Thoughts
Removing a stripped screw from concrete can be a little challenging at first, but it isn’t too complicated.
All you need to do is make sure you attach a screw remover to your drill, screw counterclockwise, and press firmly when doing so.
The screw should loosen from the concrete and come out seamlessly.
This skill can be a lifesaver whenever you need to remove an item that’s screwed to the wall, and it’s effortless to do once you get started.
Just make sure to make your drill spin clockwise whenever you decide to put your screws back in!
Cheers, tools owners!
