Suggestions for removing stripped 2" deck screws?


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Old 08-14-19, 04:02 PM
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Suggestions for removing stripped 2" deck screws?

Seven of these are stripped. Should I buy a specialty extractor or do you have any tricks?
 
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08-15-19, 02:58 AM
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Why are you removing them? If you're replacing boards just rip the old ones out then cut the screws off.
 
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Old 08-14-19, 04:23 PM
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There really isn't an extractor for that application.
Usually you just wedge a small flat screwdriver under the head and lift the head up while turning.

There are several other tools like a mini wrecking bar and cat's paw that can be helpful but can damage the surrounding wood a bit.

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Old 08-14-19, 04:28 PM
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I have a cat's paw and they're still a pain. The 3" screws are really embedded in the joists. Sucks.
 
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Old 08-14-19, 04:51 PM
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You could try these, but no guarantee they will work.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SpeedOut-8-...tor/1000170531
 
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Old 08-14-19, 04:58 PM
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I have a pair of wire cutters (dykes) with a sharp edge that I also use to get under the head. Usually with a slight lift/wedging you can turn the screw out. You can't pull the screw directly out. It needs to be turned out.
 
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Old 08-14-19, 05:07 PM
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Dremel, cut a slot for a flat blade screwdriver might work...
 
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Old 08-14-19, 05:52 PM
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Good ideas, thanks guys!!
 
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Old 08-15-19, 02:58 AM
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Why are you removing them? If you're replacing boards just rip the old ones out then cut the screws off.
 
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Old 08-15-19, 05:04 AM
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If you are replacing the deck boards, chisel/cut board around stuck screw to remove deck board and then use vice-grips (gripping on threaded portion of screw) to rotate out, If not replacing deck boards, suggest cutting parallel faces on screw head (using a metal cutting disc on a dremel like tool). Grab screw head by flats ( using vise grips in a vertical position) and try to unscrew.
 
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Old 08-15-19, 10:47 AM
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The board was rotten enough to yank it out, which of course exposed the remaining screws. At that point, I used vice grips to remove them.
 
 

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