Stripped sunken screw - how to remove?

Caporegime
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This is a first for me. A stripped screw I can't remove.

Popped off the screw cover on the pvc window handle and saw the screw was already stripped. Jabbed in the scew driver, pushed and turned. No luck. I've always been able to just release a screw untill now.

Its sunken so can't use pliers or anything to grab the edges.

Tried the rubber band thing. But it's never worked and just tends to get chewed up.

Its there any way to get this out without buying stuff? I'm at a bit of a loss.

Can I drill out the screw head with a standard metal drill bit? That's my next port of call.


FYI. I don't need the handle that's currently attached

Edit. It's a Philips
 
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(As long as there's at least some of the cross intact) You could try supergluing an old screwdriver to the head - let it set and then try turning it.

Failing that if you've got a dremel type tool, cut a slot in the edge and then use a flat head to turn the screw.


Worst case a normal metal drill bit will drill through it, but you're unlikely to get all of the screw out, so would probably need a tap/die to recut the thread
 
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So I had a look with a torch and absolutely no thread left.
Its basic a smooth cone shape.

There's no way to slice a groove for a flat head as its recessed.

Before I have to go and buy something for it I will attempt to drill the entire head out.

Doesn't help that to get at the screw the window must be unlocked. So it's hard to put force onto it
 
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(As long as there's at least some of the cross intact) You could try supergluing an old screwdriver to the head - let it set and then try turning it.

Failing that if you've got a dremel type tool, cut a slot in the edge and then use a flat head to turn the screw.


Worst case a normal metal drill bit will drill through it, but you're unlikely to get all of the screw out, so would probably need a tap/die to recut the thread

I think I can drill it out and removing the handle might allow me to get a set of pliers the shaft.

I hope!
 
I always try to use a torx and / or a square first in that circumstance.

You may need to tap them in a bit with a hammer.

Otherwise your into screw removal tools IMO


This...
Measure something like a T20 and drill a hole slightly smaller. Hammer in and start with gentle back and forth movements, until you feel it free up.
 
Given you've had sufficient serious answers, I would consider fire.
 
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I've used a manual impact driver when I've had a rusted and rounded head in a UPVC window, just went easy with the hammer.
 
Think it's worth giving it a drill. Otherwise I'm onto new hardware.

Or fire obviously. But the entire window might go!
 
haven't got any screwdriver bits with the two prongs , such that centre punching and drilling two small holes on sheared bolt periphery would give purchase for bit.
 
soak in wd40/oil etc for a while...

sharp/pointy object (chisel/punch) hammered to the very edge of the head to make an indent, anti clockwise direction always! usually :D
 
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Think it's worth giving it a drill. Otherwise I'm onto new hardware.

Or fire obviously. But the entire window might go!
Use a sharp drill bit and go slow whilst applying lots of pressure. If you create too much heat you will further harden stainless steel (if it is stainless which I would doubt)
 
a manual impact driver can be good if you've got one, otherwise i'd get the drill out. As others have said go slow and use some kind of oil to make it easier.
 
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