7 Best Bolt and Screw Extractors for Easy Removal

One of the most frustrating things to happen while working on vehicles or old furniture is having a rusted bolt or screw snap while trying to remove it. For the average DIYer, this creates all sorts of problems if they aren’t prepared.
Thankfully, having a good extractor set is all you need to keep your project rolling smoothly. But just what is an extractor and which type should you choose?
The best screw extractor (or bolt extractor) might be different for everyone depending on what needs to be done. There are different types of screw and bolt extractors which use slightly different methods of getting the job done. See below for our top picks.
Our 7 Favorite Bolt and Screw Extractors
Product | Type | Made In | Best For | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Irwin Tools Hanson 53227 | Multi-Spline | USA | Screws | |
RocketSocket | Bolt Extractor | USA | Bolts/Nuts | |
Vampire Professional Tools Vampliers | Pliers | Japan | Screws/Bolts | |
Irwin Tools 394002 | Bolt Extractor | USA | Bolts | |
NEIKO 04204A | Multi-Spline | China | Screws/Bolts | |
SpeedOut Screw Extractor | Spiral | USA | Screws | |
Ares 70016 Bolt/Stud Extractor Tool | Extractor Tool | Taiwan | Bolts/Studs |
Screw and Bolt Extractor Reviews
#1 – Irwin Tools Hanson 53227 Screw Extractor Set
In case you haven’t heard of Hanson before, they’re a company under the Irwin Tools umbrella that create high quality tools for both Irwin and Snap-On brands.
This 25-piece set is a perfect example of Hanson quality, with Easy-Out technology and a left-hand spiral design for superior gripping power to remove broken bolts, screws, and studs.
Each spline extractor has the size and recommended drill bit size etched on for quick reference, and screw extractor sizes range from 1/8 to 7/8 inches. A heavy-duty carrying case is included to help ensure a longer life for your extractors.
Mechanics have used these extractors for seemingly impossible tasks with excellent results. They note that this is one of the best screw extractor sets on the market, and the multiple sizes allow for this kit to tackle most screw extraction tasks.
Users note that the case is great for storage, but requires a bit of padding inside the lid to prevent your extractors from being bounced around during transit.
There have been some quality control issues brought up by consumers, suggesting they have received used tools. These complaints include bent extractors and tips that break easily.
Checking your tools for signs of use upon arrival is always important when not buying direct from the manufacturer.
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#2 – RocketSocket Nut/Bolt Extractor Set
Made in the USA, RocketSocket is a newer player in extractor sets and may very well be the very best nut and bolt extractor set around.
This 13-piece set uses RazorGrip™ technology on each of its 11 sockets to remove the most stubborn bolts, nuts, and screws. It bites down on the damaged, rusted, or stripped fastener and doesn’t let go until it’s broken free. The included knockout pin easily unlodges the fastener after successful removal. A 3/8″ hex adapter is also included.
The included sockets cover 20 of the most common Metric and SAE sizes: 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, and 3/4″.
This is also a slight downside of having extractors that cover both SAE and Metric; a few of the extractors don’t fit as tightly as they should (10mm in particular) so easy extraction made not be the case 100% of the time. That said, the set still covers more sizes that other brands and for an American-made set (with American sourced steel), the price is reasonable.
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#3 – Vampire Professional Tools Vampliers
Made of high quality carbon steel, these pliers have a concave jaw design with both horizontal and vertical serrations that makes gripping nearly any screw easier.
It works on both regular and tamper-resistant heads, including those screws and bolts damaged by rust.
Elastomer ergonomic hand grips make using this tool easier, while the overall design can fit into tight spaces. The serrated grip makes this tool an excellent choice for broken bolt shafts as well as any damaged screw you run across.
These pliers have helped quite a few users out of tough jams. Their ability to grasp recessed heads and firmly grip even tightly lodged screws with ease make this a perfect stripped screw remover.
Experienced craftsmen have noted the jaws will degrade after extended use on even the best pliers, and you get back several times what you spent by the time your Vampliers need replacement.
There have been some complaints about the serrated jaws wearing out soon after purchase. What causes this is unknown, as the majority of consumers claim the serrations are highly durable.
This issue might be caused by receiving a knockoff product as copycats are known to target popular tools. As long as you purchase from a reputable seller, you shouldn’t have to worry about that.
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#4 – Irwin Tools 394002 Bolt Extractor Set
Carrying on the Irwin tradition of quality tools is this five piece extractor set. The included extractors fit 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 19mm, 5/16″, 11/16″, and 3/4″ bolts and require a ⅜” drive ratchet. Each extractor has reverse spiral flutes for improved grip and are made of high carbon steel. They’re designed to fit most bolt heads and are perfect for when you have to deal with rusted, rounded, or painted bolts.
This set has been put through its paces by quite a few consumers, and the general consensus is that the quality and durability is excellent. Few bolts are even able to put up a fight and the design has a better grip than many competing brands.
Of course, no extractor set can perform miracles, and a few users have reported dealing with fasteners that were so firmly stuck they damaged the extractor. The sizes are quite limited, so be sure the size you need is included.
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#5 – NEIKO 04204A Hex-Head Multispline Screw and Bolt Extractor Set
This heavy duty 25-piece extractor set is made from chrome molybdenum steel to ensure maximum durability. Each extractor has a left-hand spiral design on its multiplane teeth to ensure superior grip. The sizes range from ⅛” to ⅞” and come in 1/32 inch increments, with the sizes laser-etched on the side for easy identification. The precision machined hexagon heads ensure you get maximum torque every time.
Overall, this is a great set for everyday use, although many consumers have noted the metal may not withstand an industrial setting. When used properly, they have an excellent track record of removing broken bolts and screws. A few users have noted the need to try multiple sizes when following up on a bolt that withstood drills and other tools before getting it to grip.
Perhaps the only real disappointment with the 04204A is its case. The plastic feels somewhat cheap and doesn’t have a lot of durability. But as far as an extractor set is concerned, it’s hard to find a better value for the money than NEIKO.
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#6 – SpeedOut Screw Extractor Set
The popular SpeedOut 4-piece spiral screw extractor set is made from 100% carbon steel for extra durability.
Using a 2-step process (drill and remove), this small screw extractor kit will make quick work of most broken, damaged, or stripped screws.
The four extractor bits are compatible with any drill or screw size, making this the only set you’ll need for most fastener issues. The fact that the set is made in the USA and inexpensive is a bonus.
Long-term users of this set report a high degree of success with SpeedOut, often purchasing it to replace a previous extractor set that had worn out or broken.
They like the compact size, which allows them to carry it in a pocket or with their drill. These users also state that the bits have a good lifespan if used properly. For the price, this screw extractor set is a great value.
Several consumers have had issues with the bits breaking during extraction. A few have noted this happens even when applying low torque.
One user initially had the same issue, but reported success after changing how the studs were being drilled.
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#7 – Ares 70016 Bolt/Stud Extractor Tool
After using this durable, adjustable extractor, you might wonder if the company wasn’t just named after a god of war, but may be employing him! The extractor easily grabs onto 1/4 to 1/2 inch studs, regardless of their condition.
Made of high-grade heat-treated alloy steel with a chrome finish to protect it from rust or damage while looking good, the tool is compatible with both 3/8 inch drives and most wrenches.
The design allows it to grip studs without having to first figure out the size. Best of all, Ares offers a full performance assurance to ensure this tool always lives up to its name.
Owners of this tool frequently tell stories of how the 70016 easily defeated difficult studs and damaged bolts. They note that the design allows it to grab studs with smaller degrees of exposed metal the smaller the stud size.
While its thickness may restrict your usage in tight spaces, long-time owners point to the durability and long lifespan as a fair trade-off.
Most issues regarding the Ares bolt extractor are size-related. The body is beefy, making it difficult to fit in some tight spaces. Additionally, some bolt heads will be too big to fit the tool over.
It should also be noted that while the extractor can grip 1/4 inch studs, it will not grip 6mm studs, as the 1/4 inches is equal to 6-1/3 mm.
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Extractor Type Comparison
An extractor is an odd-looking tool that grips onto broken bolts and screws, allowing you to safely remove them with minimal damage to the material they’re embedded in. Here are the 5 most common types of bolt and screw extractors.
Bolt & Stud Extractor Tool
Stud extractors are a special fitting that can be used on most drills and drives. They come in both a cylindrical and cone shape. Simply attach one end to the drive and push the other end over your stud.
The cone can be adjusted for a better grip, although the cylinder will need to be properly sized. Once the tool has locked down on your exposed stud, simply unscrew or twist it loose.
Bolt Extractor
At first glance, these resemble regular sockets. However, the inner edges are rounded instead of straight and have spiral teeth on the inside.
The perfect tool for removing bolts where the heads have been badly rounded, they are extremely simple to use.
To remove the bolt, simply attach the extractor to a ratchet and place over the damaged head. You can tap it on using a hammer or wrench as well. Then, simply turn the wrench to unscrew your bolt.
A hex top on the extractor makes it easy to use a wrench instead of a ratchet. Once removed, you will need to use a center punch to knock the bolt out of the extractor.
Extraction Pliers
This sub-group of pliers come in a variety of shapes, from seemingly normal looking pliers to tongs.
They’re best used when the screw or bolt is sticking slightly out, as the tool needs something to grip.
It is then used to unscrew or pull the broken fastener from its hole.
Multi-Spline Screw Extractor
Spline screws are screws with multiple points (or splines) in the head, and generally resemble recessed stars.
More compact than spiral screw extractors, these socket-compatible extractor heads are short and function the same as their longer siblings using a ratchet to fit into tighter spaces.
Spiral Screw Extractor
These extractors resemble drill bits and are used for screws that are broken or stripped. The thread should run in the opposite direction as the screw’s threads.
Affix the extractor to a tap wrench and insert it into the freshly drilled hole. Turn counterclockwise until it no longer turns, then continue to tighten with a wrench until the screw pops loose. Extract by pulling the screw out with pliers.
Preparing for Screw Extraction
When using a screw extractor, you will need to prepare the bolt, screw, or stud. This involves placing a center punch in the middle of the head (or shaft, if the heads broken off) and gently tapping a divot for the extractor to follow.
Apply a drop of thread cutting oil (you can also use WD-40) to the screw or bolt for lubrication.
Using a drill bit one size smaller than the screw, gently drill between ⅛ and ¼ inch down into the screw shaft. Be careful not to go off-center or use too much pressure. The resulting hole should be big enough for the tip of the extractor to fit into.
Safety Note: You should always wear safety goggles whenever extracting, as there is a risk of metal shards flying into your eyes during the process.