FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Help: Need to remove broken off screw

Triskal | Posted in General Discussion on September 29, 2006 01:36am

I’m installing kitchen cabs for a HO. One cab had a lose hinge. I attempted to tighten the screw that holds the hinge to the cab frame. The screw really didn’t want to turn, I wound up trying a little harder to turn in and well……the screw head broke off and the shank broke off partway into the frame. it’s a small screw in diameter. I need to reuse that screwhole because the hinges recess into the cab door which obviously can’t change. The screw broke off not quite 1/8″ inside the frame so I can’t get in there with pliers or anything without doing some damage. The frame is 3/4″. Any ideas?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | Sep 29, 2006 01:40am | #1

    screw extractor and glue in a wood plug...

    better hardware stores and wood workin outlets have them...

    never saw one at a big box...

     

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!



    Edited 9/28/2006 6:42 pm by IMERC

    1. MisterT | Sep 30, 2006 12:20am | #12

      Napalm...Namaste

      "The truth, when told does nothing but bolster a mans character." -Big Cal Stew 2006

      "There are 2 kinds of people in the world, those who divide the world into 2 kinds of people and everyone else"   -Gloria Steinham

       

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Sep 30, 2006 12:26am | #13

        I'll bring the makin's for the samores....

        gotta conserve on the plan "B''s...

        got a plan "C" in the works... 

         

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  2. User avater
    MarkH | Sep 29, 2006 01:43am | #2

    You may have to get a screw remover that is like a tube with saw teeth on the end.  they will bite into the screw and remove it if you're lucky.  Otherwise you will have a larger hole which you can fill with a dowell.

    Here is a sample....

    http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/10864

  3. junkhound | Sep 29, 2006 02:20am | #3

    Here is a totally different method I've used.

    Let us assume you are using flat head brass screws? Or at least relatively 'soft' (untempered) screws if you broke one off.

    Leave the old screw alone.

    Drill slightly large (so you dont break off the 2nd screw, then you do have a problem pilot hole next to it at an angle and install the new screw, which will be left with a crooked head with one edge sticking up.

    Big strong big setback clamp (so it will fit with the door on) , steel block over the screw, wood backer block on the side of cabinet, clamp that puppy down and flatten out the new screw head.

    (does NOT work with piffin screws)   Note "piffin" not capitalized, it has become genreic term like asprin.

    One other method if the hinge has 3 screws where one broke - simply put some epoxy behind the hinge for extra strength and epoxy the screw head you broke off into the countersink.

    1. User avater
      IMERC | Sep 29, 2006 02:34am | #4

      good ideas..

      can I steal them... 

       

      Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

      WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

      Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      1. junkhound | Sep 29, 2006 03:34am | #5

        public domain- feel free

    2. Piffin | Sep 29, 2006 03:44am | #6

      newbies should be given the definition of piffin screws. Sheetrock screws or other cheap brittle inadequate screws for a task. Another solution is to drill a new hole in the hnge in place and using a new screw there. Best to remove the hinge to do this so you can drill a larger hole in the metal and tighter hole in the face frame wood.Usually in this type of hinge, the screw is in a slot for adjustment, so there is plenty of room to just do as you said and drill the new screw next to the old shank. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. Triskal | Sep 29, 2006 04:06am | #7

        Hmmm, that's the definition of piffin? I never knew that. Incidentally, I have been using some DW screws to join the cab frames and cursing from breaking the heads off 'em. But those 3 inchers they give are too long. So I guess I been using piffin screws in that sense.

        So what is the origin of the word "piffin?"

        1. Piffin | Sep 29, 2006 11:59pm | #11

          Piffin is a way of verbalizing my initials, PFN.I rail against anybody who uses
          SHEET
          ROCK
          SCREWS
          to do anything other than hang sheet rock, because they are made from brittle cheap metal. That is fine when they only jhave to be in tension against the paper surfacce and maleable backing of sheet rock. That is what they are designed for. Bu5t when they are used for wood joinery, they can be expected to fail. In my remodeling I can't say how many times I have removed wall cabinets that were hung with SR screws and found that 25-35% of them had the shoulders snapped off, possibly since the day they were installed. That is an unacceptable danger to occupants. Especiallly occupants who load wall cabs like the stoneware my wife puts in or the canned goods my mother put in.There are fine cabinet screws and structural screws for the purpose. You have now been exposed to the Piffin PastoraleGo forth and screw no mo unless with good screws.I use GRK Torx head 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  4. jako17 | Sep 29, 2006 04:13am | #8

    Go to a hobby /model shop and get some tube that is just bigger in inside diameter than the screw cut teeth on the end and chuck it in a drill and cut out the screw .Then epoxy a dowel, whittled if necessary and re fit the screw, pilot drill if required.In case you are using brass screws you might consider running in a steel one first in future.Really similar to Mark H reply but make your own cutter.I have even used brass tube on cherry wood with success.

    1. User avater
      MarkH | Sep 29, 2006 04:44pm | #10

      If you want to make your own, automotive brake line works OK too.

  5. Norman | Sep 29, 2006 04:35pm | #9

    Got a Dremel? Cut a slot in the screw shank with a carbide cutting wheel and then use a screwdriver to back it out.

  6. maverick | Sep 30, 2006 03:13am | #14

    Get yourself a 10 mm drill bit and make a jig so the bit wont walk, then have at the screw and drill a hole for one of those 10 mm plastic plugs that commercial cabinet makers use to hang their hinges. press the plug in and your good to go

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools

From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data