Need help with broken screw

[max6166]

Just a little while ago, I decided to replace the washer for the hot water tap of my bathtub.

The slotted screw that attaches the handle to the valve stem was stuck. I think the screw is made of brass. It is recessed into the faucet handle.

I gave it a few good twists, but all I managed to do was strip the head quite a bit, and then I even chipped off a large chunk of it. Now there is just a bit of the original slot left.

Does anyone have any suggestions/advice on how to get the *&^#! thing out? Please...? 

[Chako]

Get an Easy Out screw extractor kit.

A drill and that kit should do the job.

[jzmtl]

Soak it for a day with PB blaster first, should make it easier, you can get it at canadian tire where WD40 is, it's in a really cheesy "as seen on tv" type can.

[max6166]

Thanks guys. I should have mentioned that there is no rust or corrosion. Maybe the screw is misthreaded or just stuck on very tightly.

Would something like PB Blaster still be of use in that situation? Actually, I am not sure if it could even penetrate into the threads. The screw head is recessed and holding the plastic tap tightly in place.

[jzmtl]

Should still help, it would seep into the threads and reduce the friction to make it easier to take out. As long as the thread is not sealed by o ring or something it should work, it's designed for that purpose.

[J-sews]

Can you destroy the plastic handle, which would (hopefully) allow you to get the screw out with a pair of pliers?

[ratslash7]

First, get a large nail or something and tap the center of the screw head to make a center-punched impression as close to the center as you can and as deep as you dare.

Then use a drill and a drill bit that is about the diameter that you think the threaded part of the screw is. (you can take the screw out of the other side to see what that diameter is.) and drill into the center-punched mark till the head of the screw pops off and will probably stick to the end of the drill bit.

You should now be able to remove the plastic faucet part and use a pair of pliers or vise-grips if you have them. to twist the body of the screw out of the hole.

Might work. It's worked for me before.

Dave

[Benner]

Can you destroy the plastic handle, which would (hopefully) allow you to get the screw out with a pair of pliers?

That was my thought as well.

[max6166]

Well, I managed to get that damn screw out.   

I didn't get a chance to go to the hardware store, so I wound up following the other advice of simply demolishing the handle. My SwissTool ripped through it rather nicely. 

After that, I was actually able to just unscrew it by hand.

I had another old tub handle kicking around, so all is fixed and working again.

Thanks for the help everyone. 

Thanks particularly for recommending PB Blaster, jzmtl. I am going to pick some up anyway after reading a ton of rave reviews. Looks incredibly handy to have around. 

[jzmtl]

Thanks particularly for recommending PB Blaster, jzmtl. I am going to pick some up anyway after reading a ton of rave reviews. Looks incredibly handy to have around. 

No problem, just to give you a head up, that stuff stinks like no other so don't use in confined space while you are in there.

[Anthony]

I use that PB Blaster a lot, great stuff but have peper towels handy, it's messy.