hey guys

i was working on my truck (99 isuzu amigo) to change out the third brake lights and i stripped on of the phillps head screws - what do i need to extract the screw

Thanks
Bass

 

I assume that you mean that you stripped the "X" in the screw head?

First thing is, if the area around the screw shows, to mask it off so you don't scar the surrounding area if a tool slips. Use masking tape, electrical tape, duct tape, whatever you have on hand, but don't skip this step. You should also hit the screw with a good penetrating oil: RustBuster, Kroil, Howe's Multi-Purpose, Liquid Wrench, etc. Hit any other screws you need to remove with the penetrant now, before you try to remove them. If you don't have a penetrant, do yourself a favor and buy some.

Then, based on the screw, its location, and the tools available to you, you have several options:
1. Craftsman "screw out" as advertised by Bob Vila. I've never used these, so take this recommendation with a grain of salt. However, I could see myself purchasing these if I were in your situation.
2. Take a drill bit the size of the threaded part of the screw, and drill the head off. That is, drill into the center of what's left of the "x". As the drill bit bores through the head and touches the threaded part of the screw, the head will come off. (If you can use a "left-hand" drill bit, there's a good chance the bit will bite into the screw head and spin it out.) Now, with no head on the screw, you can remove the part and use Vise-Grips to remove the stub of the screw that will be sticking up. I've done this many times.
3. Slot the screw head with a Dremel or hacksaw blade, then use a hand-impact (you hit it with a hammer) with a straight bit to remove the screw. This is an option only if the screw threads into something solid and you won't damage the surrounding area. If the screw is threaded into a plastic piece, the hammer blow will probably shatter the pastic. If the screw is recessed, you'll damage the surrounding area. I've done this many times, when the screw threaded into some solid metal and was accessible.
4. Drop back 10 yards and punt.

 

I have these. They do work. It may be all you need to get this screw out.

 

Thanks very much Guys!! off top sears in the morning

 

Just drill it out...easiest way

 

Steve

Never seen #1 but # 2 should do the trick with no costs in tools