remove rusted screw from kitchen mixer

McDonkey99

Hi folks.

I have a kitchen mixer that's dripping. to get to the cartridge/ring and swap it out for a new one, I need to take out a small screw (about 4mm) to allow the mixer part to slide off the main tap. the screw has rusted and the head came off when I tried to loosen it with some UB40. so now I need to get the rusted screw out and i plan to replace it with a grub screw the same size I have.

Question is what's the best way to get it out while leaving the threads some way intact so a new screw will thread into the hole to hold the mixer in place?

i have a set of screw remover drill bits but I don't think the screw is going to grab onto it, it is so corroded.

Am I better just using a tiny drill bit and working my way up bigger and bigger?

Any other ideas?

The mixer is an expensive one that came with the house so I want to save it if possible.

Thanks

chooseusername

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058212579/remove-rusted-screw-from-kitchen-mixer

Try Red red wine.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Gen.Zhukov

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118010425#Comment_118010425

I just about resisted bringing the 'rat' into the discussion last night 🙂

OP - Can you put up a pic?

10-10-20

I had similar on a mixer recently. Screw head was soft and the phillips screwdriver rounded it easily.

I started with a small drill-bit, drilled for about 1min before the screw loosened and I was then able to unscrew it easily with an oversized phillips. I guess the heat from drilling did it.

McDonkey99

hard to get a decent shot.

Gen.Zhukov

That screw seems to sticking up nicely so you could either cut a slot across the screw (pic) and use a flat screwdriver or grip it with a vicegrips

The lips

It looks like the remaining part of the screw is recessed into the tap body with nothing protruding to allow pliers?vice grips etc

In that situation the only thing for it is to use your screw remover bits or small drill bits, remember to use the bits at a slow speed, do not go full throttle or you will soften the bit, rendering it useless.

McDonkey99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118025590#Comment_118025590

yep. can't reach it. thanks. I'm hoping that the remaining screw is also fairly soft/rusted.

Outkast_IRE

Are you sure it was a screw , i have only every seen small allen keys utiised for this and i have fitted and removed hundreds.

chooseusername

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118035630#Comment_118035630

Allen screw, slot screw, crosshead screw,

it makes no difference now as the head is fcuked.

As @Gen.Zhukov said try to cut a slot for a flat screwdriver.

Gen.Zhukov

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118035943#Comment_118035943

It's not a great pic and depends on the perspective the viewer sees. Apparently it's not sticking out and cutting a slot wont work. I find it strange that any ferrous part is used in a tap fitting at all. Normally - s/s, brass, zinc, plastic etc (stuff that won't rust)

Without a better close up pic I can't offer any ideas.