Stripped Hex Screw in Bathroom Faucet

[cordenny]

Went to change the washer in my faucet and the hexscrew at the side of the handle is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this, but I can't get it out. Any suggestions?

[cordenny]

I went to change the washer in the bathroom faucet, and the hex screw is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this. Any suggestions?

[anothersteve]

I went to change the washer in the bathroom faucet, and the hex screw is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this. Any suggestions?

Try a screwdriver just big enough to fit two diagonal points of the hex screw, tap with a hammer to set the driver. You might need to tap the driver and turn it at the same time. Or you can get an "easy-out" set that drills and twists in reverse.
Steve

[retiredguy123]

You can buy a special screw extractor and drill bit at Home Depot. First, you drill a small hole into the screw head. Then, you insert the screw extractor into the hole and tap it with a hammer. Then, you use a wrench or pliers to gently turn the screw extractor counterclockwise to remove the screw.

[anothersteve]

You can buy a special screw extractor and drill bit at Home Depot. Frist, you drill a small hole into the screw head. Then, you insert the screw extractor into the hole and tap it with a hammer. Then, you use a wrench or pliers to gently turn the screw extractor counterclockwise to remove the screw.

Yes an "easy-out" like I said
Steve

[villagetinker]

OP, I have a set of easyouts I may be able to help, send a PM with contact info.

[jswirs]

I went to change the washer in the bathroom faucet, and the hex screw is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this. Any suggestions?

I don't know how much room you have, but I have used a dremel tool with a carbide cutting disc to make a new slot in the screw head, then use a slot head screw driver to extract the screw. How old is the faucet? Because if you are changing a rubber washer it must be rather old, and sometimes it's best to replace the entire faucet.

[Bridget Staunton]

Went to change the washer in my faucet and the hexscrew at the side of the handle is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this, but I can't get it out. Any suggestions?

Try and get the thinnest tool underneath the screw( putty knife, thin screwdriver) then back it out using pressure, maybe try a bigger screwdriver

[Susan from Ohio]

Are you sure that the screw is a hexscrew and not an allen screw? Most faucet handles have allen screws in them.

[barnegat39]

Hex Keyes come in 2 sizes metric or standard. Just a small difference in thickness. Is it possible you are using wrong size.

[jeriteri]

At HomeDepot

Access Denied (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ontel-Speed-Out-Speed-Out-Titanium-Screw-Extractor-4-Piece-1000367/303667297)

[IUFAN]

Easy out or left handed drill bit. If your careful enough you can start with a small right handed drill bit then go larger a little at a time and not disturb the internal threads.

[retiredguy123]

Yes an "easy-out" like I said
Steve
Sorry, but I had never heard the term "easy-out".

[Mike193534]

Sorry, but I had never heard the term "easy-out".
Home spot will know term “easy out” as will any building supply.

[Nucky]

I know this wasn't exactly your question but why not just cancel the existing faucet and buy this fantastic $20 tool. You will end up with new faucets throughout your home because it makes the job so simple. Ridgid Faucet & Sink Installer (Fast Faucet Fixes!!) -- by Home Repair Tutor - YouTube (https://youtu.be/kWqlY04RuLg). There are many YouTube videos if you still want to make a repair to your existing faucet.

[Mike193534]

Home Depot

[stewiegal]

Remove a Stripped Screw with a Rubber Band (https://lifehacker-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/lifehacker.com/remove-a-stripped-screw-with-a-rubber-band-5462520/amp?amp_js_v=a2&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15793561709591&amp_ct=1579356185405&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From) %251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Fremove-a-stripped-screw-with-a-rubber-band-5462520

[mrkorn12@aol.com]

If all else fails, the screw can be drilled-out. I used Greenlee drill bits. It cut through the screw like butter, without damaging the threads of the hole. This was a Delta kitchen faucet, with a hex opening.

[skip0358]

Make sure your using the correct size allen wrench. Some of the newer faucets are using Metric sizes. I had one.

[christiewright]

Went to change the washer in my faucet and the hexscrew at the side of the handle is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this, but I can't get it out. Any suggestions?

Home Depot sells a screwdriver tip that will take it right out. Ask the salesman to show you.

[Shimpy]

Are you sure that the screw is a hexscrew and not an allen screw? Most faucet handles have allen screws in them.

They are the same thing. Allen is a brand name for hex shaped bores(6 sides)

[Doug526]

Went to change the washer in my faucet and the hexscrew at the side of the handle is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this, but I can't get it out. Any suggestions?

Superglue another screw to the old one then let it dry then unscrew it. Hope this works

[markusb741]

Try putting an elastic over the stripped head and then try unscrewing it with correct screwdriver.

[tripibo]

Went to change the washer in my faucet and the hexscrew at the side of the handle is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this, but I can't get it out. Any suggestions?

I used a star screw driver of the right size and forced it into the screw and turned very slowly to get a good bite. It may work for you. Good luck.

[OhioBuckeye]

Went to change the washer in my faucet and the hexscrew at the side of the handle is stripped. I hate to call a plumber for this, but I can't get it out. Any suggestions?

They have tools to take them out & they're cheap. Go to Home Depot or Lowes. Ask someone there will help you!

[OhioBuckeye]

If all else fails, the screw can be drilled-out. I used Greenlee drill bits. It cut through the screw like butter, without damaging the threads of the hole. This was a Delta kitchen faucet, with a hex opening.

Ooohh, I agree but it sounds like this person isn't real saavy about using a Allen wrench. I wouldn't tell them to drill it out they might not use the right size drill bit. Try an easy out first! But you're right!

[TomOB]

super glue the hex key in, remove, buy a new one.

[leftyf]

Did you get it out?

[larbud]

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[Inspector Mark]

Buy a "star" Torx bit a little larger the the hole in your screw. Tap it in with a hammer or hope it bites. The Torx bit will only cost a couple go bucks so if you ruin it no big deal. It may be worth a try before you resort to drilling or a plumber.

[Bogie Shooter]

OP asked for help way back on Jan 17.....I'm betting that after 3 weeks he has the screw removed.:)