Stripped Hex Screw in Bathroom Faucet

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Old 01-17-2020, 07:08 PM
cordenny cordenny is offline
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Default Stripped Hex Screw in Bathroom Faucet

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?

Last edited by cordenny; 01-17-2020 at 07:18 PM. Reason: Duplicate
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Old 01-17-2020, 07:12 PM
cordenny cordenny is offline
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Default Stripped Hex Screw in Bathroom Faucet

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?
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Old 01-17-2020, 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by cordenny View Post
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
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Old 01-17-2020, 10:42 PM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is online now
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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.
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Old 01-17-2020, 10:44 PM
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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
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Old 01-17-2020, 10:48 PM
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OP, I have a set of easyouts I may be able to help, send a PM with contact info.
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Old 01-18-2020, 06:01 AM
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Originally Posted by cordenny View Post
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.
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Old 01-18-2020, 07:03 AM
Bridget Staunton Bridget Staunton is offline
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Default Stripped screw

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Originally Posted by cordenny View Post
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
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Old 01-18-2020, 07:13 AM
Susan from Ohio Susan from Ohio is offline
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Are you sure that the screw is a hexscrew and not an allen screw? Most faucet handles have allen screws in them.
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Old 01-18-2020, 07:19 AM
barnegat39 barnegat39 is offline
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Hex Keyes come in 2 sizes metric or standard. Just a small difference in thickness. Is it possible you are using wrong size.
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Old 01-18-2020, 07:29 AM
jeriteri jeriteri is offline
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At HomeDepot

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Old 01-18-2020, 07:57 AM
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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.
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Old 01-18-2020, 08:16 AM
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Yes an "easy-out" like I said
Steve
Sorry, but I had never heard the term "easy-out".
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Old 01-18-2020, 08:23 AM
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Sorry, but I had never heard the term "easy-out".
Home spot will know term “easy out” as will any building supply.
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Old 01-18-2020, 08:23 AM
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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. There are many YouTube videos if you still want to make a repair to your existing faucet.
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