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?

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?

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

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.

Yes an "easy-out" like I said
Steve

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

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.

Stripped screw
 

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

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

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

At HomeDepot

Access Denied

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.

Sorry, but I had never heard the term "easy-out".

Home spot will know term “easy out” as will any building supply.

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.

Home Depot

Try this link or google it
 

Remove a Stripped Screw with a Rubber Band %251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Fr emove-a-stripped-screw-with-a-rubber-band-5462520

Remove faucet screw
 

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.

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

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

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

Allen Screw
 

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

stripped screw head
 

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

Stripped hex screw
 

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
 

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

Ohiobuckeye
 

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!

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

Did you get it out?

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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.

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