The Best Screw Extractors of 2024 to Remove Stripped Fasteners, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Screw Extractors of 2024 to Remove Stripped Fasteners, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
Don’t let a stripped screw or bolt slow you down—remove that obstacle quickly and cleanly with one of these top screw extractors.
Few things can bring a building project or repair effort to a grinding halt like a stripped screw or bolt, which is why keeping a screw extractor at the ready is key. These handy devices consist of a drill bit that grinds a hole into the head of a screw and a threaded extractor that bites into this hole, gripping the screw so you can remove it with a drill or ratchet.
There are many types and brands of screw extractors on the market, but few have the mettle to do the job properly. We put five screw extractor kits to the test by using them to remove various sizes of bolts and screws. With its effective design and affordable price, the Alden Grabit Pro Bolt and Screw Extractor Kit proved to be the best of the bunch. Read on to learn more about our test results for the Alden and other screw extractors, and find out what factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best screw extractor for your workshop.
- BEST OVERALL: Alden Grabit Pro Bolt and Screw Extractor 4-Piece Kit
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Irwin 10-Piece Spiral Extractor and Drill Bit Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bosch 12-Piece Screw Extractor Set
↓ Jump to Review - MOST VERSATILE: Topec 35-Piece Screw Extractor and Drill Bit Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST EXTRACTOR PLIERS: Vampliers 6.25-Inch Screw Extraction Pliers
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR BOLTS: Irwin Bolt-Grip 5-Piece Bolt Extractor Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE FASTENERS: Neiko Multispline Screw and Bolt Extractor Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL FASTENERS: Alden Grabit Micro Broken Bolt Extractor 4-Piece Kit
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 5 |
| Time spent testing | 3 hours |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Price range | $25 to $60 |
Our Top Picks
The products below represent some of the top screw extractors on the market. This includes small sets designed for occasional use and large sets for pros and avid DIYers who regularly deal with damaged screws and bolts.
Best Overall
Alden Grabit Pro Bolt and Screw Extractor 4-Piece Kit
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Sizes: 4
- Type: Spiral extractors with reverse threaded drill bits
- Material: Steel
What We Like
- High success rate with smaller fasteners
- Kit can fit in your pocket
- Reversible design eliminates guesswork
What We Don’t Like
- Limited to smaller fasteners
Not only is this kit from Alden one of the cheapest of the bunch, it also happens to be the easiest to use and most effective at removing stripped screws. The kit’s design eliminates the guesswork of trying to match drill bits with extractors sizes—each of the four bit sizes is conveniently double-sided with the drill bit on one side and the threaded extractor on the other.
During testing, each extractor gripped nicely to the insides of the stripped-out holds, allowing us to remove screws easily. In fact, the Alden removed screws that two other screw extractor sets we tested failed to remove. Of all the kits we tested, this one most consistently gripped and removed screws.
Since this screw extractor set only comes with four bit sizes, it is somewhat limited. Still, those bit sizes are the most common you’ll find. The kit includes a small carrying case that keeps these bits organized, so they’re easy to find when needed. We also like the fact that this kit is small. This makes it easier to throw in a tool box or tool belt pocket so it’s at your side when you encounter a dreaded stripped screw.
Get the Alden Grabit Pro screw extractor at Amazon or Walmart.
Runner-Up
Irwin 10-Piece Spiral Extractor and Drill Bit Set
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 4.3/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Sizes: 5
- Type: Spiral extractors with reverse threaded drill bits
- Material: Steel alloy
What We Like
- Works well with larger screws and bolts
- Durable steel construction
- Easy-to-identify sizes
- Comes with metal storage box
What We Don’t Like
- Extractors don’t bite well on smaller screws
This compact screw remover and extractor set includes five extractors and drill bit sizes. Each extractor and bit is conveniently paired in a storage box, so there’s no confusion as to which bit goes with which extractor.
While we liked the paired design of this set, we experienced mixed results during testing. The larger sizes worked well for removing bolts. The bits drilled nicely into the screw and bolts heads, and the spiral shape of the removers bit well into the drilled holes.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have very good results with the smaller drill bits and extractors. We couldn’t get the extractors to bite in the drilled head on stripped-out 3-inch decking screws despite several attempts using various sizes of drill bit and matching extractor. While we were ultimately able to back the screws out, we had to do so using very slow speeds so the extractor wouldn’t slip and strip out the pilot hole.
Although we would certainly recommend this set for removing bolts and larger screws, we’d consider other options for smaller stripped-out screws.
Get the Irwin 10-piece screw extractor at Amazon or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Bosch 12-Piece Screw Extractor Set
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 3.7/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Sizes: 6
- Type: Spiral extractors with reverse threaded drill bits
- Material: High-carbon steel
What We Like
- Capable of removing both large and small fasteners
- Compact kit that’s easy to tote around
- 6 extractor sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t remove every screw and bolt
- Small bits are prone to breaking
We’ve typically found Bosch’s power tools and accessories to be of good quality while remaining somewhat more affordable than other power tool brands. This screw extractor kit from Bosch was, for the most part, no exception. It performed fairly well with bolts and smaller screws with a better-than-average success rate when compared with other sets.
Durability was also good but not great. All of the extractors feel as if they would last a long time. Our only concern was with the two smaller drill bit sizes, which feel as if they could potentially snap. While we didn’t experience any broken bits, this was a common complaint with online reviewers.
We like the handy carrying case, which is compact and holds each bit securely. We only wish it was easier to read the sizes on the case. Overall, though, this is a good screw extractor set that’s affordably priced and compact enough to fit in a tool bag or belt.
Get the Bosch screw extractor at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Most Versatile
Topec 35-Piece Screw Extractor and Drill Bit Set
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 4.3/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Sizes: 16 drill bits, 13 multi-spline extractors, 6 spiral extractors,
- Type: Spiral extractors, reverse threaded drill bits, multi spline screw extractors
- Material: Steel
What We Like
- Selection of bits and extractor sizes
- Includes both spiral and multispline extractors
- Bits and extractors have a durable feel
What We Don’t Like
- Somewhat challenging to match bit sizes with extractor sizes
- Not particularly effective with smaller screws
With some 35 pieces, Topec’s screw extractor kit gives you plenty of options for removing all types of fasteners, ranging from small screws to large bolts.
In terms of performance, Topec’s effectiveness tilts to large fasteners. The bits and extractors perform best on larger screw heads and bolts. While we found some success removing bits with its spiral screw extractors, these multispline extractors, when used with a drill and bit driver, garnered the best results. The tighter threading of the splines just seemed to bite better into drilled-out holes than the spiral extractors.
While we liked the broad range of bits this kit offers, we didn’t like the fact that Topec doesn’t group the bits with the extractors. This leaves you to make those matches on your own, which can be a challenge, especially if you use the kit only occasionally.
This design makes the kit a tougher pick for those who don’t have a lot of experience using this type of tool. Given that and this kit’s size, the Topec extractor set is best suited for home mechanics who find themselves facing off against stripped-out screw heads and sheared-off bolt heads of varying sizes on a fairly regular basis.
Get the Topec screw extractor at Amazon.
Best Extractor Pliers
Vampliers 6.25-Inch Screw Extraction Pliers
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Sizes: N/A
- Type: Pliers
- Material: High-carbon steel
What We Like
- Serrated teeth that bit into screw heads
- Ability to reach barely protruding screw heads
- Comfortable rubberized grip on the handle
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey for a single set of pliers
This is no ordinary set of combination pliers. A closer look at its jaws reveals that it’s designed with one purpose in mind: to remove stripped screws. The aptly named Vampliers have fanglike serrated teeth and a concave opening in the jaws that fit around the contours of a screw head, making it an excellent tool for stripped screws.
The serrated teeth bit nicely into screw heads during testing, allowing us to turn the screws without having to put a death grip on the handle. The rubberized grip makes the handles fairly comfortable to hold. We also liked the fact that we could grip screw heads either by holding the teeth perpendicular to the screw for maximum grip or vertically over the top of the screw for heads just barely poking above the wood surface. Of course, the Vampliers are only useful if there’s something to bite into; they won’t work for embedded screw heads.
The Vampliers is an expensive stripped screw removal tool, especially for anyone who already has a pair of vice-grip pliers in their tool arsenal. Still, they’re worth the investment if you find yourself dealing with stripped-out or sheared-off screw heads on a regular basis.
Get the Vampliers screw extractor at Amazon.
More Great Options
While we didn’t test the products below, they still make the grade based on their impressive specs and extensive positive customer reviews.
Best for Bolts
Irwin Bolt-Grip 5-Piece Bolt Extractor Set
Photo: Lowe’s
Product Specs
- Sizes: 5
- Type: Spiral extractors
- Material: High-carbon steel
What We Like
- Works with ratchets, impact drivers, and standard wrenches
- Fits most common sizes
- Durable high-carbon steel construction
What We Don’t Like
- Fairly small range of sizes
This five-piece bolt extraction set from Irwin is a simple yet effective bolt removal tool. Each size extractor has a reverse spiral design that bites into the bolt head, making it easier to remove bolts that have been painted over, rounded-off bolts heads, and frozen bolts. The extraction kit for bolts comes with five sizes to suit bolts ranging in size from ⅜ inch and 10 millimeter (mm) to ⅝ inch and 16mm. And if that’s not enough, Irwin also makes a five-piece expansion set with additional sizes. The bolt extractor bits work with 1/2-inch ratchets, impact wrenches, flat wrenches, and locking pliers, and all five pieces fit into a hard plastic case that’s small enough to fit into a tool box or bucket.
Get the Irwin bolt extractor at Lowe’s.
Best for Large Fasteners
Neiko Multispline Screw and Bolt
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Sizes: 25
- Type: Multispline extractors
- Material: Chrome molybdenum steel
What We Like
- Includes a broad range of sizes
- Durable chrome molybdenum steel construction
- Includes carry case