Hello everyone, I’m currently facing a rather annoying problem with my Ikea Platsa cabinet: during assembly, one of the screws that connects the wood to the metal drawer slides broke off. The broken screw is now stuck deep inside the hole and can no longer be turned or grabbed. I’m wondering what the best way is to remove this stuck, broken Ikea Platsa screw without damaging the furniture.
Has anyone had experience with similar situations? Which tools or methods work most reliably to remove a damaged screw as cleanly as possible? I would like to avoid having to take the entire piece of furniture apart or causing any visible damage. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Has anyone had experience with similar situations? Which tools or methods work most reliably to remove a damaged screw as cleanly as possible? I would like to avoid having to take the entire piece of furniture apart or causing any visible damage. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Hi, I can well understand how frustrating a situation like this is, especially with furniture from Ikea, where everything is supposed to fit together neatly.
Regarding the procedure: First, you should try to expose and clean the surface of the broken screw a little bit, so it’s not stuck due to wood chips or dust inside the hole. Then, using a very fine drill bit (preferably thinner than the screw), drill a centered hole – it is important not to drill too deep to avoid enlarging or damaging the hole in the furniture.
Once the hole is drilled, use a screw extractor. There are small sets designed specifically for cases like this. These “left-hand thread screw extractors” grip into the drilled hole and remove the screw by turning counterclockwise. If you don’t have an extractor set, a small metal hook or needle-nose pliers might catch the edge, if the screw is slightly protruding.
Caution: If the screw is stuck too tightly, applying force can cause injury. Take your time and work carefully if needed. I hope this helps!
Regarding the procedure: First, you should try to expose and clean the surface of the broken screw a little bit, so it’s not stuck due to wood chips or dust inside the hole. Then, using a very fine drill bit (preferably thinner than the screw), drill a centered hole – it is important not to drill too deep to avoid enlarging or damaging the hole in the furniture.
Once the hole is drilled, use a screw extractor. There are small sets designed specifically for cases like this. These “left-hand thread screw extractors” grip into the drilled hole and remove the screw by turning counterclockwise. If you don’t have an extractor set, a small metal hook or needle-nose pliers might catch the edge, if the screw is slightly protruding.
Caution: If the screw is stuck too tightly, applying force can cause injury. Take your time and work carefully if needed. I hope this helps!
The topic is actually quite tricky because Ikea Platsa screws are often made of softer metal, and the connection is interlocked with the wood.
A possible, systematic approach for gently removing a broken screw is as follows:
- First, identify the type and size of the screw to select the correct drill bit and screw extractor.
- Establish a steady and stable working position, and stabilize the furniture if necessary.
- Use a small, sharp metal drill bit set to carefully drill a centered hole in the broken screw, adjusting the depth and diameter (ideally 2-3 mm (about 0.08-0.12 inches), depending on the screw diameter).
- Carefully screw the extractor (also called a left-hand extractor) into the drilled hole. It can help to apply some penetrating oil or rust remover to the screw beforehand to reduce friction.
- Then turn gently and steadily counterclockwise until the screw loosens.
Please pay attention to the wood grain during the work: lateral shifting or overly aggressive drilling can damage the anchor. An alternative if the extractor fails is to carefully drill out the screw completely to make room for a replacement screw. However, this should be a last resort to avoid damaging the cabinet.
May I ask how deep the screw has broken off? Is it still protruding slightly, or is it flush with the wood?
A possible, systematic approach for gently removing a broken screw is as follows:
- First, identify the type and size of the screw to select the correct drill bit and screw extractor.
- Establish a steady and stable working position, and stabilize the furniture if necessary.
- Use a small, sharp metal drill bit set to carefully drill a centered hole in the broken screw, adjusting the depth and diameter (ideally 2-3 mm (about 0.08-0.12 inches), depending on the screw diameter).
- Carefully screw the extractor (also called a left-hand extractor) into the drilled hole. It can help to apply some penetrating oil or rust remover to the screw beforehand to reduce friction.
- Then turn gently and steadily counterclockwise until the screw loosens.
Please pay attention to the wood grain during the work: lateral shifting or overly aggressive drilling can damage the anchor. An alternative if the extractor fails is to carefully drill out the screw completely to make room for a replacement screw. However, this should be a last resort to avoid damaging the cabinet.
May I ask how deep the screw has broken off? Is it still protruding slightly, or is it flush with the wood?
reybo schrieb:
May I ask how deep the screw broke off? Is it still protruding slightly, or is it flush with the wood?Thank you for the helpful explanations! Unfortunately, the screw broke almost flush with the surface, if not slightly recessed. Only a small piece protrudes about 1-2 millimeters (0.04-0.08 inches), the rest is deep in the hole. That really makes it difficult to grip with pliers. I have already tried cutting a notch with a Dremel, but that was tedious and not very precise.
I will carefully try using an extractor with a small drill bit; I have a small set of left-handed extractors. The suggestion to use penetrating oil is a good tip, I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll report back on how it goes if I make progress!
As a supplement to the previous recommendations: If the screw becomes too tight, applying heat to the area can help release the tension between the metal and wood. Proceed carefully to avoid burning or damaging the wood.
Recommendation:
- Set a small hot air blower or hair dryer to medium heat.
- Evenly warm the area around the screw for several minutes.
- Then immediately use a screw extractor, which usually grips more easily after heating.
If the screw is made of steel with a galvanized surface, heat treatment is generally safe. Applying penetrating oil or a rust remover a few hours before working is also suitable when done carefully.
Drilling must be very precise, as otherwise the stability of the flat-pack furniture could be compromised. A drill bit with a centering tip (also called a pilot bit) ensures accurate positioning. It is also recommended to protect the area around the drill hole with painter’s tape or protective film during the process.
If the attempts with a screw extractor and heat fail, a specialized professional service may be necessary, as often only professional screw removal by milling or grinding remains.
Recommendation:
- Set a small hot air blower or hair dryer to medium heat.
- Evenly warm the area around the screw for several minutes.
- Then immediately use a screw extractor, which usually grips more easily after heating.
If the screw is made of steel with a galvanized surface, heat treatment is generally safe. Applying penetrating oil or a rust remover a few hours before working is also suitable when done carefully.
Drilling must be very precise, as otherwise the stability of the flat-pack furniture could be compromised. A drill bit with a centering tip (also called a pilot bit) ensures accurate positioning. It is also recommended to protect the area around the drill hole with painter’s tape or protective film during the process.
If the attempts with a screw extractor and heat fail, a specialized professional service may be necessary, as often only professional screw removal by milling or grinding remains.
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