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If you are looking on how to remove a stripped allen screw from crib then in this article we have shared 11 methods of removing it!!
If you have a child, then you know how important it is to have a safe place for them to sleep. A crib is a crucial piece of baby furniture, and it’s essential to ensure it’s in good condition. Unfortunately, one common problem with cribs is that the screws can become stripped over time. If this happens, it can be a challenge to remove the screw and make repairs.
In most cases, taking out a bolt or screw is as easy as finding the proper wrench (or key). But what if your wrench still feels loose and doesn’t grip the Allen screw? Although slightly different, with an Allen screw with a tapered top and an Allen bolt with a cylindrical top, you may easily remove both with the equipment you have around your house.
Thankfully, there are various solutions you can try. You can easily remove a stripped Allen key from your crib with a few tools and a little know-how. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your crib back in working order.
Method #1: Try a different screwdriver or Allen wrench.
Crib manufacturers usually include an Allen wrench with the crib assembly parts; however, they’re generally soft and round off quickly. Try this first method if you notice the provided wrench is ineffective for removing the stripped screw or key.
Get yourself a set of 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits in both metric and English sizes. Hopefully, if you’re lucky, one of these is slightly larger than the damaged key. Then, using a hammer and a 1/4″ socket wrench, drive the tip into the hole and strike the wrench on the bit while pushing it firmly into the bolt. An impact driver is ideal. It’s also a good idea to grind the end of the screwdriver bit flat to make cutting an oversize new hex recess in the bolt easier.
Method #2: Use a Torx Wrench.
The screw head gets more traction because of the star shape of a Torx wrench. A Torx wrench is shaped like a 6-pointed star, and you’re probably familiar with it if you have a tool kit at home. Choose a Torx wrenches that have a bit that’s slightly larger than the hole, insert it firmly, then turn the wrench counter-clockwise to unscrew the Allen key.
If you don’t have a Torx wrench at home, you can purchase one from your local hardware store or online.
Method #3: Give your Allen Key a Few Friction Drops.
Friction drops are made of a solution using fine-grit metal powder to give your Allen wrench additional grip if it fits loose. The friction drops will fill in the gaps between the stripped Allen wrench hole and the wrench you’re using.
Simply apply a drop to two of the friction drops in the hex hole and then insert the Allen wrench. Give the Allen wrench a few wiggles so the friction drops can catch before unscrewing the Allen key.
You can buy friction drops online or at your local hardware store.
Method #4: Use a Rubber Band
It sounds silly at first, but a rubber band will add traction to your Allen wrench, thus, making this task easier. For this method, find a wide rubber band completely covering the hex hole on the screw.
Afterwards, insert the Allen wrench, so it fits snugly into the hex hole. Now, try unscrewing the screw counter-clockwise. If successful, the rubber band will have provided enough grip to remove the Allen key.
Any rubber or latex material should work if you don’t have a rubber band.
Method #5: Grip the Allen Key With a Channel-Lock Plier
Although not everyone will have channel locking pliers at home, they’re readily available and work best at removing stripped Allen keys with a raised head.
Channel-lock pliers remain secure when the jaw is closed, providing you with security knowing they won’t slip or loosen off the hex head.
To do this, turn the pliers counter-clockwise until the Allen key begins to come loose.
Method #6: Hit the Screw Head With a Hammer and Screwdriver.
The screw can loosen from the shock of the hammer for an easier removal. Start by finding a screwdriver with a bit that fits into the Allen hex on the stripped screw. Then, gently tap the bottom of the screwdriver’s handle and slowly apply more force as the screw loosens to the point where you can remove it by hand.
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Safety first: Wear a pair of safety glasses if metal shards break off the screw.
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This method is more of a last resort. Thin and delicate metals are more likely to break off when struck, so try a different method before this one.
Method #7: Use a Center Punch to tap the Screw Head
Center punches help catch onto the screw head and help to release it. A center punch is distinguishable by its one end that is pointed and spring-loaded.
Place the bit on the flat part of the screw’s head just so that the sharp end of the center bunch is pointed to the left. Now you can pull upward on the center punch’s spring, letting it go to apply force on the screw. This process may require a few attempts, but after, the bit will catch on the screw head and turn it with each hit. If you’re unsuccessful with getting the screw to turn, try tapping the back of the punch’s handle with a hammer.
Method #8: Use Epoxy With an Old Allen Wrench
Unscrewing a stripped Allen wrench is much easier if the wrench is attached to it. For this method, use an Allen wrench that is disposable to you since you won’t be able to remove it from the Allen key.
Combine a two-part epoxy and spread it to cover the hex hole and onto the inserted end of the Allen wrench. Now, insert the Allen wrench into the hex hole and let the epoxy set for 1-2 days. Turn the Allen wrench counter-clockwise when the epoxy is dry to remove the Allen key.
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Epoxy is available online or at your local hardware store
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Take care not to get the epoxy on the surface around the screw head, as this will prevent it from coming out.
Also Read : How To Get A Screw Out That Keeps Spinning
Method #9: Use a screw extractor
This method involves using screw extractors. Screw extractors are like screws with backwards (left-handed) threads, so they tighten in the same way that a screw loosens.
Screw extractors are double-ended and made of hardened steel. One end of the bit that looks similar to conventional drill bits is burnished. The opposite end of the extractor bit has sharpened threads in the opposite direction of the typical screw.
Insert the extractor bit into your drill with the burnishing end facing out. Then, change the drill to reverse. Then, with the drill moving at a low speed, stick the burnished end of the extractor bit into the stripped end of the screw.
You should be able to see that the burnished end has cleaned out most of the screw’s driver profile. Now, flip the extractor bit around, so the burnished end is in the drill, with the extractor end facing out, and keep the drill set in reverse.
Now, press the extractor tip against the screw head while squeezing the trigger very slowly. You will feel the bit engage the screw head and begin to turn it counter-clockwise as it lifts up and out. Continue to apply pressure to the screw while it spins.
Method #10: Use Heat to Break the Screw.
This method involves using heat; please always err on the side of caution when working with heat or flames, and never leave a flame unattended. If you feel unsafe with this approach, please ask for assistance from someone who is.
Get the screw hot if you can safely heat it without damaging the surrounding area or igniting something on fire. Try using a butane pencil torch (not so hot that you remove the temper) or a soldering iron, etc. To remove the screw or bolt with an Allen wrench, hold the tip of the flame over it for 5–10 seconds, but don’t let the Allen wrench get too hot to touch. You may also want to wear gloves for this. Try unscrewing it while it’s still warm.
Always avoid using heat to remove screws or bolts from fragile or flammable materials.
Method #11: Use an Angle Grinder
To extract the screw, cut a new hole and pry it out with a flathead screwdriver. An angle grinder is one powerful tool designed to cut metal, so wear the proper safety gear.
Use your angle grinder to cut a straight and shallow slit in the top of the screw. After, you can use a flathead screwdriver to turn out the Allen screw in a counter-clockwise direction. If you don’t have an angle grinder, you can attempt to hit a flathead screwdriver with a hammer on the head of the Allen screw a few times to chisel a new slit.
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