broken screw

[clueless]

The handle on the hot water in my tub fell off and I discovered that the screw that connected it to the what I believe you call the stem had broken off inside. I was hopeing someone here could help me on the tools I would need as well as the steps I should take to fix it. In comparision to some of the problems I've seen in other posts my problem seem so small. Thanks in advance.

[jimbo]

If you were fortunate,when the screw broke off it left enough of the shank sticking out of the stem to get a hold of with a pair of vice grips. If it broke flush, you can try to drill it out and retap the threads, but really it will be easier to just get a new stem.

[hj]

If I really need to get the screw out without replacing the stem, I take a mini hacksaw and cut a ring around the stem about 3/16" from the end. Once I have cut through to the screw, but not through the screw, I unscrew that piece and either the screw comes with it, or there is enough sticking out to remove with pliers.

[Bob's HandyGuy]

Yeah, what hj said. Or you can just cut a notch with the hacksaw diagonal to the stem and screw. You then use a small slotted screwdriver that fits within the diameter of the screw to turn it out.

[drtedave]

There is a specialty tool made to extract screws. It is a bit-like devise that fits into your drill or power screw driver. The set runs less than $20.00. Or you could look for the individual bit based on the size you need. Smaller sets run around $13.00.

10 pc. Screw Extractor Set

Includes 5 screw extractors and 5 drill bits (No. 1 through 5, bits 5/64 in., 7/64 in., 5/32 in., 1/4 in. and 17/64 in.) to remove broken screws, bolts