What caution should be taken when using a screw extractor?

Using a screw extractor requires careful handling to ensure its effectiveness and to avoid damaging the workpiece. The correct approach involves utilizing moderate RPM and applying downward force when using the extractor. This is important because moderate RPM allows for better control and reduces the risk of the extractor breaking while being turned. If the RPM is too high, it can heat the material and lead to further complications.

Applying downward force helps ensure that the extractor properly engages with the broken screw, allowing for more effective extraction. This force also minimizes slippage, which can occur with insufficient pressure, causing the extractor to strip the screw further or fail to grip it.

In contrast, applying excessive twisting force might cause the extractor to break, and using dull drill bits can lead to ineffective drilling, either failing to create the necessary hole for the extractor or risking more damage to the surrounding material. Drilling without guiding the bit lacks precision and can cause the drill to wander, leading to inaccurate holes that do not align correctly with the broken screw, further complicating the extraction process. Thus, the approach of moderate RPM and controlled downward force is essential for successfully using a screw extractor.