(Photograph by Gregg Delman)
No screw extractor? No problem. Use a tapered square drive bit to back out a stuck fastener: First, drill a hole in the head deep enough to seat the square drive bit. Use a drill bit with a diameter slightly larger than the tip of the square drive bit. We match a 9/64-inch drill bit with a No. 2 bit. This makes a snug fit, allowing the bit's corners to dig into the screw for speedy removal.