s***w extractor bought some years ago. How do I use it?

Question

I have an electric light fitted on an outside wall which was wrecked in an accident (window cleaners ladder). The s***w heads are covered in possible 30 years or moe paint. I am trying to free them to get a bracket of so that I can fit a new lamp to the cable. Please help

Answer 1

Yes, the first answer is correct. But is it inset or is the s***w head sticking out? Mine sticks out - I just grab it with vise grips, clamp down, and unscrew it.

Answer 2

most s***w extractors are double sided - one side to make a little hole, then swap around the other side is for removal...note your drill should be in reverse for both actions...this is the way mine works anyway.... failing that,simply drill the heads of the screws with a steel bit...once the heads of the screws are gone the fitting will come away. hope this helps

Answer 3

Check with the 1st answerer posted; it's correct. However I would call the company that cleaned the windows and have them either fix it or have them pay for someone to fix it. It was their fault for breaking it with the ladder even if it was an accident.

Answer 4

There are several kinds of s***w extractors...you don't say which you have. Most require and small hole to be drilled into the head of the s***w, and then you s***w in the extractor counter clock wise and remove the s***w. Alternatively you could try removing the 30 years old paint, and you might find the s***w head intact and be able to unscrew normally.