How do I remove this stripped screw?

[Eloise-]

Trying to replace the sliding glass door handle but I can’t remove the screws to take off the lock mounting plate. If it’s anything like the replacement they are screwed into hollow plastic arms. I went and bought a Frost screw extraction kit but it hasn’t worked.  

[JacobZ]

Hi @Eloise-,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Is it possible to get some more photos showing where exactly this screw is on the glass door? Is it still directly connected to the door? What is this screw connected to?

A little bit more context about the door handle would help.

Being a glass door, my first thoughts are around safety as there is always going to be some potential for glass to shatter. Just a reminder to make sure you are wearing appropriate protective equipment including gloves, long protective clothing, eye protection and enclosed shoes to limit the risk of lacerations.

To use a Screw Extractor, you need to drill out a hole in the screw and then push the extractor down into that hole with a fair bit of force to get it lodged in the screw. Looking at the depth that the screw has been drilled out, I don't think the extractor would be biting hard enough to extract the screw.

Cautiously, I would be drilling deeper into the screw, then pushing the extractor in place with some force while reversing it out. You'll need a deeper hole for it to really bite hard and rotate the screw out.

If this doesn't work, then drilling the screw out completely might be your only option.

I will assist further when you can get back to us.

Jacob

[Eloise-]

  

Hello, 

I’ve attached a couple of pictures.

I’ll try my best to explain but I don’t think I  know the correct terms so sorry in advance if it’s confusing.

The screw goes from the inside side of the door, goes through the (aluminium?) door frame and then into a plastic hollow arm on the outer door handle. As far as I can tell it’s basically being used to  hold the outer door handle to the locking mechanism. 

Ive uploaded a photo of me holding the new

one up so you can (hopefully) see how it goes together 

How long should it take the screw extractor to get deep enough? Or is it a matter of using more force when I use it?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Eloise-,

Thanks for the photos, that has helped to clear things up in my head. The screw goes through the door, through the locking mechanism and into the handle on the other side, clamping everything in place.

Basically, you need to create enough friction between the screw extractor and the screw for it to bite in and pull the screw out. In your situation, I would try drilling a bit deeper into the screw and applying more force to the back of your drill \ when you are trying to reverse the screw out. If you get someone to hold the other side of the door while you push on the drill, this could help to create the friction needed.

Considering you have a replacement handle, I am assuming you won't be attempting to reuse the old one. Would that be correct?

If you can't get the screw extractor to engage, then it might be easier to either cut the screw head off with an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel or use a drill bit to drill down through the screw so the handle can be removed. 

Ultimately, there are ways to get the screw out if you can't get the extractor to bite. 

Give this a try and let me know how you go. I am happy to assist further if required.

Jacob