Century Drill Tool 73404 No. 4 Spiral Flute Screw Extractor

Product Description

The CENTURY DRILL TOOL CO INC 73404 is a No. 4 spiral flute screw extractor designed to remove broken bolts, screws, and pipe fittings that have snapped off flush or below the surface of the workpiece. It handles bolt and screw sizes from 9/32 inches to 3/8 inches and removes 1/8-inch pipe. Pair it with a 1/4-inch drill bit — left-hand cobalt drill bits are strongly recommended — to maximize extraction force and reduce the risk of further damage to the fastener or surrounding material. Weighing 0.28 pounds, the tool is compact and suited for tight-clearance work on the bench or in the field.

Spiral flute extractors are a standard solution for trade professionals dealing with sheared fasteners in metal, cast iron, and similar materials. Common applications include removing snapped machine bolts during HVAC equipment service, broken pipe plugs in plumbing repair, and stripped or fractured screws in electrical enclosures and mechanical assemblies. The aggressive spiral flute geometry bites into the broken fastener as reverse torque is applied, drawing it out of the hole without requiring welding or destructive drilling.

Key Features

• Spiral flute design aggressively engages broken fastener material under reverse torque
• Removes bolt and screw sizes from 9/32 inches to 3/8 inches
• Removes 1/8-inch broken pipe fittings
• Requires a 1/4-inch pilot drill bit; left-hand cobalt drill bits recommended for best results
• Compact at 0.28 pounds, suitable for field and shop use

Compatibility

Designed for use on broken bolts and screws ranging from 9/32 inches to 3/8 inches and broken 1/8-inch pipe, used in conjunction with a 1/4-inch drill bit across general mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC service applications.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by a mechanic, plumber, or HVAC technician using a standard drill or drill press with a 1/4-inch left-hand cobalt drill bit to create the pilot hole centered on the broken fastener. Ensure the workpiece is securely clamped before drilling or extracting to prevent movement. Apply steady reverse torque through a tap wrench or appropriately sized socket — avoid excessive force that could snap the extractor inside the hole. Disconnect power and depressurize or de-energize the system before attempting fastener extraction on live equipment.