Broken speaker mounting screws (how to get out)

[Snorth]

Got home from a 6000+ mile road trip today and the left speaker in the fairing fell out.  Got to looking and the two long screws at the top are both broken.  I've been out in the garage for the last few hours trying to drill them out and not having a whole lot of luck.  The bottom screws aren't going to support the speaker by themselves (judgement call).

Anyone have any ideas on how to get the screws out?  They're broken off flush with the fairing.

Thanx
Snorth

[MMOCGuy]

I'm not that familiar with the configuration you have. What are the screws threaded into? Is it metal or plastic?

If it is metal, the best way is to carefully put a dimple in the broken end of the screw so that a drill bit can bite into it to get started. Use a sharp drill bit smaller than the screw itself (Which may mean a very small bit). Make a pilot hole with the small bit and then use a larger bit to make a bigger hole. If you can, make a hole big enough to use an easy-out. If that isn't feasible, you can try using a Dremel type tool to cut a slot in the broken end of the screw so that you can get a screwdriver blade in the slot. I have had success in removing broken screws with either method. In either case, I would strongly recommend using some penetrating oil down the treads so that the screw part remaining in the hole will unscrew with little resistance.

I hope this helps.

NormS.

[kik]

Snorth, I've had pretty good luck using the grabit extractor bits. You can buy them at Home Depot, Ace, Sears...ect. The usually grab stripped out heads but in this case like MMOCGuy said you'll have to drill a pilot hole. I've had good and bad luck with regular extractors. The bad is if the screw is in to tight the extractor will bust off and then you have a real problem. Check out the Grabit extractor bits you may like them.
Kik

[MMOCGuy]

As Kik said, try the "Grabber bits" - they do work well.

NormS.

[Rags722]

Personally, before I started messing with drilling pilot holes and then trying to use an extractor, I'd give it a try with a reverse twist drill bit (left handed drill bit).  Take advantage of the heat generated by drilling and hope the bit bites in good enough to spin the busted screw out.

[Jeffd]

those are pretty thin screws and they are in plastic so not going to be easy to drill out.  might try drilling a bit of the plastic away so you can get a grip on with a vise grips.  should not be hard to get them out as they are only in plastic.  might also try a dremel and cut a slot in the screw and using a small screw driver to get them out.