I commonly use needle nose locking pliers for removing screws with stripped heads. It would work so much better if they had teeth on the tip at 90° to where they normally are so the pliers could be used vertically and grip the head better with less damage to the workpiece (yeah, I know that isn't really a concern with these crappy deck boards but I don't always work with such degraded stuff). Anyone know of any such tool?
Not aware of locking pliers like that, but Vampliers have that, as well as some Knipex pliers. I use my Vampliers to get out stripped screws all the time.
Know what you're going through. 7️⃣9️⃣❗️
Have you used those needle-nose vise grip that has a 90° bend at the tip? Those cut down damage to the surface of the wood! I have had one for, well, decades but I don't remember where I got them. I think it was one of those "industry specific" stores like HVAC, Grainger, or something like that. I had every thing I needed for HVAC, welding, and plumbing. I believe I got them from a place that sold sheet metal tools. Just imagine a pair of needle nose locking pliers with the very tip bent over 90 degrees. They locked on to bolts and screws that had stripped heads and made it easy to turn the damaged screw out without scratching surfaces!
I usually just use regular vice grips straight in from the top. There's usually enough torque to be able to back it out, but you could stick a screwdriver or something in the jaws if you needed more.
I think you're right for larger vice grips with less pointed jaws. But those are difficult to get a bite when the fastener is flush with the workpiece. The needle nose flex off the fastener when used in such a fashion.
If it's flush I'd expect any kind of pliers solution to scratch the work piece. I usually end up drilling the head out if preservation was super important.
It means more tools but I put an adjustable wrench / shifters across the jaws to lessen the flex. I hate the thought of torquing the pliers sideways stressing the pins.
I have beaten brakes off with my EAGLE GRIPS they are the toughest ive ever wrapped my hands around... shame malco is out of biz & these sell for collector premium now... not that the two sets I got will ever die ha
I found a pair made expressly for this purpose in an unexpected place: The “hardware aisle” at the imported-from-Japan store called Daiso. They’re not locking, but have a strong type of box joint and work surprisingly well.
I think knipex twin grip pliers are exactly what you are looking for other than they are not locking. Been looking to get a pair for the exact same reason. Those or vampliers
I have an old Miluwakee chuck that's kinda torn up. I just tighten that bitch down on whatever stripped screw I need that's sticking out like your picture and it usually works.
Keep in mind, locking pliers are directional. That is, they grip better rotating in 1 direction than the other. As shown, those pliers are oriented to tighten the screw and less effective at removing it.
Small pipe wrenches with serrated jaws can be super effective at turning round, difficult to grip parts. It's why they exist. They just get ignored in a market flooded with the latest wiz-bang junk.
Also, look into Swedish Pattern pipe wrenches. They are simply outstanding: a best of both worlds combo of pipe wrench and pliers.
Just use regular medium vice grips into the head or broken threads like i do. Easiest way out there is unless u are saving the plank. Then i might need an easy out for threaded fasteners. To at least get it about the board.
To clarify some of these suggestions, Engineer and Vampliers are the same exact products in different colors. Engineer pliers are generally cheaper for the exact same quality from the same factory.
Not that im aware of in the way your looking for from how I understand, they dont make them with a side divet. That said vampliers are pliers made to remove screws, otherwise you could try adding material to the grips with a welder if you have one and shape it how you need
Well this doesn't have to do with a tool ur looking for but a different way to take the screw out as long as the head is showing out of the wood you can take a drill open the chuck all the way were you can put it over the screw head then tighten the chuck jaws around the screw head then tighten it down and it will unscrew it even works when there bent or broken as well and saves a lot of time as well if u have abouch to take out
Close em up tight, put the jaws about 25% into a vice, make em glow and bend em to a 90°..once they've cooled, throw em in the oven at 300° for about a half hour to temper.
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u/Upbeat_Ant6104 11h ago
Engineer makes locking screw removal pliers. PZ-64. I don't have them but have been close to ordering several times.
Edit: also PZ-66, a pointier version