Black & Decker 5-Piece Screw Extractor Set

A compact extractor set that earns its spot in the toolbox

A stubborn stripped screw is a rite of passage for anyone who turns a wrench. I keep a few extraction options on hand, and this 5-piece set from Black & Decker has become the one I reach for first when I’m dealing with common small-to-medium fasteners. It doesn’t try to be everything, but within its size range it’s straightforward, predictable, and effective.

What’s in the set

The kit includes five extractors in a compact, pocketable case. The sizes cover a practical progression for most household and light automotive work:

• 5/64 in
• 7/64 in
• 5/32 in
• 1/4 in
• 9/32 in

There are no frills here—no drill bits, no tap handle—just the extractors and a case that keeps them from rattling around the bottom of a drawer. The case is small enough to live in a glove box, and the whole kit is light at around a third of a pound.

How I used it

I put the set through a mix of jobs that tend to defeat standard drivers:

• A rusted license plate screw with a completely rounded Phillips head
• A stuck machine screw on a shop vise jaw
• A stubborn splash shield bolt on a car with a chewed-up hex head
• A brass wood screw broken slightly below the surface of a door hinge

For each, I followed a consistent process: drill a centered pilot hole, select the extractor that fits snugly, seat it gently, and turn counterclockwise with a tap handle. When a tap handle wasn’t available, an adjustable wrench on the square end of the extractor worked fine, but I avoided power drivers to keep from snapping anything.

In all but one case—the brass screw, which was both soft and recessed—the extractor bit and backed the fastener out cleanly. That brass screw needed a slightly larger extractor and extra care to avoid widening the hole, but it still came out without drama.

Performance and control

With extractors, control matters more than raw bite. These grab decisively once you’ve got a proper pilot hole, and they build torque predictably as you turn. The smaller sizes are understandably delicate; they did the job on the license plate screw and the vise screw but demanded a light touch and patience. The larger two sizes were standouts for automotive odds and ends, especially the 1/4-inch extractor for that abused splash shield bolt.

A few notes on technique that made a difference for me:

• Drill straight and centered. If your pilot hole drifts, the extractor will cam out or wedge unevenly.
• Seat the extractor by hand until it bottoms, then give it a light tap to help it bite. Don’t hammer aggressively; you’re not setting a chisel.
• Use a T-handle or tap wrench if you have one. The square shank seats well and gives you a better sense of torque than a ratchet.
• Apply steady, even pressure. Quick bursts of torque are how small extractors snap.

Used this way, the set was consistent. I didn’t run into rounding or premature dulling during my tests, and the cutting edges held up to several extractions without noticeable degradation.

Build quality

The extractors feel solid and are machined cleanly, with crisp edges and no obvious burrs. The finish is utilitarian—no flashy coatings—but practical. The square ends are properly sized for a tap handle, which is something some cheaper sets get wrong. The case isn’t indestructible, but it closes securely and organizes the sizes clearly. For a kit intended to live in a travel toolbox or glove compartment, that’s all I need.

Scope and limitations

This set shines on:

• Common household screws (Phillips, slotted, small hex)
• Small to medium automotive fasteners like splash shield bolts, trim screws, and bracket hardware
• Light machinery screws where there’s clearance to drill a pilot hole

It’s less suited for:

• Large, heavily torqued fasteners (suspension bolts, big engine bolts)
• Hardened fasteners or those treated with high-strength thread locker
• Situations with no room to drill straight

There’s also the inherent limitation of any extractor set: if an extractor breaks off in the fastener, you’ve made a bad situation worse. I didn’t snap any during my use, but I treated the smallest size especially gently and would advise the same.

One omission worth noting is that the kit doesn’t include matching left-hand drill bits or a tap handle. If you already own those, you’re set; if not, plan to pick them up. The extractors are the core of the job, but drilling accurate, centered pilot holes makes or breaks the process.

Technique tips that helped

A few simple steps improved success and reduced headaches:

• Soak stubborn fasteners with penetrating oil and give it time to work.
• If you suspect thread locker, a little localized heat can help—careful around plastics and finishes.
• Start with a smaller pilot hole than you think you need, then step up if the extractor doesn’t bite. Oversized holes reduce grip.
• Keep the extractor aligned with the screw’s axis; side load invites breakage.
• If the fastener doesn’t budge after the extractor bites, back off and reassess rather than forcing it.

While these tips are extractor-agnostic, this set rewarded that patient approach.

Value and positioning

This is a straightforward, no-nonsense kit aimed at common scenarios rather than heavy industrial work. The size range covers most of what DIYers and automotive enthusiasts encounter day-to-day. You won’t find specialty pieces for very large bolts or awkward, offset situations, and there’s no included hardware beyond the extractors themselves. In my view, that’s acceptable—keep it simple, keep it compact, and it earns its keep.

Whether you’ll outgrow it depends on your work. If you routinely deal with large, seized hardware, you’ll want a more expansive set (and probably heat, left-hand bits, and drill guides). For typical shop, home, and light automotive tasks, these five sizes cover a lot of ground.

Who it’s for

• DIYers who want a compact, reliable backup when a screw head gives up
• Home mechanics handling trim, brackets, and underbody shields
• Woodworkers needing to remove the occasional damaged brass or steel screw
• Anyone who wants a “just-in-case” extraction kit that doesn’t take up space

If you’re outfitting a first toolbox, this is a sensible addition alongside a tap handle and a set of quality drill bits.

The bottom line

This 5-piece extractor set doesn’t reinvent the category, and that’s its strength. It’s simple, predictable, and sized for the problems most of us actually run into. In my time with it, it spared me from drilling out fasteners entirely, saved threads I would have otherwise damaged, and avoided the frustration of slipping drivers. Treat the smaller sizes with patience, drill accurately, and it rewards you with clean removals.

Recommendation: I recommend this extractor set as a compact, dependable option for everyday extraction jobs. It’s easy to carry, covers the right sizes, and performs reliably when used with proper technique. Pair it with a tap handle and good drill bits, and you’ll have an uncomplicated solution for the vast majority of stripped screws and small bolts you’re likely to face.