Craftsman Spiral Screw Extractor

Extracting broken screws and bolts can be one of the more frustrating tasks in any DIY project or professional repair job. Recently, I had the opportunity to put the Craftsman Spiral Screw Extractor Set (model CMMT14108) to the test. This set is designed to handle those pesky broken studs, bolts, socket screws, and fittings that seem impossible to remove. With five different sizes of extractors included, it promises versatility for a range of tasks. Here's my take on its performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Craftsman Spiral Screw Extractor Set is made of steel, which is essential for the task at hand. Hardened steel is necessary to bite into the metal of broken fasteners, but it also comes with a downside—brittleness. The set includes extractors ranging from 1/8-1/4 inches up to 9/16-3/4 inches, making it versatile enough to handle various sizes of screws and bolts. It works with both SAE and metric units, which is a nice touch for those of us who work with both systems.

The left-hand spiral design is meant to enhance gripping power as you twist the extractor into the broken fastener. This design is quite effective in theory, allowing the extractor to dig deeper as you apply counterclockwise torque. However, I found that the practical application of this design feature can be hit-or-miss.

Performance

Let's talk about the performance. During my trial, I used the set to remove several broken bolts on a motorcycle restoration project. The extractors did a commendable job on the first few bolts, gripping and removing them without much fuss. The left-hand spiral design indeed provided good gripping power, and I was able to remove the bolts with a crescent wrench and a tap socket for added torque.

However, things took a turn when I encountered a particularly stubborn bolt. The extractor snapped under what I considered moderate torque. This was disappointing but not entirely unexpected, given the nature of hardened steel. It's a trade-off: the steel needs to be hard enough to bite into the bolt but not so brittle that it breaks under pressure. Unfortunately, the Craftsman extractors seem to lean towards the brittle side.

Ease of Use

The set comes with clear instructions on the packaging, making it relatively straightforward to use. The sizes are clearly marked, so you know which extractor to use for which bolt size. However, a significant drawback is that standard SAE/metric sockets don’t fit these extractors, necessitating the use of a wrench. This can be cumbersome, especially in tight spaces. A longer length option would have been beneficial for deeper or more recessed bolts.

Durability

Durability is where this set falls short. The extractors break too easily for my liking. In another instance, I used the smallest extractor to remove a broken screw, and it snapped almost immediately. This was particularly frustrating because the broken extractor piece lodged itself in the screw, making the removal even more challenging. I had to resort to drilling out both the screw and the broken extractor, which was time-consuming and tedious.

On the flip side, Craftsman offers a Full Lifetime Warranty on this product. When one of my extractors broke, I took the set back to the store, and they replaced it without any hassle. While this warranty is a great safety net, it doesn't completely mitigate the inconvenience of a broken tool in the middle of a project.

Value for Money

Priced relatively affordably, the Craftsman Spiral Screw Extractor Set is an economical choice for those who need a basic set of extractors. However, the frequent breakages and the resulting interruptions to your workflow make it less of a bargain. You might find yourself spending more time and potentially more money in the long run if you need to replace broken extractors frequently.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In conclusion, the Craftsman Spiral Screw Extractor Set (CMMT14108) offers a mixed bag of results. On the positive side, it has a user-friendly design, a good range of sizes, and a lifetime warranty that ensures you won’t be left high and dry if an extractor breaks. On the downside, the brittleness of the extractors can be a significant drawback, especially when dealing with more stubborn fasteners.

Would I recommend this set? If you’re looking for an affordable option for occasional light-duty use, this set might be worth considering, especially given the lifetime warranty. However, for more demanding tasks or frequent use, I’d suggest investing in a higher-quality set from a brand known for better durability. The frustration of broken extractors can outweigh the initial savings, making it worthwhile to spend a bit more upfront for a more reliable tool.