How do I remove a rounded off screw from kitchen mixer tap?

[Anoush]

I need to replace the washer of my kitchen mixer tap as it is leaking. I was able to remove the spout once by unscrewing the screw on the back of the tap. However now I can't remove it again as it seems I must have used the wrong screw head and have rounded off the head. Please see attached photo. I tried using a rubber band with the screw driver but to no avail. Any tips on what I can do to get this screw out to get the spout off?

 

[Rtplumb]

First of all it’s not a traditional screw, it’s a grub screw and it needs the correct size Allen key to get it out. Looking at the photo it doesn’t seem rounded. Lets us know how you get on.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

As above but if an Allen key doesn’t fit you can use a torx bit

 

[Anoush]

First of all it’s not a traditional screw, it’s a grub screw and it needs the correct size Allen key to get it out. Looking at the photo it doesn’t seem rounded. Lets us know how you get on.

Ok. It's quite small so will find a smaller allen key to buy and try with it.

 

[Anoush]

As above but if an Allen key doesn’t fit you can use a torx bit

Thanks. I had originally used a torx bit head (T10) on my electric screwdriver the first time I undid it, which worked. But on trying again with the same one, it just kept spinning around and rounded it off somewhat and created a bit of a dome shape in the hole. The next size up I have is too big for it (T20), so will see if I can get an Allen key to fit.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

T15 bit ? And once out replace the Allen bolt

 

[Anoush]

Ok. It's quite small so will find a smaller allen key to buy and try with it.

Bought some smaller allen keys, along with smaller torx bit heads just in case, and the 2.5mm allen key did the trick. Thank you.

 

[Anoush]

T15 bit ? And once out replace the Allen bolt

Bought and tried that but didn't work. 2.5mm Allen key did it. Now I need to find the right size washer and Allen bolt to replace it. Thank you.

 

[fowlerboi]

A cheap set of allen keys are the most expensive tool in a tool box...

 

[Ben-gee]

Just for future reference, a grub screw doing that type of job should never be undone using an electric anything - hand tools only.