Snapped screw! :'(

[DIY noob]

I snapped a screwhead while trying to remove it and now i cant get it out! How do i get it out!?!?!

[LazyPup]

Need a bit more information here.
What size is the screw?
What is the screw used for?
What material is it made of (steel, brass, aluminum?)
Is it broken off flush with the surface or is there a bit still protruding?

[DIY noob]

Its a regular steel screw, i'm guessing its m5, and its stuck in a thermostatic cartridge in my shower. I cant wash!

[DIY noob]

and its pretty much flush

[LazyPup]

wow,this is a tough one. A grade 5 steel screw, broken off flush, and given that its in the theromstatic cartridge it is not doubt a really small diameter.

you could try cutting a new slot with a dremel tool, but odds are you would probably damage the cartridge body and given that the original head was not strong enough to remove it, it would be doubtful that a new slot would be very effective.

You could try drilling it out a bit and using and easy out, but again, odds are it wont work on a small diameter screw.

Probably the only viable option would be to consider replacing the cartridge.

[DIY noob]

i'm trying to remove it to replace it :P so i guess damaging the cartridge doesnt matter. i'll try drilling it out... i'll get back to you on how it goes

[HayZee518]

There's a tool made by Sears which is a short stubby drill that cuts in reverse. It self centers and with the help of a portable battery drill will remove most screws. I'm not trying to sell a product, just suggesting a means to an end.

[LazyPup]

Hayzee,,i am glad you mentioned that,,i just bought a set of those about a month ago,,used it once and it worked great, but since its new I guess i forgot all about it. Maybe the old man is getting alzheimers or something...they say the memory is the second thing to go when you get old.