US Patent 7152509 Fastener extractor

A fastener extractor and a method of extracting a fastener are provided. The fastener extractor includes a shaft, an engagement end at a distal end of the shaft and an attachment end at a proximal end of the shaft. The engagement end includes a plurality of helical ridges and grooves. The attachment end extends axially from the shaft and includes a hexagonal cross-sectional portion adapted to engage an extraction tool. Adjacent ones of the plurality of the grooves form the ridges therebetween and the plurality of ridges is adapted to engage a pre-formed opening in a fastener to be removed.