Tips 2: Remove Broken Corks

Tips 2: Screw And A Hammer

Step 1:

Take a long spiral screw, use a screwdriver and a hammer. Use long wood screws or sheet metal screws. Try to find a spiral cone that is roughly the same length as the worm (coiled part) on the spiral cone - you'll want a decent amount of spiral cone, but enough at the top to hold the tool.

Step 2:

Screw the screw into the center of the cork. If the cork is soft, use your hands to gently turn the screw. If the cork is hard-wearing, use a screwdriver, but use gentle pressure to avoid pushing the cork into the neck. If the cork starts to slip, stop turning and use a knife to drill a hole in the screw so the screw can slide in more easily.
For better pulling, insert the screw into the cork to a depth of about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm).
Try to leave at least half of the screw exposed at the top of the cork to avoid digging in too deep. Avoid twisting all the way from the bottom of the cork.

Step 3:

Use the claws of the hammer to grasp the exposed part of the screw. Slide the clamp underneath the screw head until the screw is close to the clamp connector. 

If there aren't enough exposed screws to get a good grip, loosen it slightly until there is enough space.

Alternatively, use pliers to secure the screws instead of a hammer.

Step 4:

Hit the bottle with a hammer and remove the cork. Press the handle of the hammer down like you would a wine key. Try to pull the cork out quickly (more attempts may make it more likely to break).
If the pry hammer doesn't work, or it looks like the cork might break, pull straight up.
If you are using pliers, pull up on the screw. Trying to pry the pliers with the side of the handle against the bottle can be awkward.
If the hammer or pliers cannot remove all of the cork, use your fingers to grasp the screw or cork and pull the cork out.