Fastener extraction device

A method of extracting a fastener from a surface, the fastener having a head with an elongated shank extending therefrom, the method comprising:

• providing a drive tool having a rotating chuck defining a longitudinal axis of rotation;
• providing a fastener extraction device, the device including a body defining a cavity to receive the rotating chuck therethrough, a collar moveably connected to said body;
• and a plurality of guide protrusions retained within a corresponding plurality of retention sleeves that are moveably carried within said collar to define a guide aperture through which the shank of the fastener is received, each of said guide protrusions normally biased towards the longitudinal axis of rotation by a plurality of corresponding biasing elements, such that the head of the fastener is retained behind said guide protrusions and is prevented from passing through the guide aperture when the head of the fastener is operatively engaged with the rotating chuck, said guide protrusions capable of being retracted into said corresponding retention sleeves to allow said guide aperture to expand as said fastener is driven into the surface, so as to allow the head of the fastener to pass therethrough;
• attaching the fastener extraction device to the drive tool;
• disposing the shank of the fastener through said guide aperture, such that the head of the fastener is retained behind said guide protrusions and is prevented from passing through said guide aperture when said head of the fastener is engaged with the rotating chuck;
• driving the fastener into the surface to an extent, such that said guide aperture has not expanded to allow the head of the fastener to pass therethrough;
• and
• pulling the drive tool away from the surface, such that said guide protrusions engage behind the head of the fastener to pull the fastener out of the surface.