sm

I need to extract a bolt that had the head snapped off (ouch). Being that there's still a little bit of the bolt extending beyond the surface, I cut a groove into it with a Dremo tool to see if it can be backed out with a screwdriver.

If that doesn't work, how else can I back it out. I've heard about these "bolt extracting" kits, but how do they work and where can I get one?

Thanks

Probesport

If there is enough visible, a pair of vice-grips can work wonders. If not the bolt/screw extractor kits can work as well - sometimes...

SidViscous

What you want is something that looks like a drill bit. There are different types, but essentially what you do is drill a hole in, then insert the bolt remover which turns left handed twist and bites into the bolt. Small ones can be difficult. Larger ones allow for big bites to dig in.

If the bolt is rusted make sure you soak it with penetrating oil heavily.

I mean you did snap the head off so it's in there good right.

Brian McCoy

If there's something left sticking out, vise-grips are the way to start. If not, you'll want to take a multi-steap approach.

Obviously the bolt should be soaking in some sort of penetrating fluid by now (12 hours/overnight). Before doing anything, dig out a hammer and punch/drift and give that thing several good whacks. This will 'shock' the threads and usually helps. Localized heat (on the bolt Only) also helps tremendously. At this point try the Vise-grips or demmel/screwdrive approach. Remember that the force you apply to a fastener is 'stored' so as long as you apply pressure, it will accumilate and eventually break free.

If you get to the point where you've exhausted these options, get LEFT HANDED drill bits. You'll not only be drilling the hole that's needed, but the bit will act as an extractor in itself (while shockign the threads and creating localized heat) - this is usually the final chapter for broken fasteners. Just make sure you drill Straight into the bolt. If you drill the hole and still need to use an Extractor, for goodness sake, use a Quality extractor (NOT!!! Craftsman) and do NOT try to use a drill. All extractors are designed to be used with a tap handle (as in tap and die type). Again, penetrating oil, local heat, and continous pressure. You do NOT want to break the extractor (or drill bit) off in the stud so take it slow and easy.

Good luck with it.

83 TX 944

Been there, done that. I can't reiterate(sp?) it enough! Take your time. Previous post:

Again, penetrating oil, local heat, and continous pressure. You do NOT want to break the extractor (or drill bit) off in the stud so take it slow and easy. <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" /> Good Luck!!

Magnus

If you have access to a MIG welder this will probably do it. Place a nut of the right size on top of the broken bolt and weld them together from the inside of the nut. This will give the bolt a serious heat shock and provide you with a good grip on the bolt. But be careful if the bolt is screwed into aluminum, it might note like all the heat..

//Magnus

billybones

all said is good. but you do not heat the bolt you heat the area around the bolt. this expands the threads around the bolt. If you heat the bolt it locks in tighter. and may lead to striping out the threads. Though aluminum expands faster. why take the chance..

sm

Thanks for all the tips! I'll give it a try this weekend...

Brian McCoy

[quote]Originally posted by billybones:
<strong>all said is good. but you do not heat the bolt you heat the area around the bolt. this expands the threads around the bolt. If you heat the bolt it locks in tighter. and may lead to striping out the threads.</strong><hr></blockquote>

If you were dealing with an interferance fit - sure (think bearings/races here) - but with bolts, the heat will release any thread-lock that may be on the bolt. We're not talking anywhere enough heat to lock things together (I suspest the aluminum would melt first anyway).

*shrug* Everyone has different experiences - I listed above what has worked for me on a consistant basis from the standpoint of being a full time motorcycle mechanic. The Best situation is to get a bunch of different choices, try them out for yourself and do what works best.

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />