Need to remove this stubborn bolt

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Apr 9, 2013 | 06:34 PM

#21

ber1200c

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Joined: Mar 2013

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From: Newton

If you can get a vise grips on the edge of it, bite down real hard. I have used a vise grips for many a stubborn bolt. Oil drain plugs, you name it.
(of course everything eventually gets rounded off, so just bite down harder

Apr 9, 2013 | 06:36 PM

#22

shorelasHD

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Joined: Oct 2010

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From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre

Drill it and use an EZ-out (screw extractor). Or, better yet, use a reverse cutting drill bit (lots of sources online!) to drill it out-that in itself should loosen the frozen bolt without using an EZ-out, too. Been there, done that!

Apr 9, 2013 | 06:44 PM

#23

103 sedona orange

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Sacramento, CA.

I don't know how big your vise grips are but I would try a bigger pair on the metal part that is in the pic even if you have to cut the head off. First get some locktite remover. If that fails again, start with a small dia drill & work your way up in dia drill & that should pop the head of the bolt. They make stubby drill bits if you have the room. Good luck

Last edited by 103 sedona orange; Apr 9, 2013 at 06:46 PM. Reason: spelling

Apr 9, 2013 | 07:14 PM

#24

Overcast

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Joined: Jun 2009

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this is what I'd do....because it worked!

I was going to say use a grinder to square off the bolt, then your vice grips would have a couple flat sides to grap on to.....but, your done, so good for you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by N83

It's off! Using progressively larger bits got the head off, and it was STILL a bear even with vise grips on a bare thread.

Thanks everyone! Freakin' ay....

Apr 9, 2013 | 08:07 PM

#25

N83

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Joined: Jul 2010

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From: Waldorf, MD

Here's the little bastard with its head popped off:

And here's the collateral damage (from the snapped 1/8 drill bit):

I assume some touch-up paint will be fine, but it still sucks. My impatience could have cost me more...

Apr 9, 2013 | 08:27 PM

#26

Goodrich3

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From: MAINE

Nooooooo!!!! Sh*tty I told you not to slip

Apr 9, 2013 | 08:28 PM

#27

2black1s

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Joined: Nov 2010

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by N83

... And here's the collateral damage (from the snapped 1/8 drill bit):

I assume some touch-up paint will be fine, but it still sucks. My impatience could have cost me more...

Touching up chips in metallic colors doesn't work very well. Yes, you can improve upon the chip, but making an undetectable repair is next to impossible.

Apr 9, 2013 | 08:52 PM

#28

jrpub2002

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Joined: Jan 2012

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From: Livingston Texas

Many Ways and Methods

There are many ways and methods and I have used them all, even freezing bolts with nitrogen liquid. Generally, I do not waste time anymore with EZ-out's with stubborn bolts. I just get out the drill and drill the bolt out completely. Use one or two drill size smaller than the bolt shaft and drill straight. When you break through the EZ-out can be used to try to back out the hollowed bolt or you can collapse the thin bolt with a small thin chisel. If that does not work or you damaged the threads just drill out to a larger size and re-tap the threads and insert a larger size bolt. This method is simple, easy and never fails. It is the ultimate solution and sometimes the only practical way to get the job done. In your case, that bolt was likely cross-threaded when inserted (I seen dealers do this many times) so drilling is the best way to go. Nothing wrong with trying other methods, just use the drill when all else fails.