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Over torqued bolt snapped in truck and need to remove.?
There is a bolt that snapped, and now the half with the thread is trapped inside. I need to remove the half of the bolt while keeping the thread. Would drilling through the inside possibly help? Any suggestions?
Will a reverse thread drilling work effectively?
6 Answers
- 8 years ago
Yes, a reverse twist drill bit is a good way to go. You'll need a steady hand and eye. Choose a bit that's slightly smaller than the bolt diameter not counting the threads. It's usually easier to start by drilling a smaller pilot hole, then work up to a bit that's just smaller than the threads. Use penetrating oil, both on the bits and around the threads. Eventually the groove on the bit will grab the old bolt and spin it right out! If you don't have reverse twist bits, regular bits will do, it's just trickier to get the old bolt out leaving the threads intact. Putting the drill in reverse once you've gotten mostly through the bolt will sometimes pop it free, but as Pete says, and "Easy Out" tool can be used once you've made a hole in the bolt.
Source(s): Been there done that! - 8 years ago
Good answers already. You didn't say what size the bolt is. If it's, say 1/2", your chances are pretty good of getting it out with an Easy-Out. If it's a smaller bolt, say 6mm, it'll be harder because you can only drill a small hole. There's one tricky part- you have to drill in the middle of the broken bolt shaft, and that can be tricky with a drill bit that wanders. (It's too easy for the bit to slip over into the threads. Don't ask how I know this.)
If you broke the bolt off, say a starter motor, you can remove the starter and try to back out the broken bolt with Vise Grips. If it's in a more difficult location like a head bolt, you'll need to remove whatever's attached so you can take the head off and try to get to the bolt shaft. If there's any part of the broken bolt above the part that the bolt holds, it isn't too tough to get out with Vise Grips. If the bolt broke off below the surface of the block, an Easy Out is your first of the tough choices.
I've never needed an ultrasonic remover; didn't know they existed.
Easy Outs come in individual left-handed bits or in a set of several. (I have the set of about six- from 1/2" down to less than 1/8". The larger ones also work on pipe fittings. Again, don't ask why I know this.) .... Good luck!!
- thebax2006Lv 78 years ago
EZ out seldom work. Best bet is to rill a small hole perfectly centered in the middle of the snapped off bolt. Use a sharp center punch. Then drill out the hole one size larger at a time. It takes patience and if you rush you will snap the hardened drill bit off in the hole and never get it out! When you get close to the threads use a sharp awl to hammer between the threads and remaining bolt to knock it free. Running a tap through the hole helps before installing a new bolt. This is a time consuming pain in the @ss job and you will know if you mess up!
Source(s): Mitsubishi Master Tech - ?Lv 78 years ago
Yes.
If the broken bolt is large enough in diameter to drill through the center, you can use a tool called an "EZ-OUT" to extract the broken bolt.
If the bolt is not broken off flush with the surface, you may be able to weld a nut onto the protruding portion and back it out that way.
Otherwise, the only option I know of other than to call a to call a mobile bolt removal service would be to use the method described in the link below:
Source(s): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BFUfGKU_ts - How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
- oldschool69Lv 48 years ago
if bolt is large enough to drill thru center without damageing the threads drill with l.h. bit may come out in drilling prosses if it dose not use an ezout on it
- bandit_60Lv 78 years ago
see if you can get a bit started and drill a hole down through the stud and use a easy out ! if you have to use a center punch to make a mark on the stud so the bit will start straight and us a hig speed drill bit !