Removing stuck fasteners
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==Summary== | ==Summary== | ||
| − | A list of techniques for removing rusted or broken bolts, nuts, screws, and fasteners | + | A list of techniques for removing rusted or broken bolts, nuts, screws, and fasteners. |
==Smack it with a hammer== | ==Smack it with a hammer== | ||
| − | Though this may not be practical for all situations, | + | Though this may not be practical for all situations, a stuck bolt can often be broken loose simply by hitting it on the head with a hammer. In such a case, a brass drift may be helpful. Drifts of varying lengths can be made from brass bar, and used to access hidden bolts. Brass is used because it's softer, and thus less likely to damage the head of a fastener. Brass hammers are also available and one about 3 or 4 lbs. in weight is good for this. |
==Smack it with a hammer method #2== | ==Smack it with a hammer method #2== | ||
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#Place a close-fitting washer over the top of the bolt, to protect surrounding material. | #Place a close-fitting washer over the top of the bolt, to protect surrounding material. | ||
#Take a nut that is larger than the actual thread of the broken bolt, and weld it to the broken bolt. | #Take a nut that is larger than the actual thread of the broken bolt, and weld it to the broken bolt. | ||
| − | # | + | #Weld in short bursts, until the weld comes up into the nut. |
| − | #Welding generously | + | #Welding generously; fill up the nut. This will heat the bolt, but not the surrounding material. Using a 6011 welding rod for this has bee reported to work well. |
| − | #Let the welded nut cool completely, | + | #Let the welded nut cool completely, without using any water or spray. The bolt will contract and break the grip of the rust. |
#Turn out the bolt. | #Turn out the bolt. | ||
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*For stubborn nuts, try a nut splitter. It will crack the nut without damaging the bolt inside. | *For stubborn nuts, try a nut splitter. It will crack the nut without damaging the bolt inside. | ||
*An impact driver can be used to loosen frozen nuts or bolts. Hand-held impact drivers typically have slotted and Phillips headed bits, as well as a socket fitting. The bit or socket is placed on the stuck fastener, and the other end of the impact driver is struck with a hammer. The impact of the hammer strike loosens the fastener, the downward force keeps the bit in its place, and the impact driver turns the force of the hammer strike into a sudden torque on the stuck fastener. | *An impact driver can be used to loosen frozen nuts or bolts. Hand-held impact drivers typically have slotted and Phillips headed bits, as well as a socket fitting. The bit or socket is placed on the stuck fastener, and the other end of the impact driver is struck with a hammer. The impact of the hammer strike loosens the fastener, the downward force keeps the bit in its place, and the impact driver turns the force of the hammer strike into a sudden torque on the stuck fastener. | ||
| − | *When all else fails get a set of these from [http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Hand+Tools%2C+General+Purpose&pid=00952166000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Bolt-Out%2C+Taps+%26+Dies&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes | + | *When all else fails, get a set of these from [http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Hand+Tools%2C+General+Purpose&pid=00952166000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Bolt-Out%2C+Taps+%26+Dies&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes Craftsman 10 pc. Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set, Low Profile Bolt-Out Sears item #00952166000]. They are great when the bolt head is rounded off, or there is no room to beat a socket or wrench on to it, or when a torch is not available. |
==Tips for broken-off bolt heads== | ==Tips for broken-off bolt heads== | ||
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*Try to saw a groove in it, so that a flat-head screwdriver can be used to turn it. | *Try to saw a groove in it, so that a flat-head screwdriver can be used to turn it. | ||
*Take a 12-point socket that is just larger than the shaft of the bolt, and beat it down onto the bolt with a hammer. Turn it out with a ratchet. When finished, put the socket in a vice, and tap out the broken bolt. | *Take a 12-point socket that is just larger than the shaft of the bolt, and beat it down onto the bolt with a hammer. Turn it out with a ratchet. When finished, put the socket in a vice, and tap out the broken bolt. | ||
| − | *If a bolt is broken off below the surface, | + | *If a bolt is broken off below the surface, build it up with a welder until there is enough to which to weld a nut. |
==Miscellaneous tips== | ==Miscellaneous tips== | ||
| − | *Weld a piece of metal to the top of the bolt to use as leverage when loosening. | + | *Weld a piece of metal to the top of the bolt, to use as leverage when loosening. |
*If the slot of a round-headed screw is stripped, file two flat edges in it. Then, it can be turned with an adjustable wrench. Or, use a hacksaw to file a new slot at a right angle to the existing one. | *If the slot of a round-headed screw is stripped, file two flat edges in it. Then, it can be turned with an adjustable wrench. Or, use a hacksaw to file a new slot at a right angle to the existing one. | ||
*Six-point sockets will grip better on hex nuts and bolts than 12-point fasteners. | *Six-point sockets will grip better on hex nuts and bolts than 12-point fasteners. | ||
*Drill and tap the bolt to run another, smaller bolt down the center. A bit about half the diameter of the headless, stuck bolt is usually sufficient. Use a jam nut on the small bolt and lots of penetrating oil. | *Drill and tap the bolt to run another, smaller bolt down the center. A bit about half the diameter of the headless, stuck bolt is usually sufficient. Use a jam nut on the small bolt and lots of penetrating oil. | ||
| − | *If it is a stripped screw, either slotted or Phillips, | + | *If it is a stripped screw, either slotted or Phillips, try using a dab of valve grinding compound on the tip of the screwdriver. The valve grinding compound will help with friction to hold the tip onto the fastener when turning. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
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