Removing stuck fasteners
(→Summary) |
(→Tips for broken-off bolt heads) |
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*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, build it up with a welder until there is enough to which to weld a nut. If this brakes off try it again, this method is the best, the heat and cool cycle of the tig weld will loosen the fastener in the stuck piece. | *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. If this brakes off try it again, this method is the best, the heat and cool cycle of the tig weld will loosen the fastener in the stuck piece. | ||
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+ | I have also have had good luck by center punching the broken bolt and using a left hand drill bit about half the diameter of the bolt and as it is drilling most of the time the bit will bite and spin the broken bolt out. | ||
==Miscellaneous tips== | ==Miscellaneous tips== |