Yes, drilling through a stuck bolt can be done, but it may require special tools or techniques and should be approached with caution. The most common technique is to carefully and uniformly drill out the old bolt and tap a larger hole for a new, slightly larger bolt and nut.
This should be done with a drill bit that is gradually larger than the nominal diameter of the bolt, as going too large will weaken the material and make the job impossible. If you’re not confident in your drilling and tapping skills, it is always best to take the part to a professional to be removed safely.
Additionally, you may be able to remove the stuck bolt with a bolt extractor, the use of penetrating liquids, or by utilizing an impact driver.
How do you loosen a bolt that won’t budge?
To loosen a bolt that won’t budge, you might try the following steps:
1. Start by lubing the bolt and the socket with a penetrating fluid like WD 40 or PB Blaster. Let the fluid sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Use a breaker bar or a ratchet and wrench with a long, hardened steel pipe over the end. Make sure to have a firm grip on the wrench handle and apply steady pressure in the loosening direction.
3. If the bolt still won’t budge, it’s time to get creative and apply some gentle, calculated force. Begin by adding a layer of something soft to the head of the bolt, like a piece of leather or rubber, to protect it from damage as you apply force.
4. Strike the head of the wrench with something soft and sturdy, like a piece of hardwood or a rubber mallet. Don’t hit it too hard, but make sure to deliver a few solid blows.
5. If the bolt still won’t move, you may be dealing with rust or corrosion. Try heating up the bolt with a blow torch for about 10 minutes. Be sure to use a metal file afterward to clean off any residue.
6. Finally, you can try a specialised extractor tool that fits into the crevices of the bolt using reverse threading. They come in handy when the bolt has been damaged by corrosion or stripped.
These are just a few solutions you can try to loosen a bolt that won’t budge. Ultimately, your results will depend on the type and size of the bolt, as well as the amount of force and application of lubricant used.
How do you get a bolt out without an extractor?
If you need to remove a stubborn bolt without an extractor, you may be able to get it out by using a few different methods.
One method is to soak the bolt in penetrating oil, such as WD-40 or PB Blaster. Allow the oil to sit and penetrate into the threads of the bolt for a few hours before attempting to loosen it. Once the oil has had a chance to sit, you can use a wrench to try to loosen the bolt.
Be sure to use the appropriate size and type of wrench to help increase the odds of success.
If the bolt doesn’t want to come loose, you can try using a bit of heat to help release it. Heat up a soldering iron or other heat source, and apply it to the bolt. Use a glove to hold the heat source, and keep it at least one inch away from any plastic or painted surfaces.
Allow the area to cool for several minutes after heating, and then re-attempt to loosen the bolt with a wrench.
The final method you can use is to drill the bolt out. This method is more challenging and requires more precision, but it can be successful if done correctly. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the head of the bolt, and drill through using steady and even pressure.
The bolt should come out easily once you are through the other side.
How do you remove a tight space seized bolt?
Removing a seized or tight space bolt requires patience and careful technique. First, you should try tapping the bolt head with a hammer, as doing so can help to loosen it or break the corrosion or rust on the threads.
Then, soak the bolt with a rust-releasing lubricant such as WD-40 or a penetrating oil. You should leave it to soak for several hours or overnight. During this time, you can also try gently tapping and rotating the bolt with a wrench, as this can often help to loosen it.
If this still doesn’t work, you may need to resort to a bolt cutter, die grinder, or heating the bolt head with a blowtorch. You should also consider using a high-torque impact wrench if the bolt is particularly stubborn, as this should have enough power to loosen it.
However, this should be used as a last resort, as over-tightening or over-torquing the bolt can cause further damage.
What tool can I use to remove a stripped bolt?
One of the most commonly used tools to remove a stripped bolt is a stripped bolt extractor. A stripped bolt extractor is a tool specifically designed to remove seized or stripped bolts without damaging the surrounding material.
It consists of several metal teeth, usually in the shape of a cone, which grip onto the threads of the stripped bolt. To use a stripped bolt extractor, start by drilling a pilot hole into the head of the bolt.
Once the pilot hole is created, you can use an impact driver or a hand ratchet to drive the extractor into the pilot hole and loosen the bolt. You can also use an adjustable wrench to turn the extractor and loosen the stripped bolt.
Once the extracted bolt has been loosened, you can remove it from the material.
Can Coke loosen a rusted bolt?
Yes, it is possible to use Coke to loosen a rusted bolt. Many people swear by this method and the principle is that the phosphoric acid in the soda can break down the rust on the bolt and make it easier to work with.
Because of the gentle nature of the acid, this is a relatively safe method for treating small rusted parts.
In order to use Coke to loosen a rusted bolt, start by spraying the bolt with a degreaser or lubricant. This can help break down the corrosion, making it easier to remove the bolt. Then, you’ll want to pour the Coke over the bolt.
Make sure the entire surface of the bolt is submerged in the liquid and let the bolt sit for 20-30 minutes. The soda will gradually break down the rust on the bolt, making it easier to work with.
Finally, use a wrench to attempt to loosen the bolt. With some patience and work, the bolt should eventually start to come loose. If it does not work, repeat the process with a fresh dose of Coke and try again.
With any luck, the bolt will come loose and you can remove it from the surface.
How do you get something out of a tight space?
The best way to get something out of a tight space depends on the size and shape of the item, as well as the specific space you’re trying to remove it from. If the item is small and the space is relatively large, you can often just use your hands to grab it.
If the item is larger, you may need to angle your hand in a way to promote leverage and increase your grip. If the space is really tight, you may need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers to extricate the item.
It can also be helpful to break down the item into smaller pieces so that each part can be removed with greater ease. Additionally, it can be useful to use a flexible tool, like a coat hanger, to get into difficult nooks and crannies.
However, if the item is too large for these methods, you may need to use specialized tools such as extension bars, screwdrivers, and wrenches. Finally, enlist a friend or family member to help if you can’t get it out by yourself.
What to spray on bolts to loosen?
The best way to loosen stuck bolts is to use a penetrating oil spray. This type of oil is specifically designed to penetrate the metal around the bolt and help lubricate threads, making them easier to remove.
It works by seeping into tiny crevices, breaking through rust and corrosion, and softening the hardened threads of a seized bolt. To use a penetrating oil spray, first shake the can well and then apply a liberal amount directly on the stuck bolt.
It may take up to 15 minutes for the oil to work its way into the bolt, and should be supplemented by additional applications every 5 minutes for a total of about 30 minutes. After the oil has been in place for 30 minutes, attempt to remove the bolt using a wrench or ratchet.
If the bolt is still stuck, use a clamp to hold onto the bolt head so you can use a pipe wrench or breaker bar to help turn it more easily. If the bolt still won’t loosen, try using a torch-on cold release spray, which can help loosen stubborn bolts.
What are the drill bits for drilling out bolts?
Drill bits for drilling out bolts are specially designed to make the process easier. They are manufactured from various cutting materials, including high-speed steel and carbide. The style of drill bit required depends on the type of bolt being drilled — whether it is a machine screw, wood screw, lag screw or another type of bolt.
The diameter of the bit should match the diameter of the bolt head. The appropriate drill bit will also vary based on the material of the bolt — whether it is made from hardened steel, stainless steel, aluminum or another material.
When selecting the drill bit, pay attention to the point angle and tip shape. For most bolts, a split-point angle is best as it reduces the risk of “walking” — when the drill bit moves in an unintended direction across the material surface.
A parabolic flute twist bit will provide the best chip evacuation while drilling. Once you’ve chosen the drill bit, it’s important to ensure you have the right drill speed, which is usually between 500 and 1,400 revolutions per minute.
When drilling out the bolt, hold the drill steady and make sure not to push too hard; the drill should progress through the bolt at its own rate.
Can you drill an easy out?
Yes, it is possible to drill an easy out. An easy out is a type of screw extractor that is used to remove screws without damaging them. It is also often used for removing stubborn screws that have been broken or badly corroded.
The easy out works by drilling a hole in the center of the head of the screw and then inserting the extractor and turning it in a counterclockwise direction until it loosens the screw. Make sure when using an easy out that you use the correct size and type of drill bit, as the wrong type may cause damage to the head of the screw.
Additionally, it’s important to take safety precautions when using an easy out as it can be dangerous.
What will drill through a easy out?
A drill can be used to drill through an easy out, but the best tool to use is an adjustable wrench. An easy out is a piece of tooling that is used to remove wrong-size or broken bolts and screws. To use an easy out, you need to drill an appropriate-size hole in the head of the broken fastener.
This hole allows you to insert the easy out’s conical tip into the fastener and screw it in. When properly tightened, the easy out will grip and back the fastener out. Special drill bits made for drilling out broken fasteners can be used for this purpose.
A drill works best when inserting the easy out directly into the fastener, but if you don’t have a suitable drill bit, then an adjustable wrench can help you get into a small space where a drill can’t fit.
Once the wrench is inserted into the small area, it can be used to securely hold and turn the easy out while drilling it into the broken fastener.
What is an easy out tool?
An easy out tool is a type of tool used primarily in the automotive field to assist with extracting damaged and broken screws, bolts, and nuts. The tool is an inexpensive and efficient way to get stubborn pieces of hardware out of tough and difficult to reach areas.
It is designed with a specialized tang (internal threading) that allows it to fit over the stuck screw or bolt, and then it can be turned counter-clockwise to spin the screw or bolt out of the hole. Generally, these tools are perfect for stripped or damaged screws/bolts that do not have an existing head for an alternative tool to grab onto.
Easy out tools come in a variety of sizes and can sometimes be used in combination with more traditional automotive tools, such as a vice grip or adjustable wrench, in order to provide maximum torque.
How do you get a screw out when the head is ruined?
If the head on a screw is ruined and it is not possible to use a screwdriver to remove it, there are several techniques that can be used to get the screw out.
Depending on the type of screw, one option could be to use a pair of pliers to grab hold of the head and turn the screw out. This method should only be used with certain types of screws that have more substantial heads such as plow screws, flat head screws, and even wood screws.
For screws that have the head completely stripped away, a screw extractor may be needed. This is a tool specifically designed to remove screws in this situation. The extractor is inserted into the top of the screw head, and then turned counterclockwise to begin drilling down into the head, while slipping over and gripping the screw in the process.
If a screw extractor is not available and the screw is in an area that is difficult to access, such as a wall or in between pieces of furniture, a drill can be used to drill out the screw. Drill bits that are the same size or slightly smaller should be used.
Once the head of the screw has been drilled out, the remaining portion can be pulled out with a pair of pliers.
These methods should help to get any type of screw out when a standard screwdriver cannot be used.