If you’re dealing with the frustration of a broken bolt head, you’re not alone. This common issue can arise in various situations, leaving you wondering how to remove the stubborn bolt without further damaging your project. But fear not, for there are effective solutions to help you conquer this challenge.
Before attempting any removal technique, it’s crucial to ensure your safety. Wear appropriate work gloves to protect your hands and safety glasses to shield your eyes from flying debris. Additionally, secure the workpiece in a stable position using a vise or clamps to prevent it from moving during the removal process. Once you’ve established a safe and steady environment, you can proceed with the following methods to remove the broken bolt head.
One effective approach is to use a bolt extractor. This specialized tool features reverse-threaded spirals that bite into the broken bolt, allowing you to extract it by turning it counterclockwise. Start by drilling a small pilot hole into the center of the broken bolt. Then, insert the bolt extractor and turn it carefully. If the bolt extractor doesn’t grip the damaged bolt, try using a left-handed drill bit to remove the remaining thread. Remember to apply penetrating oil to the bolt to reduce friction and make the extraction process easier.
Grip the Bolt with Pliers
If the bolt head is not too damaged, you may be able to grip it with pliers or a locking pliers. If you are using pliers, make sure the jaws are good and tight on the bolt head. You can also try using a piece of sandpaper or a file to roughen up the surface of the bolt head so the pliers have a better grip.
If you are using locking pliers, adjust the pliers so the jaws are just wide enough to fit over the bolt head. Once the pliers are in place, squeeze the handles to lock the jaws onto the bolt head. Be careful not to overtighten the pliers, or you could damage the bolt or the pliers.
Once the bolt head is gripped securely, you can try to turn the bolt out by turning the pliers counterclockwise. If the bolt is too tight to turn, you may need to apply some penetrating oil to the bolt threads. Let the penetrating oil soak in for a few minutes before trying to turn the bolt again.
Tips for Using Pliers to Grip a Broken Bolt
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use the right size pliers | Pliers that are too small will not grip the bolt head securely, and pliers that are too large may damage the bolt head. |
| Position the pliers correctly | The jaws of the pliers should be positioned directly on the bolt head, and the pliers should be held perpendicular to the bolt. |
| Apply pressure evenly | Squeeze the handles of the pliers evenly to distribute the pressure evenly across the bolt head. |
| Use a cheater bar | If the bolt is too tight to turn with the pliers alone, you can use a cheater bar to provide additional leverage. |
| Be patient | It may take some time and effort to remove a broken bolt with pliers. Be patient and persistent, and you will eventually be successful. |
How To Remove Bolt With Broken Head
If the bolt head is broken off, you will need to use a different method to remove it. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is to use an easy-out.
An easy-out is a tool that is designed to grip the broken bolt and remove it. To use an easy-out, you will need to first drill a pilot hole into the broken bolt. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the easy-out.
Once you have drilled the pilot hole, you can insert the easy-out into the hole. The easy-out will grip the broken bolt and you can then use a wrench to turn the easy-out and remove the bolt.
People Also Ask About How To Remove Bolt With Broken Head
How do you remove a broken bolt with no head?
If the bolt head is broken off, you can use an easy-out to remove it. An easy-out is a tool that is designed to grip the broken bolt and remove it.
How do you remove a broken bolt from a hole?
To remove a broken bolt from a hole, you can use an easy-out. An easy-out is a tool that is designed to grip the broken bolt and remove it. You will need to first drill a pilot hole into the broken bolt. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the easy-out.
How do you remove a broken bolt from metal?
To remove a broken bolt from metal, you can use an easy-out. An easy-out is a tool that is designed to grip the broken bolt and remove it. You will need to first drill a pilot hole into the broken bolt. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the easy-out.
