Removing stripped bolt

[PhilipV]

Due to too much loctite and/or a ham fisted Neanderthal mechanic (myself) I managed to strip on of my suspension bolts.

I tried a torx key as well, but the bolt didn't budge, the bolt head just stripped further.

 

So now before I bring in the big guns (drill or dremel) or take it to the lbs and making it someone else's problem, has anyone removed a bolt without resorting to violence? I'm thinking a screw extractor (easy-out) could work, but hoping to learn out of someone else's actions before handing over more school fees.

[fanievb]

tight fit torx on a 18v drill with a hammer action.

[Psyrax]

Easy-out will be best.

[thijsrm]

First try ram  the biggest star hex key that could fit in and see if it'll catch... then resort to other methods

[Wannabe]

There is a way, just difficult to explain in such a way to be easily understandable.

 

Follow this link: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/remove-a-stripped-screw-in-seconds-with-this-office-supply/  Edit: This might not work in your case, but still a handy tip.

 

With a bit of perseverance, I got it to work on a stripped screw.

 

Best tip I can give, always use the best quality equipment to remove bolts/screws, and make sure it is not damaged in any way.

[Mongooser]

did the same to my axle. ram a torx in with a hammer and put somer epoxy in the gaps, i went up 2 sizes. also put penetrating fluid on the threads. kinda ghetto and my axle is torx now but it worked

[Hairy]

[GaryvdM]

Any chance of a photo?

[Grebel]

 

If that doesn't work then it must be an electrical issue

[fanievb]

If that doesn't work then it must be an electrical issue

 

or hammer too small

[Grebel]

If you used Loctite, which one did you use? 

 

If the Loctite is holding so strongly that you stripped the head of the fastener then you may need to resort to extreme measures. Blue Loctite shouldn't hold that much even if you coat the entire thread. Red or green however.... you may need some heat to break it free.

 

If it was blue loctite then try shocking it with a hammer while you put pressure trying to loosen it.

 

Failing that then drill it out. Use the tapping size drill and chase it with a tap afterwards. Will either push the remains of the threaded part out or cut it out with the tap. (Drilling it relieves pressure on the threads)

[AlanD]

I've done this before and tried all the usual methods: penetrating lube overnight,larger Allen key,sawing a groove to use a screw driver, until I just got out the drill with the smallest steel drill bit and slowly drilled into the bolt until there was only the thinnest shaving of it left and the then just used the drill bit to scrape it out

 

Those easy out things are useless, tried them many times and helped nothing.

[Rocket-Boy]

I've done this before and tried all the usual methods: penetrating lube overnight,larger Allen key,sawing a groove to use a screw driver, until I just got out the drill with the smallest steel drill bit and slowly drilled into the bolt until there was only the thinnest shaving of it left and the then just used the drill bit to scrape it out

 

Those easy out things are useless, tried them many times and helped nothing.

The thing about an easy out is they have to be really good quality, the cheap ones dont work at all.

The drilling method is usually the most effective though.

[V12man]

Try a left handed drill bit - with very slow drill speed and LOTS of pressure on the drill  - then you can still use a proper screw extractor that gets hammered in if it doesn't wind out just using the drill.

 

Other wise you could try creating a slot with a dremel and using a screwdriver, or adding some metal using a tig welder and then grabbing the now raised portion with a vice grip.

[mecheng89]

Yip, I have this issue now with cleat bolts seized solid. 

[Me rida my bicycle]

Cut a line in bolt with grinder and use a big flat screwdriver to remove. Or drill the head off just make sure drill bit not bigger than the thread of the bolt.