What a nightmare if you realize there is a broken bolt in your car and you have to face it all along! The bolt plays a very important role in holding 2 or more pieces of lumber in place. But during the construction, a bolt can break out. Learning how to remove a broken bolt is essential for the completion of construction or home improvement projects. There are many methods and techniques about how to remove a broken bolt without losing your mind, it all depends on the circumstances in which one is.
A broken bolt is the worst nightmare of any automobile expert and anyone who tries to fix a machine. It makes the job difficult to move further without removing the broken part. There are many methods and techniques about how to remove a broken bolt without losing your mind, it all depends on the circumstances in which one is.
If you are stuck with a broken bolt inside your car, no need to worry, the car repair tips below will help you extract the piece of metal without much hassle.
In this article, we will help you take out those stubborn and stuck bolts from your car. In addition, you will understand the different methods of removing a stuck bolt.
What Do You Need To Remove A Broken Bolt Without Losing Your Mind?
- Extraction kit (easy out kit)
- Hammer
- Left-hand Drilling machine
- Center punch
- Screw extractor kit
- Wrench
How To Remove A Broken Bolt without losing your mind?
The tips mentioned below will help you extract the stuck bolt without much hassle.
Method 1: How to remove a broken bolt by extracting kit
1. Marking: Center punch the broken bolt
This is the primary step followed in a broken bolt removal. First, by using a hammer, mark the center of the broken bolt with a center punch, and try to put it as close to the center point as possible.. It will be helpful when you drill at the center of the bolt. In addition, it will also reduce the chances of damaging the thread of the broken bolt.
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2. Drill a pilot hole
Use a left-hand drill machine to drill a pilot hole into the center of the broken bolt. Firstly, you activate the reverse setting on the drilling machine. A left-handed drill bit would be threaded in the opposite direction.
Why the left-hand drill machine? The left-handed drill will torque in the opposite direction same as the broken bolt, which will prevent the bolt from being driven in tighter. The left-handed drill will grab and unscrew the tight bolt for you to grab it using a pair of grips, and remove it.
However, we recommend that you use the extracting kit that is suitable for the size of the bolt you want to remove.
3. Placing the extracting bit in the hole
Choosing an appropriate extracting bit that fits the bolt is a keynote here. Using the big bit will damage the thread of the bolt but the small bit will require a weaker extractor but a higher risk of breaking. Depending upon the type of extraction kit you will use for taking out the bolt, the extracting bit would have a left-handed bit at one end and a hex head or T-handle head at another. Since you would be using a left-handed extractor; it will work into the broken bolt with a counterclockwise movement.
In addition, since the extractor is tapered; you should first tap it into place with the hammer before choosing the T-Handle or a socket.
4. Remove the broken bolt
Now, you continue with the extractor; the tapered end will catch and torque will work to loosen the bolt once the extracting bit is tight. Next, continue turning the extracting tool counterclockwise until the broken bolt is removed completely from the surface. Make sure to time the process to prevent any further damage to the bolt. We recommend that you work on the extractor.
5. Removing metal fillings
There is a chance that small amounts of metal pieces might come off the bolt during the extraction process. Make sure that you remove the tiny bits if you are looking to replace the bolt with a new one. It can be done easily via compressed air or a powerful magnet.
Method 2: How to remove a broken bolt with a hammer
It is similar to the first method, what you need to do is identify the center point of the bolt. Like you use the extractor, you can use a hammer and a center punch to mark the center point of the broken bolt.
The next step is drilling out the center of the bolt. Using a bit that is roughly one-quarter of the diameter of the bolt and starting drilling it out.
Then thread a hex nut onto the bolt then weld the bolt to the nut. Be careful if the surface into which the broken bolt is embedded melts to the steel bolt or nut.
At this step, weld the bolt to the nut. Be especially careful if the surface into which the broken bolt is embedded will melt to the steel bolt or nut.
The last step is removing the bolt by using a socket or a wrench. After a few minutes, the bolt is cool enough to be ready to remove. The weld is strong but it’s still breakable, so be careful when you start to wrench.
Method 3: How to remove small bolts
The 2 methods that are mentioned above for the bolts are at least ¼ inch. So how about the smaller bolt? What should we do with it? You actually can use the Dremel and a small cutting wheel to let you use a screwdriver to remove the offending part.
Therefore you need to check the diameter of the bolt before choosing the right method for the bolt. If you’re not sure if you can remove the bolt or not, it’s better to take your vehicle to a mechanic or ask for the help of some professional repairmen.
Final words
There is more than 1 way to remove a broken bolt from the car and you can choose a method for you. It depends on what tool you have and which is easier for you to follow. Remember to read “how to remove a broken bolt without losing your mind” carefully and do it step by step.
