It’s frustrating when a seemingly simple job is complicated by a broken bolt. Oftentimes, simply trying to turn it with a wrench is enough to break the head off the bolt. But don’t despair! With a few common tools, you can learn how to remove a broken bolt quickly and easily. Read on to find out how!
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction to Removing a Broken Bolt
- 2. Assembling the Right Tools
- 3. Applying Heat to the Broken Bolt
- 4. Extracting the Broken Bolt
- 5. Finishing the Job with the Right Thread Lubricant
- 6. Tips for the Future: Avoiding Broken Bolts
- 7. Conclusion: Learn to Remove a Broken Bolt Quickly and Easily
- Q&A
1. Introduction to Removing a Broken Bolt
When a bolt breaks, it can be a very frustrating experience, especially if you don’t know the best way to remove it. Fortunately, you can remove a broken bolt quickly and easily with the right tools and technique. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the key considerations and steps you’ll need to take to make sure you remove that broken bolt without a hitch.
Tools You’ll Need
- Socket wrenches
- Bolt extractors
- Hammer
- Vice grips
The exact tools you’ll need to remove a broken bolt will vary depending on the size and type of the bolt, as well as the type of a material it’s made of (e.g., stainless steel, cast iron, etc.). But in most cases, the above tools should do the trick.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Broken Bolt
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use a socket wrench or ratchet with a metal-cutting blade to cut the bolt head off. |
| 2 | Using the hammer and chisel, create a groove in the center of the remaining bolt. |
| 3 | Insert a bolt extractor into the grove and tighten it with a wrench. |
| 4 | Use a vice grip to turn the extractor in a counter-clockwise direction, which will quickly and easily remove the broken bolt. |
Once you’ve successfully removed the broken bolt, make sure to replace it with a new one and tighten it securely. That way, you can enjoy peace of mind that your repairs are secure.
2. Assembling the Right Tools
Removing a broken bolt quickly and easily requires the right tools. Here’s a quick list of items to collect:
- Screw Extractor: The screw extractor has sharp edges that dig into the broken bolt easily, giving you ample torque to extract the broken bolt from the material.
- Palm Ratchet: A palm ratchet will give you extra leverage for more torque. A quality palm ratchet easily fits into tight spaces for quick access.
- Mini Flashlight: A mini flashlight will help you see into tight corners and dark areas. It’s best to light up the broken bolt before attempting removal.
You may also want to consider an adjustable wrench, a wire brush, and a small hand saw. These tools can help to breakdown the material around the broken bolt, if needed.
When you have collected the necessary tools, it’s time to fix the broken bolt. Remember to use the proper safety gear (e.g., safety glasses and gloves) when performing this task.
3. Applying Heat to the Broken Bolt
Removing a broken bolt is definitely no fun – however, there are some specific steps you can take to make the process easier. Once you’ve successfully broken the bolt free, you’ll be able to move onto the next step – .
The first thing to know when applying heat is how hot you should heat the particular metal. To determine the melting point, you can get what is known as a “heat scale” and use it to identify how much heat you need to apply. Typically, a temperature between 800 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for steel and other metals. Here’s a helpful guide for common metals:
| Metal | Melting Point (F) |
|---|---|
| Steel | 2,700 |
| Aluminum | 1,220 |
| Copper | 1,984 |
| Brass | 1,670 |
Once you’ve identified the correct temperature, use the following steps to apply heat to the broken bolt:
- Put some type of heat-deflecting material like asbestos between the bolt and the flame.
- Start heating the bolt from the outside.
- Move the flame over the bolt in a circular motion.
- Don’t heat an area of the bolt for too long.
- Assemble the new bolts and washers quickly after heating.
Make sure you don’t overheat the bolt, because you could cause damage to the surrounding area. And if you’re not sure what the melting point of the metal is, don’t attempt to heat it. A professional might need to be consulted.
4. Extracting the Broken Bolt
Preliminary Step
Before attempting to remove a broken bolt, you have to take a few preliminary steps. This starts with you collecting the necessary tools for the job. You can refer to the table below for a list of items you need:
| Items | Description |
|---|---|
| Power drill | To screw and unscrew the bolts |
| Small hammer | To hit tools when necessary |
| Chuck jaw puller | To extract the broken bolt part |
| Pipe wrench | To unscrew the bolt with greater force |
| Damaged bolt extractor set | To help remove the broken bolt |
Once you have the right tools, use a pair of safety glasses and gloves for your safety. To avoid any further damage to the bolt, use sandpaper to scrub away rust in the bolt’s interior before you extract the broken bolt part.
Simple Steps to Follow
Removing a broken bolt can be tricky. With the right approach, however, the task can be made easier. Here are the steps to quickly and easily remove a broken bolt:
- Check the size of the broken bolt hole and select the right drill bit accordingly
- Using the same drill bit, drill a hole into the bolt to leave space to unscrew it
- Unscrew the bolt using a pipe wrench and a small hammer
- Insert the chuck jaw puller into the hole if the bolt does not unscrew
- Lever the puller to extract the broken part of the bolt
- In case the puller does not work, try the damaged bolt extractor set
After the broken bolt is successfully extracted, clean the bolt hole using a wire brush and apply a thread lubricant to ensure smooth functioning. With that, your broken bolt problem is solved.
5. Finishing the Job with the Right Thread Lubricant
To complete the job and ensure your threaded bolts don’t seize up, you’ll need the right thread lubricant. Fortunately, there are plenty of highly effective options available. Here are the top 5:
- Inner Armor – a high-performance lubricant that reduces friction between product threads and occurs at all temperatures
- Thread-Lok – an oil-based liquid lubricant that prevents rust and provides a long-term protective coating
- Fast-Lube – a silicone-based lubricant designed for temperature resistant applications
- Super Solve – a spray-on lubricant that eliminates galling and sticking
- Anti-Seize – a high heat lubricant used to protect metal parts from seizure and corrosion
Using lubricants on your threaded bolts will make sure your job is completed with the utmost precision and quality, and that you won’t have to spend time and energy dealing with jammed bolts in the future. Check out this helpful table for more product recommendations.
| Product | Temperature Range | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Armor | -20°C – 550°C | Reduces friction and wear Corrosion protection |
| Thread-Lok | -10°C – 90°C | Reduces thread seizing Resists rust and corrosion |
| Fast-Lube | -60°C – 250°C | Resistant to heat and water Effective on stainless steel |
| Super Solve | -20°C – 200°C | Excellent for galvanized bolts Eliminates galling and sticking |
| Anti-Seize | -29°C – 1200°C | Prevents thread from seizing Forms a protective coating |
6. Tips for the Future: Avoiding Broken Bolts
Broken bolts are a common problem when dealing with machines and mechanical hardware such as engines, transmissions, and machine parts. Fortunately, there are techniques and tools available for removing broken bolts quickly and easily.
Heat It Up: One way to remove a broken bolt is to use heat. Heat causes the metal to expand, which can help to loosen the bolt and make it easier to remove. An oxy-acetylene torch or a propane torch work great for this technique as they can provide steady, direct heat.
Lubrication: Another option is to use lubrication to remove the broken bolt. Special oil or graphite sprays work great for lubricating bolts and can increase the chances of getting them out unscathed. If the bolt is stuck particularly tight, using a combination of heat and lubrication will often do the trick.
Pick the Right Drill Bit: When all else fails, drilling out the broken bolt is the only option. In this case, it’s important to pick the right drill bit for the job. For stainless steel and other hard metal bolts, a cobalt bit is often best. For softer metals like aluminum a standard steel bit will suffice.
To avoid having to deal with a broken bolt in the future, it is important to inspect all bolts on a regular basis. If any show signs of wear, replace them immediately. It is also important to not overtighten a bolt, as this can lead to it being stripped or sheared off. Following these tips can help ensure that broken bolts are a much less frequent problem.
7. Conclusion: Learn to Remove a Broken Bolt Quickly and Easily
Removing a broken bolt can be a tricky and time consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By following these simple steps, you can remove a broken bolt quickly and easily.
- Safety First: Before attempting to remove a broken bolt, make sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves to protect yourself from potential hazards.
- Use a Center Punch: Center punches help make a deep impression into the bolt which aids in the chipping process. Make sure your center punch is well lubricated with oil or penetrating solvent to help glide over the surface.
- Drill a Pilot Hole: Once you have placed the center punch into the end of the bolt, then you must use the appropriate drill bit size to create a pilot hole into the bolt.
- Hammer Away:It is important to use an appropriate hammer or mallet to chip away at the material on the bolt. A ball peen or a chisel head work best for the job.
- Remove The Shavings: After a few hits, you should remove the shavings and debris from the bolt. Make sure to properly dispose of the shavings to avoid potential injuries.
- Remove The Bolts: Once all of the material has been chipped away, use a pair of pliers or other appropriate tools to easily remove the broken bolt.
By following these steps, you can easily and safely remove a broken bolt in a matter of minutes. This makes the whole process much less time consuming than it would be otherwise. Additionally, using a center punch and drill can reduce the amount of time it takes to remove the bolt. So if you ever find yourself stuck with a broken bolt, remember these simple steps and you’ll be able to remove it quickly and easily.
Q&A
Q: What tools are needed to remove a broken bolt?
A: You will need a metal drill bit, a manual extractor set, adjustable pliers, and lubricant such as WD-40.
Q: What should I do if I can’t get the broken bolt out?
A: If you cannot remove the broken bolt, it may be best to enlist the help of a professional. They will be able to help you remove it as quickly and easily as possible.
Q: Is there any way to avoid breaking bolts in the future?
A: Yes! Ensure you are using the correct size and type of bolt and that you are using the correct torque when tightening. Also, avoid over-tightening, as this can increase the chances of breakage. Additionally, regularly lubricate and inspect the bolts to ensure they are not at risk of breaking.
It doesn’t have to be difficult to remove a broken bolt. With the right tools, patience, and a few helpful tips, you can remove broken bolts quickly and easily. Hopefully with this article, you’ll find that the job isn’t nearly as daunting as it first seemed! Good luck!
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