Jump to content
The mkiv Supra Owners Club

Rounded off bolts...how do I remove it?


supra_ufo

Recommended Posts

I picked up these (attached below) from Rob M, they are nice and shiny but a pain in the ass if you round them off (which is very easily done). I need to remove this one I messed up so I can fit my cooling plate back on...what is the best way to remove it?

 

I have seen many methods, like hammering a large size bit in or drilling it but since I am new to this sort of thing I want someone else's opinion on it...

image.jpeg

image2.jpeg

image3.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If it were raised then it'd be a simple case of grinding opposite flats.

 

As it isn't raised then if it is a highly torqued bolt I'd drill a hole, reverse thread tap it and screw in a bolt. That does require a steel drill bit, a tap to thread the drill hole and a bolt to fit the new tapped thread.

 

If it isn't highly torqued then the earlier suggestion of cut a groove and screwdriver could work.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I normally just tap in a torx bit with a small hammer:)

 

Also this.

 

Done it every time on every car on every bolt/screw that has been de-headed. Decent quality torx bit and hammer and ratchet and you'll have it out within seconds.

 

Screw extractor kits are ok, but an unnecessary expense and very often too brittle to be of any use more than a couple of times.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Remember that stainless threads should always be lubricated (Google stainless galling), and don't do them up too tight if they aren't holding heavily stressed components (stainless should never be substituted for high-tensile steel anyway).

 

EDIT:

and stainless is a sod to drill :)

Edited by garethr (see edit history)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you do end up going down the route of 'easy outs' don't buy cheap as they are a false economy - A set of snap on left handed drill bits with easy outs are the way forward.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Screw-Extractor-10-Piece-Set-Left-Handed-Drill-Bits-/171244379013?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27def5db85

 

However, with this access, I would do as already suggested and grind a line for a flat head and your away. *I have never tried a torque head*

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Impact driver is the correct tool to use, cut the slot, one tap and it should unscrew

 

Why do you need left handed drill bits, you just drill a hole in the normal way then insert the

left handed easy out

 

When drilling st/st try to slow the drill speed down, too fast and it heats up

and work hardens, then you'll need a carbide drill

Edited by Dnk (see edit history)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The region is NOTHING LIKE rigid enough to allow you to impact drive or hammer. It'll just deform and not be solid enough for that course of action. Drill the bolt out DEAD on centre with a Ti coated QUALITY drill and some lubricant. DO NOT snap the drill!!! One it's drilled out drill and tap oversize and use a bigger fastener. You may have to use an Imperial size to avoid going too big and running out of wall thickness in the captive nut. A carefully made screwdriver slot *MAY* work, use a 1.5 mm slitting disc. But personally I would drill it out. After you have done a few it will be very clear making sure you DON'T round fasteners off is a lot easier than repairing rounded ones :) The problem is decent taps, Helicoils etcetera are not cheap if you just need to use them once. It may pay you to get someone else to do it. Stainless fasteners will work harden if drilled at the wrong speed, and with the wrong lubricant, you need to do some reading before diving in. Drilling countersunk Allen screws is a nightmare, as the hex willk take the corners off a drill and render it knackered. Avoid their use if possible. A cap head can be filed or ground down to remove the female hex part. You don't have that luxury with a countersunk Allen screw. Buy several drills.... Unless the price makes you wince a bit the drills probably junk material. Buy branded!!!

Edited by Chris Wilson (see edit history)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I doubt you'd have to hit it that hard Chris but yes it might be a little flimsy

to work, drilling through the bolt needs to be done carefully as that looks like

its only 6 mm so not much to play with below that size

 

I'd use a centre drill which will clear out the hex no problem and put your

hole slap bang in the middle, then drill through with a normal drill

Edited by Dnk (see edit history)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A little cutting disk to make a slot then a flat head screwdriver?

 

I used a dremel to cut a line through it and managed to find the thickest screw driver I could, had to cut deep but it did come off.... :) cheers lads

 

I have a bolt in the wing that the head came off when removing it to replace it with a bling one :( that is next on the list...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. You might also be interested in our Guidelines, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.