Almost all equipment is assembled using fasteners using bolts or other products. But when it becomes necessary to unscrew them, they may turn out to be rusted and already unusable.

These elements often end up with ripped edges, threads, or their head breaks off. Buthow to unscrew a bolt with stripped edges, so as not to spoil the whole structure?

In contact with

Why do you need fasteners

Fasteners are essential elements of mechanical engineering that are used almost everywhere. The most common fasteners that are threaded are:

  • screws;
  • bolts;
  • nuts.

A bolt, like a screw, is a shank with a head that has one threaded end. Screws are usually classified into two types:

  1. Installation, which fix the parts mutually.
  2. Fasteners used for detachable connections.

Screw heads can be cross-slotted or single-slotted.

As a rule, this element is necessary if an additional element is required to be attached. Often, a mounting screw with a countersunk head is used instead of bolts, since the protruding head interferes with some mechanisms.

Most often, screws are used when it becomes necessary to fix parts that have been mounted on shafts or axles.

As for the bolts, they form a connection by means of a threaded hole and a nut.Hex bolt has a head on one side and a screw thread on the other. They are intended for fastening such parts that have a small thickness, or if you need to often separate the elements. That is why it is so important to knowhow right unscrew the stuck bolt.

Nuts are a threaded type bore fastener for torque transmission. Nuts are available various shapes, and it depends on the conditions of use.

Reasons for the failure of fasteners

Typically, the reasons why a bolt becomes unusable can be the following:

  • sticking;
  • displacement of parts that are fastened together with the participation of bolts;
  • excessive overtightening during installation;
  • using inappropriate keys;
  • uneven forces during loosening.

Preparatory work

Depending on the reason for which the bolt does not loosen, various preparations may be required.

For instance:


  1. Open the bolt joint using a penetrating fluid that is designed to reduce friction. For this purpose, you can use substances such as kerosene, brake fluid or WD-40. To do this, you will need to apply the substance to the joint and leave it for about an hour. Only after this time can you start unscrewing.
  2. Some people use a hammer to knock on the bolt, but only so that the existing threads are not damaged.
  3. You can try to slightly heat the element that has become stuck with a burner. This procedure causes the resulting dirt and rust to burn off, after which the bolt metal becomes more malleable.

Experts, answering the question,how to unscrew a screw with torn edges, they say that this is done in absolutely the same way.

How to unscrew a bolt with stripped edges

Once all the preparation procedures are completed, you can proceed with the extraction, buthow to unscrew a bolt with stripped edges? First of all, for this you need to purchase all the necessary tools. In order to implement your plan, you can use the following methods:

  1. Take a gas wrench, but it's only good if space allows. It is possible to use a gas wrench not only on bolts that have a surface with edges, but also on cylindrical ones, when the thread is completely torn off.
  2. A damaged bolt can also be removed with spanners, where there are different heads for torn edges. In this case, you will need to select the proper size of the head, otherwise it will not work to unscrew it.

Important!The longer the key, the easier it will be to unscrew the fastener.

If the use of the methods described above does not work, then you can resort to using other techniques.

Gas keys prices

gas wrench

How to unscrew a screwdriver bolt


Often the situation with bolts and screws confuses the owner, because not everyone knowshow to unscrew a bolt if it does not unscrew.

When there is practically no access, you can make a notch with a chisel or grinder. After the manipulation done, it will be quite easy to unscrew the bolt with a screwdriver.

Although in some cases this does not give the desired result, then you can take the same screwdriver, placing it at an angle, and lightly knock on it. But this must be done so that the bolt begins to rotate.

To the question, how to unscrew a hexagon with torn edges, experts say that this fastener can be removed by the following methods:

  1. Using a file that will help you get the hex size.
  2. Using a TORX sprocket, but it is important that it is the correct size.
  3. A screwdriver that can be used if you first make an even notch.
  4. Using an extractor that is screwed into the hex hole.

Bolt for an internal sprocket or hexagon

It can be unscrewed using the following methods:

  1. A flat screwdriver, but in this case you need to make a notch with a grinder or a hacksaw. This must be done so that the cut was with clear vertical walls, since otherwise the screwdriver will jump off.
  2. TORX sprocket, which should not be slotted into the hole, but should not be larger than this size. She must cut through the hat and fit tightly into it. Next, unscrew the bolt with jerks, because otherwise the slot may break.
  3. Using a drill, drill and extractors. To carry out the unscrewing procedure, you will need to drill a hole in the center and drive an extractor of the required size into it. After that, using pliers, unscrew the element. It is very easy to unscrew it with an extractor, since it has a thread that is opposite to the thread.
  4. A drill with a counterclockwise or reverse drill, the diameter of which is smaller than the deformed bolt. To carry out this procedure, you will need to drill a small hole with a thin drill and only then insert the left-hand drill. Naturally, now the drill will need to be set to the intensive rotation mode.

Attention!You cannot use an asterisk with a hole in the center, as they break when hammered.

How to unscrew the hex bolt

This fastener can be easily unscrewed in the following ways:

  1. With the above asterisk.
  2. Using a file that makes the correct size for the hex.
  3. With a screwdriver, but before that, as in the previous versions, you will need to make an even notch.
  4. An extractor, the method of using which has already been described.

How to unscrew a sprocket bolt with stripped edges

To carry out your plan, you need to knowhow to unscrew the sprocket bolt... After all, unscrewing such a fastener is possible in the same ways as those indicated above:

  1. After making a cut, simply unscrew the bolt with a flat screwdriver.
  2. Using an adjustable wrench, which is used to compress the part.
  3. Using an extractor.

How to unscrew a bolt with special equipment

The bolts are unscrewed using a variety of devices, and this will allow drill out the bolt without damaging the threads, eg:


  • keys;
  • a screwdriver;
  • pneumatic wrench;
  • ratchet.

But often it is not possible to solve the problem that has arisen with the methods listed above, and then others will come to the rescue.broken bolt removal tools:

  1. Thin open-end wrenches, but they are absolutely not suitable in the case of rusted or stuck bolts, as this tears off the edges.
  2. Wrench.
  3. Box keys, which are more applicable, since they cover the head of the product more tightly.
  4. Welding equipment.
  5. Hexagon box wrench, which is less likely to cause edge stripping.
  6. Impact pneumatic wrench.
  7. A multiplier that allows you to apply more force to a stuck bolt.
  8. Screwdriver with a large handle.
  9. Clamping tool.
  10. Extractor set.
  11. Hairdriver, which is perfect for products that have a high head.

Prices for wrenches

wrench

Working with a set of extractors

Initially, you will need to outline the center, which requires a center punch and a hammer. A pilot hole is then drilled to be used by the extractor.

Attention!In this case, it is important that the axis is not shifted, and the depth of this hole should be no more than three diameters of the drill used.

The extractor will need to be inserted into the hole and tapped slightly to make the fixation more reliable. Only then can the tap be used to screw in the extractor. Working with it is quite simple, since after the extractor enters the product until it stops, the product will begin to turn inside out.

Working with welding equipment


If athe bolt broke off, how to unscrew it without damaging the equipment itself? The fastest way is to use welding.

To do this, take a nut suitable size and weld it to the broken part, but only from the inside. After that, the product can be simply unscrewed the fastener with a wrench.

Welding equipment makes it possible to unscrew a screw or bolt, which has a broken head or edges torn off.

In a situation where the head is torn off, a small amount of metal must be welded onto the remaining part, then put on a regular nut and weld on.

Unscrewing with a wrench

Unfortunately, this tool cannot be used if the head of the fastener has been torn off.How to unscrew a licked boltdescribed in another paragraph. To unscrew it with a wrench, you must put a suitable nozzle on it. The very process of unscrewing occurs due to the impact mechanism of the wrench.

The nutrunner itself is a device that facilitates the process of assembling and disassembling bolt-nut connections. It is very convenient if wrench cannot be used.

As soon as the wrench is started, energy is supplied to the motor, transferring energy to the gearbox, which leads to the functioning of the chuck. Almost all devices that are designed to unscrew the nuts have a special spring that allows the chuck to rotate back. This fact allows the use of a nutrunner not only in mechanical engineering, but also in many other fields of activity.

A situation often arises thatthe bolt is not unscrewed, what to do in that case, if there are no special skills? There are several simple tipswhich make it easier to unscrew the fastener:


  1. In order to carry out this procedure faster, the element must be preheated.
  2. How to remove a stripped thread bolt? In this case, you can use a hex wrench.
  3. During operation, you can use acetone or oil for lubrication.
  4. The use of a reverse thread drill can greatly facilitate the process.
  5. If no special tools are at hand, then a core and hammer can be used. To do this, the first one should be positioned at an angle of forty-five degrees and hit on it with a hammer, but only counterclockwise.
  6. If it is not possible to unscrew the element, then you will need to drill a larger hole and cut the threads again.

How to unscrew a torn nut

In order to implement your plan, you need to knowhow to unscrew a nut with torn edges... Although not easy, there are a few tips from the experts:

  1. You will need a metal brush to clean the jammed joint. A small amount of kerosene or diesel fuel should be dripped into this place and wait twenty minutes. After that, using a spanner wrench, unscrew the nut.
  2. You can knock on the nut without using too much force.
  3. Using a gas wrench, as it has a stronger clamp and even round objects can be unscrewed with it.
  4. The grinder will perfectly cope with this problem, with which new faces are cut.
  5. At home, they often use a chisel and a hammer, with which they cut a non-working nut and then unscrew it.

All the methods described above for removing a rusted, deformed or stuck bolt will be within the power of any owner. And the listed tools and equipment can be purchased at any hardware store. It is important that too much effort is not made during disassembly, it is better to understand the cause of the problem and eliminate it.

How to unscrew the bolt? An article about effective methods with an overview of the best and non-standard tool.

In the material, we will consider how to unscrew a torn bolt (with torn edges), a rusted bolt, a crankshaft pulley bolt, a wheel, an exhaust manifold, a cylinder head and other components and assemblies.

How to unscrew the bolt

The bolts in the usual way are unscrewed with box or open-end wrenches, screwdrivers, heads using a wrench, ratchet or pneumatic wrench. However, other options are also possible.

Before unscrewing the bolt, from the existing tool, you must select the one that fit better Total:

  • thin short open-end wrenches, especially those with a too loose (broken) jaw, are the worst option, which it is better to refuse immediately in a situation with unscrewing rusty stuck bolts (this will lead to torn edges);
  • spanner wrenches are preferable to open-end wrenches, since they cover the perimeter of the bolt head more tightly;
  • A 6-sided box wrench or head is preferable to their 12-sided versions, since hexagonal wrenches have a large area of \u200b\u200bpressure on the flat working surfaces of the head and are less prone to tearing off edges;
  • a tool with an extended handle or additional attachment is preferable to a short one;
  • because of its simplicity and strength, the wrench is preferable to the ratchet, because for the latter, the application of increased forces can lead to damage to the mechanism (especially for ratchets with a large number of teeth, each of which is smaller and not so strong);
  • a pneumatic impact wrench is better than a hand tool;
  • in combination with a crank or pneumatic impact wrench, the best solution would be the Super Lock head, in which the force is applied not to the corners (edges), but to the planes, which excludes licking the edges of the bolt head;
  • a torque amplifier (multiplier) will help to apply a force to a large stuck bolt that exceeds human physical capabilities;
  • a screwdriver with a large handle of a typical shape or a T-shaped power tool will do better than traditional compact versions;
  • a suitable clamping tool (pipe ("gas"), wrench, clamp, vise, pliers, etc.) will be useful in the absence of keys or with licked edges;
  • with a sufficient head height, in rare cases, a studdriver of the appropriate size can be used.
Further, when describing the methods, we will show how to unscrew a bolt from an atypical tool.

The sturdy Super Lock wheel bolt head is worth buying and carrying with you in the car all the time, since wheel fasteners are often damaged during seasonal tire changes and can cause serious difficulties for the car owner on the road in the event of a puncture.

Which way to unscrew the bolt

Most often, bolts with a right-hand thread are used: they must be unscrewed counterclockwise (we look at the bolt from the side of the head). Unscrew the left-hand thread screw clockwise.

When deciding which way to unscrew the bolt, just look at it carefully:

  • from the side you can see the inclination of the threads of the bolt at a small angle - unscrew the bolt in the direction to which the thread "rises";
  • even if the thread is not visible, it is possible to determine the direction along the end part of the nut (or through the threaded channel in which the bolt sits) at the exit point of the last turn of its internal thread.
In the absence of visible signs, when only the cap tightly pressed to the surface of the part is visible, it is better to start unscrewing it counterclockwise, if there is no result, then try against it.

How to unscrew a torn bolt

A bolt with torn edges can be unscrewed in several main ways:
·

  • use the Super Lock head, which acts on planes, not on edges;
  • clamp the torn off bolt in the pipe wrench (in a vice, clamp, pliers, etc.) and unscrew it;
  • make a cut in the head and unscrew it with a powerful screwdriver;
  • combine the two previous methods, using both a clamping tool and a screwdriver, which will allow you to apply the force of two hands;
  • turn a smaller turnkey cap;
  • use a special tool - an extractor (similar to a tap, the working part is tapered, the thread direction is opposite to the thread of the stud): drill a hole in the center required diameter and a depth of about 2/3 of the length of the working part of the extractor, insert the extractor and rotate with force until the bolt is unscrewed;
  • drill a hole in the center of the cap no deeper than the height of the cap, drive in a TORX nozzle (E-profile, or another similar one with longitudinal ribs) into it and unscrew it by the shank of the nozzle;
  • hammer a suitable nut on top of the bolt head with lapped edges bigger size, the inner diameter of which allows it to fit into an interference fit, for additional fixation, drill a recess in the contact area of \u200b\u200bthe nuts, insert a suitable metal rod there as a key to prevent rotation, unscrew the bolt using a tool that fits the nut of a larger diameter;
  • put on a nut of a larger diameter and weld it to the head of the bolt with a semiautomatic welding machine, unscrew the large nut together with the bolt welded to it.
As you can see, unscrewing the bolt with the torn off edges is not so difficult.

How to unscrew a broken bolt

Information on how to unscrew a broken bolt that does not have a head can be obtained from the article “How to Unscrew a Stud: 25 effective ways and techniques ", which is posted in the" Useful "section of the site.

How to unscrew a rusted bolt

It is easier to unscrew a rusty bolt if you have access to the threaded part. As a rule, such an opportunity exists from the side of the end on which the nut is screwed (the bolt goes through the fastened parts), less often from the side of the cap, when it does not fit snugly against the fastened surface. You need to act as follows:
·

  • accessible threads must be thoroughly cleaned of rust with a metal brush, remove contamination;
  • apply a penetrating compound WD-40, "Liquid Key" and their analogs to the threads (so that the applied compound flows from top to bottom into the stuck thread of a rusty bolt), let the compound work for 20 minutes, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer of the product;
  • using the existing tool, apply force in the direction of unscrewing;
  • if the bolt does not give in, then apply the method of walking, alternately applying force to both twisting and twisting;
  • if these actions did not lead to a positive result, then apply soaking in a drug that is penetrating or chemically active against rust for a long time.

How to unscrew a bolt soaking

The essence of the method is the impact on the rusty threaded part of the bolt with a penetrating or chemically active composition with respect to rust for a sufficient time.

Basic methods:

  • generously moisten the rusty fasteners in the thread area with an active agent, wrap the accessible threaded shank of the bolt with a rag soaked in this agent or put it on top (so that the chemistry flows down the thread from top to bottom), close tightly to prevent drying out, adding fresh agent every few hours if necessary;
  • immerse the fasteners in the chemistry completely, using its large volume, a suitable container.
As a means for soaking rusty fasteners, the following can be used:
  • special penetrating compounds WD-40, "Liquid Key" and analogues;
  • kerosene, gasoline, carburetor cleaner, lock defroster, brake fluid and others from the garage stock;
  • rust converter;
  • chemically active in relation to rust compounds - table vinegar, iodine, Coca-Cola, etc.

How to unscrew a stuck bolt

Before unscrewing a stuck bolt, you need to perform preparatory steps that can make things easier:

  • hit the head with a hammer along the axis of the bolt;
  • apply swinging tapping with a hammer on the lateral working planes around the circumference of the bolt head;
  • if possible, then heat the fastened part in the area of \u200b\u200bthe threaded channel and try to unscrew it hot (if it does not help the first time, then repeat the heating several times).
In the latter case, matches, a wax candle, a lighter, a burner from gas spray, blowtorch or gas torch (the latter is extremely careful, at a sufficient distance so as not to damage the part).

To unscrew a bolt that does not want to loosen, stuck, you can apply a penetrating lubricant in combination with other methods of increasing the force effect.

How to unscrew a bolt without a screwdriver

If the head of the bolt is for a screwdriver, but it is not at hand itself, then the following options are possible:

  • clamp the head of the bolt in a vise, pliers, clamping pliers or other similar tool with a bit from the set;
  • if there is no cross or other curly bit, then use the method with sawing the head under a flat screwdriver or turning the head on a turnkey basis (file the opposite sides of the head with a file, burr or grinder until parallel planes of sufficient area are formed);
  • in the absence of a flat screwdriver or bit, use any suitable or specially turned to size object made of hardened steel - clamped in the tool listed above, it will act as a screwdriver tip;
  • with a massive head of the bolt, methods of fastening by welding or on the key of a large nut, or other suitable method described above, can be used.

How and how to unscrew a bolt under an asterisk or hexagon without a key

Often, a bolt for an asterisk or hexagon has round shape heads. How and how to unscrew the bolt without a key? You can consider any of the suitable methods, which have been indicated above, for loosening bolts with stripped edges.

How to unscrew hard to reach bolt

Before unscrewing a hard-to-reach bolt, you need to prepare a special tool:

  • wrench or ratchet with short handle;
  • ratchet with a large number of teeth in the mechanism (gives a small angle of rotation, which is important in cramped conditions);
  • extension cords for heads;
  • cardans;
  • flexible drives for heads.
If you plan to regularly work with hard-to-reach fasteners, then it is better to buy the listed tool, as part of a set or individually for actual tasks. For a single use, you can ask for the required time.

Conclusion

Before unscrewing the bolt, it is necessary to clean the threaded part of rust and dirt, apply a penetrating or chemically active compound against rust, choose from the existing tool that suits best and only then apply force.

Excessive force and the use of an unsuitable tool will most likely result in damage to the bolt head, bolt or tool breakage.

When considering how to unscrew a bolt, immediately choose the most efficient and reliable solution available.

This article will focus on such a misfortune as a broken or rusted bolt. In general, how to unscrew a bolt with torn edges if it cannot be done with a conventional tool?

It would seem that the simplest procedure for replacing bolts becomes a problem. This is often caused by a broken thread, sometimes the so-called “sticking” of the fastening material.

Not everyone will be able to unscrew the bolt with the torn off edges without damaging the outer case of the product, without certain knowledge. Therefore, one should consider in more detail the procedure for such work and study possible methods of its implementation.

Preparatory activities

It is not necessary to start removing the damaged bolt immediately, but after having previously performed a series of so-called preparatory procedures. The order of these works is as follows:


Basic Removal Methods for Stripped Thread Bolts

After completing all the previously described preparatory procedures and acquiring the necessary tools, you can start working.

Important to remember, that all auxiliary materials must be in good condition, otherwise the situation can only worsen.

There are several options for unscrewing the torn off bolts, consider the main ones:


Popular: Types of screwdrivers - selection, use, maintenance

In the event that none of these methods helps, other more complex measures should be applied.

Methods for unscrewing bolts with broken edges

Failure to remove the bolt does not mean that the job cannot be done. For these purposes, there are other, more radical ways.

If the thread is completely stripped, the pipe wrench can be useless when it is impossible to approach the product due to a lack of working space.

In this situation, the solution may be self-creation already new faces on the bolt with a file.

The old base is grinded to the desired size, and only then a spanner wrench with a head of the required diameter is used.

If the fastening material is too large, then it will not be superfluous to use a welding machine when a metal coating is applied to the damaged edges, and only then the desired shape is cut to secure the key.

A simple and often effective way is to split the intermediate piece (plastic gasket or rusty washer) between the bolt and the body using a familiar hammer and chisel.

In this case, you can strike as directly on the nut., and next to it at a certain angle, observing a slope towards unscrewing the bolt.

Some owners prefer to simply drill out the bolt with the broken edges using a conventional drill.

In this case, a hole is made inside the body of the fastener., which later serves as a place for fixing a special rod that has an L-shaped shape. This device will help to unscrew the bolt, acting as a handle to remove it.

Sometimes a broken bolt head becomes a real problem for the owner. Removing such a product is extremely problematic, but quite realistic.

A special tool called an extractor will help to unscrew the broken bolt.

Outwardly, this device looks like a metal rod with a tapered thread on the left side and a faceted base on the right.

The work technology itself is not particularly complex. A hole is made at the base of the bolt, into which in the future you need to screw the tool counterclockwise. Further, using a standard key, removing the damaged element will not be difficult.

Quite often, when using fasteners such as a bolt, situations arise when the head of the product breaks off, and the hardware itself remains inside. In this case, it becomes necessary to remove this residue without damaging the threads, so that the hole could be operated further. With this in mind, the topic of how to unscrew a broken bolt is very popular and requires more detailed consideration.

Types of kinks

Usually, such fasteners break at the end of the thread, although there may be exceptions. As a result, the hardware itself can be deepened into the hole, protrude above the surface, or even level with it. Based on this, it is necessary to decide how to unscrew the broken bolt, paying attention to this very moment.

Surface cliff

This type of breakdown includes the option when part of the hardware protrudes above the surface. It can be considered that the easiest way to solve this problem is without using radical measures. However, before doing any unscrewing of the broken bolt, it is worth treating the place with kerosene to remove carbon deposits and loosen contact between the surfaces.

  • If the protrusion is quite large, then the easiest way is to use tools such as pliers, pliers, or clamps, with which you can grip the part and turn it out along the thread.
  • Some experts, answering the question of what to do if the bolt breaks, which sits very tightly in the hole, recommend using welding machine... With its help, you can weld a lever to the hardware, which will result in a large shoulder for rotational movement.
  • You can also use a drill bit slightly smaller than the bolt itself. With a drill, a hole is made along the central axis of the bolt to the full depth. After that, the remnants of the fasteners are removed with a hook, trying to unscrew the thread from the very bottom.

Flush break

It is believed that this breakdown is the most difficult, since it is sometimes very difficult to determine the diameter of the hole, especially if the fastener has been cut. Therefore, in order to determine how to drill out a broken bolt of this type, it is first necessary to clean the surface, determining the gaps.

Quite often, the place of the cliff has very uneven shapes, which, with this arrangement, are very difficult to straighten. Drilling in this state will not work. That is why, first, a core is used, with which a place is prepared in the center for working with a drill.

Further steps on how to drill out a broken bolt are described under surface breakage. After making a hole, the remaining thread is simply removed with a hook.

Cliff below surface

This damage is quite complex, especially if the part itself is made of soft metal. Therefore, you need to solve the problem of how to unscrew the broken bolt and at the same time not damage the thread in the hole.

First of all, using the core, the center of the hardware is outlined. It is best to use a thin, durable metal tool to avoid accidentally damaging the part.

The next step is to purchase a reverse thread tap. Its diameter should be smaller than that of the bolt itself.

After that, a hole is drilled in the hardware itself for a tap, but it does not deepen it much. Then it is enough to install the threading tool and turn it along the way, which will lead to twisting. If this does not happen, then the tool is used as a regular bolt, but too much effort should not be made so as not to break it too.

Extractor

The most correct answer to the question of how to unscrew a broken bolt is the one in which it is suggested to use a specially created tool for this. It is called an extractor and is sold as a set of products of different diameters. Outwardly, it resembles a tap, but without longitudinal slots and with a conical notch for cutting.

To use the extractor, it is enough to drill a hole in the center with a diameter that allows the tool to enter a few turns. Then they begin to turn it until it stops, and then until it is completely twisted.

Output

There are several options for removing broken bolts from a hole that can be used for certain types of damage. However, it is best to purchase a set of extractors in advance, which can be considered the most the best tools for such tasks.

Reading time ≈ 5 minutes

Not every renovation is quick and smooth. Sometimes the occurrence of small problems can take a lot of time and effort to fix them. Here, for example, how to unscrew a bolt with torn edges? So that you do not waste time searching and viewing videos and photos on the Internet, we have collected different variants answers to this question in one article, which we invite you to read.

The reasons for such problems, as a rule, are associated with the effect of sticking, displacement of the fastened parts, as well as with strong "overtightening" of the bolt at the time of installation. In this case, a suitable tool is not always used (the key for 13 is easily replaced with a key for 14 with a screwdriver), which contributes to the tearing off of the bolt edges.

Preparatory work

Regardless of the reasons that caused the problems with unscrewing the bolt, it is worth performing a number of preparatory work, and only then proceed to plumbing operations.

  1. Open the bolted joint with penetrating liquid, which will greatly reduce the coefficient of friction. It is advisable to use WD-40, kerosene or brake fluid as such a fluid. After the liquid is applied to the problematic connection, you should wait 30-60 minutes, and only then start unwinding.
  2. You can first tap the stuck hardware (for example, with a hammer). This must be done carefully so as not to damage the thread itself.
  3. It is possible (if the location allows) to heat the stuck bolt with a gas burner, which will lead to the fact that rust and dirt turn into ash, and the metal itself will become somewhat more malleable.

How to unscrew a bolt with stripped edges?


It is very good if there is space around the problem connection that allows you to use tools such as an adjustable wrench or pliers for untwisting.

Bolt with stripped edges for a screwdriver

If access to the bolt with the torn edges is limited, then you can make a notch on the bolt head with a chisel or with a grinder. After that, you need to try to unscrew it with a screwdriver, and if it does not give in again, then put the screwdriver at an angle to the stuck bolt and hit it with a hammer, trying to create a rotational movement (counterclockwise).

Stripped Hex Bolt

Consider different options for the execution of bolts and those methods that are suitable for unscrewing them:

Bolt with a protruding head for an internal hexagon or sprocket


Such a bolt can be unscrewed:

  • With a flat screwdriver, having previously made a notch on the bolt head with a hacksaw for metal or a grinder (it is important to cut with absolutely vertical walls so that the screwdriver does not jump off during the unwinding process);
  • Using a TORX sprocket of a suitable size (chosen so that the splines do not go into the hole for the hexagon, but it is not too large). Such an asterisk should cut through the head of the bolt with slots, entering tightly into the head itself. Then you should unscrew the bolt with a jerk to avoid breaking the sprocket spline. It is not necessary to use TORX sprockets with holes in the center for this manipulation, as they break off when driven.
  • With a drill, drill and a set of special extractors (sold in construction and auto dealerships). To do this, drill a hole strictly in the center of the bolt, carefully drive an extractor of a suitable size into it, and then unscrew it together with the bolt with pliers. This will be easy because the extractor has the opposite threading direction to the bolt.
  • Using a reversible drill and a left-handed drill, the diameter of which should be slightly smaller than the damaged bolt. First, a small hole is made with an ordinary thin drill, and then we put a left rotation drill into the drill and turn on the drill in the inverse rotation mode.

Bolt with a hexagon hole

Such a bolt can be unscrewed:

  • Using a file to get next size for a hexagon (in this case, the bolt can even be reused);
  • With a suitable size TORX sprocket;
  • With a flat screwdriver, after making a notch on the bolt head with a hacksaw for metal or a grinder;
  • With an extractor that is screwed directly into the hexagon hole.

Steel connecting rod bolts

Such a bolt can be unscrewed:

  • With a suitable size extractor;
  • Using electric welding. To do this, you need to insert and weld an unnecessary hexagon that matches the size of the bolt. It should be noted that this method is only suitable for bolts made of steel.

How to unscrew a sprocket bolt with stripped edges

Such problems can be dealt with with almost the same methods that were proposed above for unscrewing hex bolts, namely:

  • Use an adjustable gas wrench with a compression part;
  • After making a cut on the bolt head, unscrew it with a flat screwdriver;
  • With a special extractor of the appropriate size.

In conclusion, I would like to note that there is a special tool for unscrewing bolts with stripped edges:

  • Stud runner;
  • Wrench, etc.

However, purchasing them is advisable only if you encounter similar problems quite often. Otherwise, try to find a way out of the situation using the methods that are given in this article.


Close