Damaged Bolt Heads!

[chairchild]

I've got a Halfords professional version of the above set - But from experience, I'd only ever use them take out studs that WEREN'T going to be used again, they have a tendancy of crushing threads flat

[roundozo]

Update:

The bolt is out!!! managed to file a shape back into it, hammer on a 3/8 and then use an extended handle to get more pressure on it. Its finally out and now the new water pump is in. Just got to replace this bypass hose and then she should be ready to go (hopefully).

Thanks for all the help and advice on this one chaps. Its been an eye-opener. Maybe this should be in the how to thread. I’m sure many, many people have to deal with shredded bolt heads.

[ChasR]

Something similar to the bolt grips.

I can definitely recommend the Irwin Bolt grips. Granted the bolts are scrap afterwards but it can get you potentially out of a sticky predicament.

[scruff]

Nice one.

[paul4be]

Glad that you managed to get sorted, at least something worked!!!

[mishnish]

Nice one for getting it out! I second the welder approach. All I have is a cheapo 50 quid stick welder but it has pulled me out of many binds. For example:

1.
I couldnt get a parted roll bar drop link out of the roll bar no matter how hard I smacked it with a hammer. I welded a M12 bolt to the ball on the drop link, then using a socket, nut and big washers made a bodged up "puller" The extra pull combined with the hammer made it fly out

2.
Couldnt get a socket on to the propshaft u joint strap bolts as they were very tight to the transfer case and in danger of rounding as they were quite small. I welded the tightest socket I could find to the tip of an old screwdriver and it was the buisness!

3.
Stripped thread in steering knuckle for disc brake caliper. welded a nut onto the other side - easy fix!

[elmotheewokking]

I just hope you re-installed it with a liberal application of copper slip lol.

[roundozo]

Re-installed with new gasket, gasket silicone and copper slip in the bolt holes. a proper job. On taking the old water pump off the previous owner of this particular engine had filled the bolt holes with silicone! no wonder they were hard to get out. The gasket that was there looked a bit home made too so maybe the old water pump isn’t knackered after all. Oh well a spare is always nice to have.

[Kai]

I'm going to chime in with my vote for Irwin bolt grips - they really do make a hell of a difference. On my old Golf GTi, the hex head bolts holding the fuel rail on flat out refused to come out, and rounded in the process. No amount of hammering with a chisel made any difference. However, got a set of irwins and within 10 seconds, both bolts just came straight out!

[dazcapri]

Irwins would get my vote as well if you haven't got a welder or heat of some sort they can be a lifesaver

[DavidB]

Angle grinder.

[bl1300]

Try an equivalent imperial socket, you may find that it will work.
Ive also found 10mm bolt heads slipping in one 10mm ring spanner but working fine in another one from a different set.

Irwin bolt removers are FTW!

[mirafioriman]

I have a set of Irwin bolt grips. Best tool I ever bought, wouldn't be without them. Saves so much time it's untrue

[Fat Jack]

Irwin bolt grips here too. Best things ever.

Had to check you managed it, or I was going to offer you the lend of mine.

They are worth their weight in gold

[roundozo]

Thanks for the offer bigfatspaz! As posted elsewhere she's just passed her MOT so thats all good. Unfortunately i have a Idle issue. She cuts out on clutch usage. Hummmm? Locating source of issue this thursday and friday but if i don't find it I'm still going to get RR. Nothing can stop me now!!!

[skinley]

Glad to hear you've managed to remove it, but I just thought I'd add a technique which has worked for me in the past.
Cut a slot in the head of the bolt with a hacksaw and use a screwdriver to undo it.

[murran]

ive got the snap-on version of these irwin things. brilliant things..... just need a set for putting the rounded off bolts back in now. ive looked but cant find a set anywhere! lol.