[HondaH8R]

I was removing my nuts, they where rusty so i sprayed on WD-40, and I was under the car, and all of a sudden I hear a SNAP... the bolt head snaped off! am I scrwed? there is like less then 2CM of nut sticking up from the block.

[HondaH8R]

I was removing my nuts, they where rusty so i sprayed on WD-40, and I was under the car, and all of a sudden I hear a SNAP... the bolt head snaped off! am I scrwed? there is like less then 2CM of nut sticking up from the block.

[digger1978]

Go and buy and "easy-out" or broken bolt extractor kit from a hardware store. It consists of small drill bits with hardened steel. First use a punch to on the broken bolt if you can to center the drill bit. The drill bit turns clockwise. Then you install the extractor bit and reverse the drill setting so it spins counter-clockwise. Voila! You can now remove your bolt.

Please note this all depends on how much room you have with the drill and where the bolt is located on your car.

[Stuart]

Before I drill out a broken bolt, I like to file the broken end flat first to make it easier to drill it right on center.

[gpmodelj70]

Yeah but if it was stuck bad enough to snap off the head how is the easy out going to be able to do it?

[PLAY400]

I gave up on WD40. Now use some generic biodegradable stuff that actually works. Think its called release. Stuff absolutely amazes me the way it works. Haven't pulled out the 'liquid wrench' since I started using this stuff.

[PMDRACER]

I've had good luck with drilling a hole all the way through the bolt and then spraying both sides with PBlaster, letting it soak, then using the Easy Out.

For the really tough ones I will heat it up with a bottle torch and alternate between heat and the PBlaster.

Others have said they use the bottle torch to get the bolt really hot and then hit it with candle wax.

[buwalda]

This post makes a great reason to use stainless steel fasteners for the exhaust system. You won't need the Easy Outs again. Been doing it for 25+ years.

[krisr]

I dont quite have 25 years experience, but in addition to stainless fasteners, I use high temp antiseize and spring washers. Never a problem and my motor has been in and out more times than i've had baked dinners.

[carbking]

You might wish to search the archives, as this subject has been extensively covered in the past.

PS. The "not-so-easy-out" should be your last plus one choice!

Jon.

[COLETTE]

If it does come down to the easy out every couple of turns give it (the easy out bit) a couple of good taps with a ball/ping hammer. The last time somthing like this happened to me it took over 10 hours for me to fix it with drill bits easy outs and taps. Good luck.

[PMDRACER]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Yeah but if it was stuck bad enough to snap off the head how is the easy out going to be able to do it? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Simple. You are not relying on the easy-out alone. You drill the hole all the way through, and now you can get oil (or whatever) to the backside, heat with a torch, etc. All the easy-out's job is to be a new handle. Have had the unfortunate task of having to rely on them many times. (Knock on wood) I've never broken one, and only once has it not worked and had to resort to other measures.

The comment on s/s fasteners is good, but it's too bad GM didn't know about it 30+ years ago. Something you put together a year or so ago just doesn't seem to have the "holding power" of a bolt that was assembled and subjected to 30+ years of hot/cold cycles, rain, snow, salt, rust and who knows what else.

[Brian D'Amico]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I was removing my nuts, they where rusty... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry guys... this one just struck me as funny... ok back to car talk again!!