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How to remove stripped hex bolt
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11-16-2018, 09:47 AM | #1 |
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How to remove stripped hex bolt
This happened about a month ago but I figured I would look for solutions now for the future.
When I did my 6spd transmission change, I played with the drain bolt a bit to re tight it. For some reason when I went to re tight the internals completely stripped, I guess because alu is soft? The proper hex key bit just spins in it freely. What would be the best bet to remove this when time comes in another 90 000KM. |
11-16-2018, 09:54 AM | #2 |
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Just so we're clear, you used a hex key? It looks like the proper tool for that bolt is a Torx bit. (Could just be the picture though)
It looks like there might still be something that a proper bit could grab onto. I'd try that first. If that doesn't work, I'd try jb-welding the bit in to place and letting it set up, then remove the bolt.
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11-16-2018, 09:59 AM | #3 | |
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That JB Weld idea is actually a fantastic one! Altough I suppose it'l be hard to recover the bit after? |
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11-16-2018, 10:11 AM | #4 |
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Clamp the shit out of a good quality pair of vice grips on it.
Or, buy a bolt out spiral flute kit, they work wonders. I have the Craftsman set; when they built good quality tools. |
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11-16-2018, 10:35 AM | #5 |
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Because it's so large and accessible, and also a one-time use bolt, I would just do what fravel said and JB-Weld it to some old tool or scrap metal and twist it out lmao.
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11-16-2018, 10:38 AM | #6 |
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That last part...
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11-16-2018, 10:48 AM | #7 |
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Use an easy out...same type of plug as the GM auto tranny; mine stripped the same way. You don't even have to tap it, just slowly work the bit in with an adjustable wrench clamped to it (don't use power tools) and spin it out.
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King Rudi13154.00 |
11-16-2018, 11:08 AM | #11 | |
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When it happened I was even afraid it might leak because of how not tight it was/felt. |
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11-16-2018, 11:16 AM | #12 |
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Thats definitely a torx bit. You can see clearly from the picture its a star, not a hex. It looks like you can still get the right torx to bite in it since it only looks like part of the bore stripped out. Its not unheard of for the fastener drive to change over time. I've gotten replacement hardware of the same p/n, and different manufacturer, time passes, etc... sometimes 6 points become 12, the drive diameter changes, torx becomes hex, etc...
Just because it came out with a hex key doesnt necessarily mean it goes back in with the same driver. |
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11-16-2018, 11:33 AM | #13 |
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If you don't have Torx Drivers and Sockets you better get
a set . Because almost everything on the car uses that type of fastener. And since a lot of the fastners are soft you need a couple of torque wrenches to cover the whole range properly . (unless you have one of the fancy expensive kind) Don't confuse Newton/meters and Ft/lbs or inch/lbs either. |
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11-16-2018, 11:38 AM | #14 | |
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I am pretty sure it was a hex before it got deformed, it's just the angle and after being deformed that it looks oddly like a perfect torx. I'll definitely take a double look next time I do the change but I'm positive it was a hex... the hex filled in all the gaps perfectly. I do have a 1/2 inch and a 3/8 torque wrenches. I made a sheet converting the Newton meters to Ft lbs of every drain bolts. Maybe I mixed something up when I did it. |
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11-16-2018, 11:42 AM | #15 |
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It looks like there is still some socket left at the bottom.
Vice Grips would be my first attempt. I have done things like cutting a slot in the head with dremel then using a regular bladed screw driver. You could end up with no head to grip. Don't know if that would be good idea with this or not. Last edited by ctuna; 11-16-2018 at 11:51 AM.. |
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11-16-2018, 11:53 AM | #16 | |
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11-16-2018, 12:04 PM | #17 |
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your blaming the bolt love it
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11-16-2018, 12:08 PM | #18 |
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Haha but no, I explained what I think happened. When I was re-tightning it, think my torque wrench was at an angle, so I think it put more pressure on one side and etched into and that's why you all see it as a torx bolt.
Still my fault. |
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11-16-2018, 12:10 PM | #19 |
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all good you got some great suggestions
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11-16-2018, 12:13 PM | #20 |
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Yeah fore sure. But I'm debating tho doing it now, or wait. Since I already changed fluid so next change is in about 85 000KM
Since it's alu it won't get seized or rust so the resistance even with vise grips then should be achievable? |
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11-16-2018, 12:37 PM | #21 | |
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Now it cold though and unless you have a heated garage maybe leave it until better weather. |
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11-16-2018, 12:46 PM | #22 | |
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Don't have a heated garage... my front brakes are due and brake flush to... hopefully not to bad, I'll do it this week-end. Also want to bleed clutch. Hey, at least I have a Milwaukee heated jacket! |
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