Any tips/tricks on how to remove a bolt...

[TheOtherLine]

whose head I snapped off because I over tightened it?

Snapped a bolt head installing the big u shaped zinc under the motor. Snapped flush with the opening..... :x

 

[pelagic2530]

drill and tap is probably gonna be your best option, unless you can get vice grips on it. did you break it installing the new one, or taking off the old? is the other one still holding the zinc? worst case scenario, you can wait until the zinc corrodes away to the point that you can get at it withe pliers or vice grips or whatnot.

 

[Luv2fish]

I have had some luck in the past taking a Dremel tool to cut a slot in whatever is left and turning it with a large screwdriver.

Steve

 

[Brent]

There are screw extractors for next to nuthin at Harbor Freight

 

[Brent]

A few times I used a drill then a small Phillips head screw driver. Tap it to seat then twist out, it depends on how soft the bolt is

 

[TheOtherLine]

Can't get vise grips on it. That's out.

I've never been able to make that drill and tap thing work for me. Maybe don't know how to do it correctly.

Dremel idea is interesting, but trying to envision scoring a straight line that would accommodate a screwdriver....

Harbor Freight Screw Extractor? Hmmmm. Sounds easy. Have to check that one out....

Thank you for all the suggestions.

 

[mildew2]

Be careful with the screw extractor. They are hardened and can snap off easily if you aren't familiar with using one. If it snaps off in the bolt there's no drilling it out.

 

[Sleigher]

If it broke off while you were screwing it in and the threads were in good shape it might be as easy as taking a punch and a small hammer and gently tapping it out. There is likely a small ridge that you can rest the punch on and tap at it counter clockwise.
Once the bolt head has broken off there ceases to be tension on the threads and as long as it isn't damaged (the threads) it should come right out.
If it is damaged or it broke while trying to take it out then you might have to go back to the dremel idea and cut a slot in the bolt. Then use the punch and hammer to rotate tap it out of the hole.
I have had decent luck getting even small screws out by drilling the center out and either using screw removers or some other device which gets me into the hole.
The trick is to start with very small drill bits and work your way up. Keep the rpm's low and drill straight otherwise you can snap off the bit.

Good luck,

P

 

[ReelyNauti]

get an extractor, put heat on area....both will do it

 

[TheOtherLine]

QRST079:

Well, thank you for that insightful tip on removing the bolts. I will be sure to store that in my favorites.

Now, go take another hit off that bong....