removing stripped torx bolts

Rich Iowa · Dec 4, 2010

Trying to remove some torx bolts and looks like someone tried using plain allen wrenches before, some are stripped to the point I can't bet the bit (T40) into the head. Anyone have ideas on how to get them out without destroying them and possibly reusing them? These bolts are for the tiedown cleats in a pickup bed.

Wisconsin Cowman · Dec 4, 2010

Sometimes hammering a bigger torx bit works. But most of the time I weld a nut on top if the head is destroyed. Or sometimes I use a multi- spline extractor which may also work.

Kirk Grau · Dec 4, 2010

My experience is that it will be pretty tough to salvage them. Head to the hardware store and see what you can find to replace them with. If you don"t have space or the skills to weld a nut onto it as mentioned take a die grinder or dremel tool and cut a slot into it and use a regular head screw driver to get it out.

Good Luck,

Kirk

Bob · Dec 4, 2010

Those bolts likely have some sticky snot form of loctite on them. I'd weld a nut to them to make removal easy, then simply replace the bolts.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 4, 2010

You might try using a punch and flatten the heads some.Then try your bit. Then get new bolts.

bison · Dec 4, 2010

You can also try using a hammer and cold chisel on the side of the head to break them loose,it often works as well.
I would not resuse them.

bison · Dec 4, 2010

You can also try using a hammer and cold chisel under an angle to the side of the head to break them loose,it often works as well.
I would not resuse them.

old · Dec 4, 2010

I have one of those old type hammer drive type impact wrenches and use a small flat tip type bit in it that I have hammered into the torx and most of the time that does the job. Some times you do have to grind the bit down a little to fit but it did the job

Rich Iowa · Dec 4, 2010

I appreciate the help guys. I will take one I can get out to the store and see what I can find to match and get the stripped ones out anyway needed.

PJH · Dec 4, 2010

Air chisel? Gonna need new bolts anyhow.

60 acre hillside · Dec 4, 2010

Before trying excess force ( enough to cause breakage or slipping ) take a hammer and a punch that will cover the entire head, Give the ounch a hefty whack of just one stroke. This oftentimes helps. Learned this the hard way after breakubf off 5 from a set of 8, Shop foreman struck the remaining 3 with his 3 pound hammer and said, "Now turn them out". I think the impact driver Old mentioned works this way because the striking loosens them a bit.

JDseller · Dec 4, 2010

I would take a flat punch that was the same size as the head and smack them a good blow with a two pound hammer just like the others have said. Then if you have a die grinder with a cut off wheel. Cut a slot across the head of the bolt. You can even do a recessed one with a smaller cut off wheel. Then just take a good large flat screw driver or impact driver and remove the bolts. I get stripped torq screws out all of the time like this.

removing stripped torx bolts

Rich Iowa

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Wisconsin Cowman

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Kirk Grau

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Bob

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Anonymous-0

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bison

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bison

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old

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Rich Iowa

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PJH

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60 acre hillside

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JDseller

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