BROKEN OFF BOLT

Anonymous-0 · Aug 25, 2013

I know a lot of you guys have been thru this before. I have a 5/8 inch bolt broken off below flush on my tractor. I need to get it out to be replaced.

I know my best chance will be the first time so I want to do it right the first time. I dont have a welder, so that leaves the nut trick out. I have heard mixed reviews on the EZ out. What is the best way? Thanks for any help!

Dick2 · Aug 25, 2013

The best way is the one that works for you with the tools that you have available. If you use an EZ Out, drill the hole as large as you can without getting into the threads. The whole process can be a matter of "trial and error" until you find what works for you.

Royse · Aug 25, 2013

Broken off flush and with no welder I would use a left handed drill bit.
Center punch the bolt, dead center, then drill through it with a small drill bit.
Use progressively bigger left handed drill bits until it either turns out
(from the heat and left hand bit) or you get very close to the threads.
If you get out very close to the threads an E-Z out might work,
but they are so hard if you break it off in there you're pretty much done.
If you have the hole perfectly centered, you may be able to get
so close to the threads that you can pick the sides of the old bolt
out by bending them in with an awl.
Or, if the part is removable, consider taking it to a machine shop.

Janicholson · Aug 25, 2013

THe best and most useful easy out is straight sided, (tapered square shank, no spiral) Sears sells them among others. Drill 3/4 of the diameter then use the easy out as directed. Drilling through the bolt to its far end is desirable as it allows Juice to get to both ends of the thread. Jim

JD Seller · Aug 25, 2013

If you do not have a good set of easy outs then just center drill the bolt. Drill the bolt until the sides are real thin. I then take a chisel I made out of a 1/4 inch pin punch. This chisel is half round on one side so you can pick the bolt out of the threads easier with it.

Trick to do. If you missed the center of the bolt. When you get the hole big enough to get a die grinder rotary cutter into the hole. I have a set of carbide burrs. I take a small straight one and cut the bolt away. You can get real close to the threads this way.

There is not a big secret way to get a broke bolt out. It just takes time.

Dachshund · Aug 25, 2013

If you have a torch, try heating the surrounding area, then the EZ out (or LH drill) will work better.

mazemeister · Aug 25, 2013

is it rusted in there so tight that you rung it off, or is it relatively loose in the threads and just no way to turn it? if it's loose, drill & easy out, LH drill bits, whatever. if it rung off or is rusted, heating the surrounding metal red hot if safe and practical and/or like jdseller said with the chisel. just takes time.

flying belgian · Aug 25, 2013

depending on application you can drill it out and tap it for 3/4 bolt.

gab · Aug 25, 2013

The main thing to do is just take your time and then follow JD Seller's advice, get in a hurry and you're screwed.

Dick L · Aug 25, 2013

No such thing as an (EASY OUT) no mater what they want to call the things. Easy to break off is what they are.

Measure close to exact center as you can and center punch. Start an eighth inch drill checking and walking the exact center while measuring to make sure you are on exact center and straight down in the bolt. Drill straight in the 1/8" pilot hole with a 17/32" tap size drill bit. Work a 5/8 tap in and out the hole in about a 1/4 turn and back and forth chipping out the old threads. Most generally you can be back in business in less time than any other method.

tomNE · Aug 25, 2013

pay the service call for someone with a portable welder..........you will be $$$$$$$$$ ahead in the end!

Anonymous-0 · Aug 25, 2013

First thing I would do id to center punch it as close to center, as possible, then heat with a propane torch, to about 250 F, and apply a bees wax candle to the area around the bolt. The wax will wick up (or down) and lube the threads. Next I would go with left hand drill bits, drill about a 1/4 " hole at least 1/2" deep, then hammer in a pipe style easy out ( comes in a set sized from A-Z) Attach a small air impact, and give it a couple taps. If the easy out strips out, you re-drill next size up, and try again. generally the bigger bolts come out easier than the smaller ones, if that is of any consolation, to you!

showcrop · Aug 25, 2013

I am with the left handed drill bit contingent. Also I don't recommend EZ outs either, instead get an extractor, which is what Janicholson described with the tapered STRAIGHT sides and a little blade on each of the four corners. Get the correct sized drill for the EZ out. When I had a bad rusty situation I went to my local fastener store for the correct extractor for the size broken bolt and the correct left hand drill bit for that extractor.

BROKEN OFF BOLT

Anonymous-0

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Dick2

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Royse

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Janicholson

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JD Seller

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Dachshund

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mazemeister

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flying belgian

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gab

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Dick L

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tomNE

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Anonymous-0

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showcrop

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