When incorrect tools are used to install or remove a bolt, or when the correct tools are used but low force and pressure are applied, the tool may not seat all the way into the bolt head, resulting in a stripped bolt with a damaged head.
Whether you’re a mechanic or someone who likes dealing with their car themselves, removing a stripped bolt can be quite a challenge. In this guide, we will teach you how to remove a stripped bolt and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Understanding Stripped Bolts
Before we start with the procedure, let’s understand what a stripped bolt is. A stripped bolt is when the threads of a bolt have been broken because of being overtightened or corrosion. Stripped bolts can also mean that their heads have been rounded or broken off to the extent that the bolt will not move.
If you were working on your car performing tasks such as an engine swap that required tightening of bolts, a stripped bolt can even occur if you’ve used the wrong wrench to tighten it. Sometimes the head of the bolt can separate from the rest of the nut, and it can become quite a task to remove. Further, we have mentioned how to deal with stripped bolts and how to remove them.
How To Handle Stripped Bolts?
Getting stuck in a situation with stripped bolts can be highly frustrating and stressful. It all depends on how you handle the situation. Stripped bolts can occur during their installation or removal, making it important for you to use the right tool.
Another thing to remember when installing or removing a bolt is that you apply the adequate amount of pressure. Sometimes applying intense pressure and torque can lead to a stripped bolt, or if you use low pressure, that ultimately just results in having loose bolts.
If somehow, despite taking all the necessary precautions, you find yourself with a stripped bolt, do not worry. We have an easy step-by-step guide that will guide you well through the entire process. But before you begin with the removal of a stripped bolt, you need to get all the necessary tools.
Tools required
Usage of wrong tools is one of the most common reasons for the occurrence of stripped bolts. You have to be cautious of using the right tools whether you are removing or installing the bolts.
Here we have a list of all the necessary tools that you will require for the successful and hassle-free removal of a stripped bolt.
- Box-end wrenches
- Blow torch
- Locking pliers (vice grips)
- Penetrating oil
- Socket wrench set
Step-By-Step Process on How To Remove A Stripped Bolt In A Car
Removing a stripped bolt in a car can look like an intense task. But with the right technique and tools, it can be done in no time. In this section, we bring you a step-by-step guide on how you can remove a troubling stripped bolt without making a fuss.
You really do not need any technical knowledge to get the job done. However, if you find any of the steps hard to perform or have your stripped bolt in tight areas or places that you cannot reach, we recommend you seek professional assistance.
There are many methods available for stripped bolt removal, but we have toned the level down to make it easier for you to understand and perform everything on your own.
- Remove rust: The first step in removing a stripped bolt is removing the rust around it. Use a penetrating oil like WD-40 and spray it around the bolt. Let the oil soak in for around 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.
- Screw in and out: After you’ve let the oil soak in, use a socket wrench or a set of pliers and move the bolt around to loosen it. If you notice that the bolt is moving but still seems jammed, add more penetrating oil and let it sit for another 15 minutes.
- Tap: Give the bolt a gentle tap; this can help break the bond between the bolt and the rust that’s causing it to be jammed.
- Use heat: If you still have not managed to move your bolt, try using heat. Slightly heat the bolt with a blow torch (or even a hair dryer if you do not have a blow torch) for 30 seconds (be careful not to burn yourself).
- Tap again: After you’ve applied heat to the bolt, give it slight taps again to help break the stubborn bond. Then try unscrewing it.
- Drill out: If all steps seem to fail, proceed with drilling the bolt out. Drill the center of the bolt and keep in mind to maintain a straight angle. Clean off the bolt shavings, and use a screwdriver to remove the remaining bolt.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Stripped Bolts
A stripped bolt can be difficult to deal with and can have you spending a whole day just removing it, if not done properly. Such situations can be tricky, but they can be avoided from occurring in the first place.
It is important to take care of such things, or else they can lead to further damage by getting stuck in places they shouldn’t be, interfering with other parts of the car, or leading to corrosion.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Most of the time, a stripped bolt occurs if the wrong tools have been used to tighten the bolt. It is important you use the correct wrenches and tools when tightening a bolt.
- A stripped bolt can happen if it has been overtightened. Follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications to avoid overtightening.
- Stripped bolts can also happen if they were used at the wrong angles to screw. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and screw at the angle required.
- Regularly check for any signs of damage to bolts.
- If you use an electrical drill to screw bolts, then make sure the drill is fully charged or with charged batteries. Low-power drills will produce less torque and driving power.
- When driving screws, apply steady and intense pressure. When the screw gets closer to the target surface, some people have a tendency to reduce the downward force. They typically hesitate out of concern that they will overdrive a screw. However, the majority of today’s screwdrivers feature a depth setting that produces a clear sound when the screw has been driven all the way down.
- When you are using tools such as wrenches, make sure to maintain a steady grip on your tool to ensure pressure. This way it will also avoid any crooked bolts.
Related FAQs
Can I remove a stripped bolt myself?
The success of a stripped bolt removal majorly depends on how good you are with tools. The procedure for removing a stripped bolt does not require heavy mechanical knowledge. However, it is handy work, meaning you need to be at least good with using the exclusive mechanical tools. There could be moments when a bolt is stuck in places that are difficult to reach with bare hands, and without knowing your ways around the equipment, achieving the desired results can be tough for you.
How much will it cost to remove a stripped bolt?
A stripped bolt removal generally doesn’t cost much and is relatively cheap. However, whether you perform the task yourself or ask a mechanic to do it for you plays a crucial role.
If you are sure on doing the task yourself, you will need specific tools like box-end wrenches, blowtorches, locking pliers (vice grips), penetrating oil, and a socket wrench set. If you already own these tools, your cost for removal is absolute zero. However, if not, you will have to buy them, making up the cost for getting this job done.
On the other hand, if you decide to have a professional take care of this task for you, you will have to pay around $60 to $120. However, be aware that the cost may change depending on the severity of the issue.
Why do stripped bolts happen in the first place?
Stripped bolts can happen for many reasons, especially if they are not taken care of before. A stripped bolt can occur if the wrong tools are used or if they are tightened more than it was required. Undertightening a bolt can also lead to problems as much as overtightening a bolt. It is essential to follow the required amount of torque for a bolt.
What is the best tool to use to remove a stripped bolt?
This can depend on how badly stripped your bolt is or how rusted it is. One of the tools that professionals recommend is locking pliers, as they easily grip onto the bolt no matter its condition. Locking pliers work on bolts that have been strictly jammed or seem impossible to remove.
The simplest way to use a locking plier is by grabbing the bolt head, locking the sides, and turning counterclockwise.
Does heat work when removing a stripped bolt?
The heat therapy is one of the most effective ways to get a really stubborn bolt to move. It can help loosen the bolt and get rid of the rust that’s holding it. Heat can work great simultaneously with penetrative oil. You should be able to get the bolt moving by using heat and oil.
Conclusion
It may seem like an infuriating task to remove a stripped bolt; however, with the right set of tools and instructions (as given in this article), you can tackle the situation effortlessly.
Understanding the causes, what tools to use, and how to prevent it from happening again can save a lot of time and money. A stripped bolt can make you struggle for hours if it has been severely damaged or jammed. Luckily, with this guide, you now know how to remove a stripped bolt.
