I stripped one of my bed bolts....help

well, I did it good this time. While doing the d-ring mod, I stripped out one of the T55 bed bolts. Do any of you have a suggestion for getting this thing out? I'll need to get a replacement bolt from the dealer but have no clue how to remove the damaged one.

 

Removing broken bolts is a pain in the ass.

You need to pick up a screw extractor, many are called easy outs although it is seldom easy, you can pick them up at most hardware stores and you need the correct size drill bit to go along with it.
You drill a hole as close to the center of the bolt and insert the extractor into it and then as you turn it left the threads will bite into the bolt and hopefully back the bolt out.

This is the best style I have found, you need a smaller one but this pic came up in the search to show you.

 

Dealer replacement bolt = $12.00. Ask me how I know this...

 

How did you do that?
Thread it back in with Loctite.

 

When you say "stripped", do you mean you rounded off the head, or did you cross-thread the bolt?

If you rounded off the head, the screw extractor will work. Otherwise...

 

In my case, genius that I am, it was cross threaded via using air tools. Derr... However, usually when someone says they "stripped" the bolt, they mean rounded off the head.

Gosh, that sounds weird...

 

How do you know this?

 

^See above, lol

 

yes, rounded off the head. The "star" shape of the T55 bolt head now looks like a freakin circle. I hate it when I'm a shithead.

OK...I'll try the screw extractor.

 

I have learned that lesson once before. I always hand thread all bolts before using air tools on them to make sure I don't cross-thread.

 

Or if you have a Dremel tool with a cutting wheel, you can cut a big slot across the top and use a big flat-bladed screwdriver

 

^ was just going to recommend that. It is usually the easiest way. Be sure to cut a wide enough slot for your screwdriver but not too wide that it will be loose.

I never have luck with the extractor bolts. I'm probably not using them correctly but I can never get them to grip.

If all else fails, use a dremel and flatten out the sides of the bolt in a hex patter. Then grab the closest fitting socket and wrench it out.

AND NEVER USE AIR TOOLS ON STUFF LIKE THIS!

 

Yep, Then just get a sacrificial socket and pound that bitch on there with a hammer.

 

I would try first to drill it with a small bit then repeat it with a large screw extractor bit.($7 at home depot)

 

If the torx head is what is stripped, then if the head of the fastener is high enough, I'd try using vice grips like one would use a jar opener.

Make sure you are able to get a good hold on the head of the fastener and then just unscrew.

 

You can also try pounding a robertson ( square drive ) bit into the head of the bolt prior to trying the extractor , because the square drive only has to cut a square out of the hole , I've had pretty good luck with it , just try to match the square drive size to just cut the corners into the hole ,

best of luck ,

OZ

 

update...the bolt extractor didn't work even after heating up the bolt with a torch. I'm considering buying a dremel and cutting wheel so I can grind a slot in the head but to be honest, I've never had a need for a dremel and am not sure it makes sense to buy one just to get this bolt out. All this so I can add another d-ring that I'll seldom use! ugh.

 

Get a dremel. You'll immediately start coming up with reasons you can use it.

 

do you recommend rotary or oscillating? Any particular brands or models? I'm always happy to add new tools to my workshop!

 

I used a bigger allen wrench, I hammered it in there and the applied force while turning to get it out.
I'd do the dremel route personally....lol I'd be an excuse to buy another tool