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Broken Bolts, Then Broken Bits Installing Skid

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by dkgco, May 30, 2019.

  1. May 30, 2019 at 6:50 AM
    #1
    dkgco

    dkgco [OP] Member

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    I've gotten myself into a tough situation while trying to install a skid plate on my SR5.

    3 out of 4 bolts went on just fine, but I ended up breaking the 4th bolt because it was so tight. It is completely broken off so I have no leverage on the bottom side. The top threaded side is sticking out but I'm unable to access it with any tools I have because of the weird angle.

    I successfully drilled through it with a small pilot hole in an effort to drill it out, but then when I moved up to a larger bit my bit broken off. I picked up a cobalt bit and tried that and have had no luck so far, I'm guessing because now I have to get through not only the bolt but also the broken bit.

    If I can get the bolt out my plan is to just drill out the threads and use a bolt/nut setup, but I need to get the bolt out first. Any ideas for how to tackle this now?
     
  2. May 30, 2019 at 6:53 AM
    #2
    Minimag95

    Minimag95 Well-Known Member

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  3. May 30, 2019 at 6:56 AM
    #3
    dkgco

    dkgco [OP] Member

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  4. May 30, 2019 at 6:56 AM
    #4
    RocTaco

    RocTaco Free stun!

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    Can you weld a nut back on the bolt where the head snapped off? Gonna be a nightmare trying to drill it with a bit stuck in there.
     
  5. May 30, 2019 at 6:58 AM
    #5
    dkgco

    dkgco [OP] Member

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    Unfortunately don't have access to a welder :(
     
  6. May 30, 2019 at 6:58 AM
    #6
    Minimag95

    Minimag95 Well-Known Member

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    Its worth a shot. Those thing work wonders, they've saved my ass a couple of times. Another alternative that i've seen people do is weld a nut or another bolt or something to it to get it out, I dont have a welder so i've never done that before.
    Edit: Guy above me posted the same thing as I was typing that lol
     
  7. May 30, 2019 at 6:59 AM
    #7
    Benny123

    Benny123 Kid from the late 70s

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    If you can get a cut off tool or angle grinder beside it, cut it flush, then drill it out. I had a similar situation where I had a rounded off bolt for a skid and had to use a Bluepoint bolt extractor.

    If not, heat, vice grips, penetrating oil.
     
  8. May 30, 2019 at 7:00 AM
    #8
    Rujack

    Rujack Stop Global Whining

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    Can you cut a slot in it to try a large flat head screwdriver? One with a square shaft to turn with a wrench would be best.
     
    whatstcp likes this.
  9. May 30, 2019 at 7:01 AM
    #9
    dkgco

    dkgco [OP] Member

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    Interesting idea! I'll give this a shot, and if not try a bolt extractor.
     
  10. May 30, 2019 at 7:02 AM
    #10
    Minimag95

    Minimag95 Well-Known Member

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    That might work, i've had to do that a number of times with stripped philips screws. Just use a dremel with small cutoff wheel
     
  11. May 30, 2019 at 7:03 AM
    #11
    Rujack

    Rujack Stop Global Whining

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    Heat cycle it with a torch or similar before trying to turn it.
     
  12. May 30, 2019 at 7:10 AM
    #12
    Durango95

    Durango95 Well-Known Member

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    Use an arc gouger.



    :poking:
     
  13. May 30, 2019 at 10:17 AM
    #13
    Citizen Rob

    Citizen Rob Well-Known Member

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    If you are in the Bay Area, you can bring it to my shop. I've got access to a welder and can weld a nut on the stud and extract it for a 6 pack of beer.
     
    Amanelot and Taco_Craig like this.

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