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  • #1

    Broken bolt?

    I see a lot of posts here about broken bolts (as will happen with old cars) and just wanted to throw out a good tip that may save somebody someday.

    Tip: Use a "left hand" drill bit. (not a joke!)
    Most drills are "right" hand, meaning they work by spinning clockwise

    They happen to make "left hand" drills. They work by spinning counter-clockwise.

    To tighten a bolt is clockwise (same as right hand drill)
    but to loosen it, it is counterclockwise (same as left hand drill) See where i'm going?
    By using a "left hand" drill, many times the bolt will just unscrew itself when the drill bit catches on the bolt! Bolt comes out in like 1 second.
    These are available at tool supply stores that sell cutting tools.
    Just FYI


    (Disclaimer: Does not work for a rusted in or a really banged up or stuck bolt)
    Last edited by drddan; 12-13-2010, 09:42 PM.
    Dan




    Red 1988 Festiva L - CUJO

    Black 1992 Festiva GL Sport - BLACK MAGIC

    I'm just...a little slow... sometimes:withstupid:

    R.I.P.
    Blue 1972 Chevelle SS-468 C.I.D. B'nM TH400-4:56 posi-Black racing stripes-Black vinyl top-Black int.
    Black on black 1976 Camaro LT-350 4 bolt main .060 over
    Silver 1988 Festiva L

    My Music!
    http://www.reverbnation.com/main/sea...t_songs/266647
    Tags: None
  • #2
    ^^^Bumpity bump. not sure if anyone saw this. (posted late at night)
    Dan




    Red 1988 Festiva L - CUJO

    Black 1992 Festiva GL Sport - BLACK MAGIC

    I'm just...a little slow... sometimes:withstupid:

    R.I.P.
    Blue 1972 Chevelle SS-468 C.I.D. B'nM TH400-4:56 posi-Black racing stripes-Black vinyl top-Black int.
    Black on black 1976 Camaro LT-350 4 bolt main .060 over
    Silver 1988 Festiva L

    My Music!
    http://www.reverbnation.com/main/sea...t_songs/266647

    Comment

    • #3
      I use left hand bits all the time to remove broken bolts.
      Brian
      http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2274977



      93 GL modyfied!!!
      :fish:

      Comment

      • #4
        pb blaster and a torch work well too..... for those really stubborn broken bolts!


        88 festiva lx, 2.3 turbo rwd swap in progress
        1999.5 f-350 4x4 7.3 gtp38r 5" exhaust ect.
        R.i.p. 1990 Western Star 5964s 3406b 530whp (4.2mpg!)
        00' western star flat top ex, 600hp 6nz 2250tq, 18918b, 3.55, full lockers, 6" straight pipes
        03' gt, full termi swap 700+ whp build

        sponsered by,
        pam pam's junk, dayton OR.
        Bob's ok tires, salem OR.
        Clausen Truckin', keizer OR.

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        • #5
          easy-outs are also available..... they are like a reverse screw, you just predrill the hole with a regular drill, then use this to back out the broken bolt...

          -"Hairlipstiva" 1991 GL 5spd (swapped from an auto), rolling on Enkei 14x6 +38 with 195/45/14 Toyo's, Jensen MP5720 CD deck, tach install, LED strip in cluster, down position rear wiper, FMS springs, Gabriel shocks on 4 corners, Acura Integra short shifter
          -Escort GT 91 donor car with BP, G5M-R tranny to be dropped in the little guy...
          -Aspire brake swap COMPLETE!
          https://www.wunderground.com/persona...?ID=KOKOWASS38

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          • #6
            the square style easy outs work much better than the screw style. i always seem to break the screw style lol


            88 festiva lx, 2.3 turbo rwd swap in progress
            1999.5 f-350 4x4 7.3 gtp38r 5" exhaust ect.
            R.i.p. 1990 Western Star 5964s 3406b 530whp (4.2mpg!)
            00' western star flat top ex, 600hp 6nz 2250tq, 18918b, 3.55, full lockers, 6" straight pipes
            03' gt, full termi swap 700+ whp build

            sponsered by,
            pam pam's junk, dayton OR.
            Bob's ok tires, salem OR.
            Clausen Truckin', keizer OR.

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by 25Horseplay View Post
              I use left hand bits all the time to remove broken bolts.
              Originally posted by 1988festivazoom View Post
              pb blaster and a torch work well too..... for those really stubborn broken bolts!
              I've been using both for years. Especially the PB Blaster and heat. Usually the reason the bolt broke in the first place is because it's rusted and/or corroded in place.

              My cousin swears by a couple of light taps on the broken bolt along with the heat and PB Blaster.
              Festiva: Because even my dog can build a Honda.
              ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

              '90 L. B8ME/Kia Rio 5 speed. Rio/Aspire suspension swap. :-D
              '81 Mustang. Inline 6, Automatic.
              '95 Eagle Summit Wagon. 4G64 Powered.

              Comment

              • #8
                I use to be skeptical of Pb blaster and heat and now I use it almost on everything, The few light taps definitely helps too.

                Also if the head gets stripped you can cut a slot in the head and then use a flat-head screwdriver to get it out.
                91 Festiva BP Autocross/Track/Rallycross hopeful
                14 C7 Z51

                Comment

                • #9
                  The left handed bits won't do you much good if the bolt is stuck.
                  Brian
                  http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2274977



                  93 GL modyfied!!!
                  :fish:

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Originally posted by 25Horseplay View Post
                    The left handed bits won't do you much good if the bolt is stuck.
                    Yep. See the "disclaimer" in 1st post.:p
                    Dan




                    Red 1988 Festiva L - CUJO

                    Black 1992 Festiva GL Sport - BLACK MAGIC

                    I'm just...a little slow... sometimes:withstupid:

                    R.I.P.
                    Blue 1972 Chevelle SS-468 C.I.D. B'nM TH400-4:56 posi-Black racing stripes-Black vinyl top-Black int.
                    Black on black 1976 Camaro LT-350 4 bolt main .060 over
                    Silver 1988 Festiva L

                    My Music!
                    http://www.reverbnation.com/main/sea...t_songs/266647

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Rusty bolts

                      Heck just use a left handed directional wrench. LOL
                      An idea can turn to dust or magic, depending on the talent that rubs against it.

                      Comment

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