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Stripped Hex Bolt Head

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Old 03-24-21, 10:58 AM
  #1  
bktourer1
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Stripped Hex Bolt Head

Friend stripped hex bolt head (it recessed into adjustable stem) what is the best / easiest way to removed bolt?
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Old 03-24-21, 11:02 AM
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Try a torx bit.
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Old 03-24-21, 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by ridelikeaturtle
Try a torx bit.
+1
I've used this method. Had to tap it into the bolt head, but it came right out.
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Old 03-24-21, 11:26 AM
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will try the torx, do the extractor kits I've seen work?
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Old 03-24-21, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by bktourer1
will try the torx, do the extractor kits I've seen work?
Yes, and if difficult the left handed drill bit help as well.
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Old 03-24-21, 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by bktourer1
will try the torx, do the extractor kits I've seen work?
sometimes.

I would spray whatever you have with lots of PB blaster or something close and let it sit before I did anymore damage. if the bolt stripped because its a ball of rust inside the head tube its best to free that up as much as possible.
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Old 03-24-21, 02:14 PM
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gonna tackle this over weekend. Friend wanted to adjust the handlebars closer. Got 1 bolt out and looks like the wrench was put in at an angle and stripped the head
Thanks for the assists. will advise when resolved.
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Old 03-24-21, 04:53 PM
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The problem with trying a bolt extractor is that if you break the extractor now you have a piece of hardened steel stuck in the drive recess to contend with. I would suggest pounding a Torx or oversized hex (perhaps fractional) into the opening. I have also had success with epoxying a sacrificial hex driver into the recess; it is much less likely than an EZ-out to break off.
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Old 03-24-21, 05:35 PM
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I recently experienced a similar situation. The torque was too high to get any backout bite. I used a Wera Hex-Plus bit for the save and swear by them now.

A persuasive testament to the effectiveness of the hex-plus (TLDW @ 12:10)

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Old 03-25-21, 07:46 AM
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Technically speaking if you ask for a hex head bolt this is what you are going to get.
What you are trying to remove is an Allen or socket head bolt

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Old 03-27-21, 02:16 PM
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Once you have toe stripped bolt out, you've solved only half of the problem.

Find the allen wrench you were using when it stripped. Throw that sucker away and buy a new one. DO NOT save it somewhere for a spare.
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Old 03-27-21, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by ChrisWagner
I recently experienced a similar situation. The torque was too high to get any backout bite. I used a Wera Hex-Plus bit for the save and swear by them now.
I can attest to the effectiveness of hammering in a torx bit, but I'm definitely gonna check out this hex plus business.

I work on hydraulic stuff like excavators a lot, and they are a total bastard. When I come across a barely-accessible rounded-out allen head, I want hex plus on my side.

Thanks for the tip!
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