Removing Rounded Bolts

[fitzy2005]

any suggestions on removing rounded bolts, trying to get a bolt off my air con pump on me vr commodore so i can get to my engine mounts..

any help appreciated

[matty88]

OK, there's a few good tips I use (isn't it annoying when the last bolt ruins). You can try to oxy the head, to expand it, or just weld a rod onto it and turn the rod to loosen the bolt. Another way is to cut a slot in the head so a screwdriver can undo it.

[WaynoVN]

Yep, those bolts are a pain sometimes. I haven't done it on them but I have removed a rounded bolt by tapping a smaller size socket on with a hammer. Find a socket that's the tiniest bit smaller a knock it on, don't use a expensive socket..lol.. and you will need a new bolt when you get it out.

Goodluck.

[craigvk]

Weld an oversize nut on them. Spray Inox around the thread. You can get spanners that can remove rounded heads. Check Super cheap or other tools places. And in the future, use the right spanner or socket whether it's imperial or metric. They very rarely slip. Don't use adjustable wrenches as they slip.

[craigvk]

You could also grind each side of the bolt head to make each side flat and then use an open end spanner to undo it.

[s0sage]

use your teeth

[matty88]

After you mate

If it's a nut that's froxen, buy a nut splitter (sounds painful lol)

[davey g-force]

Depending on how tight it is, vice grips wrapped tightly around the head may do the trick. It's worked for me in the past...

[fitzy2005]

cheers guys, all done, locking pliers did the job, very awkard place to use them tho!!

[craigvk]

Good 'ol vice grips.

Take note everyone of a thing called Anti Seize.
Use it on all your threads! Saves trouble later.

[VNCalais98K]

Haha... so if they get loose its because you should have used loctite.. if they are too tight its because you should have used anti seize... how do you win that one?

[s0sage]

Haha... so if they get loose its because you should have used loctite.. if they are too tight its because you should have used anti seize... how do you win that one?

hahahah good point - use a torque wrench and torque each bolt in your car to the factory specifications ... if you can be f--cked doing it

[craigvk]

Anti seize is a solution to prevent frozen bolts. Loctite thread locker should be used where appropriate only.

Sounds like the OP possibly didn't use the correct spanner or socket for the job.

[craigvk]

I should add though while on the subject... I have removed bolts in the past but haven't stripped the head. But I have snapped the head off and needs to have a nut welded back on to remove the bolt. What a pain.