How to Remove Broken Studs or Bolts

There can be nothing more frustrating than trying to repair a piece of equipment only to find a broken bolt. This aggravating situation calls for an innovative approach to removing the broken bolt. Solutions can vary depending on the location of the bolt and whether it is broken off below the surface of the female threads. A pair of locking pliers can often be used to remove a bolt if it extends above the surface of the threaded hole. When this approach fails, a drill and a screw extractor are the tools of choice.

• 1

  Spray penetrating oil on the broken bolt.

• 2

  Insert the drill bit into the drill chuck and tighten it. Select a drill bit based on the size of the bolt.

• 3

  Align the drill bit onto the center of the broken bolt.

• 4

  Drill into the center of the bolt a minimum of 1/4-inch deep. This allows the screw extractor to "bite" into the sides of the hole.

• 5

  Place the screw extractor into the wrench. Insert the extractor into the hole you drilled. The screw extractor is cone-shaped and is manufactured to be used in holes of different depths and diameters.

• 6

  Exert pressure on the extractor wrench. Turn it slowly counterclockwise until the bolt loosens.

• 7

  Continue exerting pressure while turning slowly, until the bolt is completely removed.