mxt_77

Is this possible? I have a part to replace (key cylinder) on my other car. It has a shear-head bolt holding it on, so I drilled the head off. Unfortunately, I now need to re-install the part, but the remaining (threaded) portion of the bolt is still inside the part. Is there a way to get that out without damaging the threads so I can re-install the part with a new bolt? What's the trick?

Stratocaster

I used something like this to do mine. You drill a hole in the bolt and hammer this in. Using a socket wrench, you unscrew it.

PrecisionS2K

i believe most tool companies (craftsman, etc.) have bolt remover kits. i have also heard of people using (reverse/left hand) drill bits to remove them. basically those "grab" the offending bolt and allow you to thread it out. i don't remember the process exactly, as it has been a while. hope this helps.

jetboater

Precision S2K is right----try to estimate the size of the bolt and go to Sears--they sell bolt-out and screw-outs in various bolt sizes---you can buy just the size you need or a whole set. (you can also buy the single drill bit you need for that particular bolt size if you need it)
you basicly drill thru the center of the bolt almost to the end of it, insert the bolt out, and with a wrench or vice grips, unscrew it--I've had to do it several times- on broken bolts and screws (bolts are actually easier to remove) --it's not as hard as it sounds. Depending on the size you need, the tool and the bit are usually under 10 bucks for both
good luck

mxt_77

Thanks guys, I'll look for something like that tomorrow. Hopefully it'll work for me!

jetboater

may want to hit that broken bolt with a shot of WD40 tonight and let it soak in to make it as loose as possible.
don"t worry if you don't get the drilled hole exactly in the center of the bolt (it's very hard to get it exactly on center) as long as the hole is deep enough for the bolt out bit to grab, it'll work fine
(I had to buy a small bolt out (size 1) last week--it and the 5/16 drill bit were both about $6)

Stratocaster

mxt_77

The heads of these bolts are designed to be drilled off. That releases the tension and they unscrew easy. I have to do this when I changed from an AP1 key set to an SP2 key set. It was easy.

jetboater

I'm not familar with this particular bolt--will he still need to use a bolt remover (bolt out) to get it out?

Stratocaster

A shear head bolt is what they use to mount the ignition key in place. The tops "shear" off when torqued. The idea is that it will take you some time to remove and install a new key cylinder to steal the car if you have to drill out the bolts.

jetboater

so that's a "yes" on the use of a bolt remover tool? (sorry I'm not following this very well )