Having trouble removing a chain guide bolt (91 Q45)

[gniknave]

Doing the chain guides for a fellow member. All the guide bolts came off with no problem except for one on the drivers side. I've tried about all I could, from tapping a slightly bigger sized socket into the hole, to trying to fit an impact socket around the bolt and get it off using an impact wrench.

Anybody have any ideas of how, or what tool to use to remove a stripped guide bolt? I know I'm not the first and only to experience this...

[Q451990]

I have heard that having a Craftsman or Snap-on tool (high quality) is the only way to go when removing those bolts. It's been an issue before... not sure if the head is too damaged to try a new socket or not. Otherwise, I would think in terms of using a dremel tool to cut a grove in it (I'm assuming it's one of those bolts with a big flat head) and try turning it with a big screw driver. The next option would be drilling the head off, and then trying to turn the screw out with vice grips or maybe an "easy out".

Good luck!

Heath

[gniknave]

Yeah I was using a Craftsman socket when this happened. I learned the trick was to hammer the socket in first and then put it to use. when using it, push in with one hand and turn with the other. Last time I did this job I didn't do it that way and stripped EVERY guide bolt. This time I only managed to strip one. Used Craftsman both times.

I just had a guy from Terminex come by for the annual inspection and he saw me working on the Q. I told him my problem and he too mentioned an "easy out". what exactly is this tool and where can I get it?

[elwesso]

Evan,

I have one of those SNAP ON EASY OUTs..... Its a great tool, and will last forever.... our marina has one thats over 30 years old and it still works like new...

I think you can get them cheaper from sears, but this is exactly what i have

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog...=1254

You drill a hole into the bolt, and then use the extractor... It may be kind of tough with the location of the guides, but it may work..... only problem is, if the bolts are on really tight it wont work really good... If thats the case, id drill it out completely and retap the threads.....

[Raxephon]

This works as well.

No drilling, you just beat it into the center of the stripped hole until it holds itself in place.

Use a crescent to turn it while steadying it with the other hand.

Edit: Forgot to mention its about $2 from Sears.

[elwesso]

ive seen those too, those are cool lookin things, im gonna pick up a few of those for my toolbox..... itd probably work better than the easy out i posted a second ago.

[Q45denver]

You should be able to turn it with visegrips. If not apply a little heat and try it again.

[PopPop]

Big pair of flat jaw vice grips with the handles facing your radiator! Get them as tight as possible then put large screwdriver between jaws and turn slowly! I also use a craftsman extractor socket that's made for stripped bolts! This never fails! I've used them on many stripped rusty exhaust bolts!

[RobertsnewQ]

ooooooh I HATE EZ-outs!

curses, curses.... They always manage to expand the bolt and make it tighter in there.

I like the socket-type tools that Snap-on sells that have little cutting tools that grip what's left of the head. Anyone know what I'm talking about? You pound them on and violá the screw gets itself out.

EDIT: I just saw the post above mine. Those sockets are the ones to try before getting the drill out.

[gniknave]

I got the bolt out by cutting the head with a dremel and then using an air impact socket to get it off. Guides are done... kinda, now I have another - potentially big problem. See my other thread.