I think this has been one of the most requested videos ever. I think if you spend any time at all repairing vehicles, you will eventually run into this problem. There are many different ways of dealing with it and I cover most of those in this video. The focus however, is on drilling and tapping out the broken fastener. Yes, there are other methods that are not demonstrated in this video, and I may make videos specifically on those methods at some point in the future. One method I forgot to mention was welding something onto the broken fastener so that you could turn it out. I meant to mention that, but forgot. For now, I think this will help you if you find yourself dealing with a broken fastener. I wish you luck no matter what method you choose.
Another option mentioned in the comments is left handed drill bits. They also have these with a special remover built into the bit. This is something I haven’t used in the past and I don’t currently own a set, but many have stated that it is another option for removing broken fasteners. There’s a link below to these tools.
Lots of links for you with this one.
Using a Torch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPlndTrPK6A
This is where the engine cam from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EawfCXRxXg
Tools
Drill: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/buffalo-tools-ps07215-18-volt-cordless-drill/#oid=1002_1
Angle Drill (pneumatic): http://www.jbtoolsales.com/performance-tool-m649-3-8-heavy-duty-angle-drill/#oid=1002_1
Angle Drill (electric): http://www.jbtoolsales.com/dewalt-dw160v-3-8-vsr-right-angle-drill/#oid=1002_1
Left Handed Drill Bits: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/mountain-55672-5-piece-mountain-left-hand-drill-bit-set/#oid=1002_1
Screw Extractor Set: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/otc-4651-screw-extractor-set/#oid=1002_1
Broken Spark Plug Remover: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/lisle-65600-broken-spark-plug-remover-set-for-ford-triton-5-4l/#oid=1002_1
Bolt gauge: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/370711336405?lpid=82
Tap and Die Set: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/gearwrench-3887-75-piece-tap-and-die-drive-tool-set-sae-metric/#oid=1002_1
Tap sockets: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/irwin-3095001a-adjustable-tap-socket-small/#oid=1002_1
Center punch: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/lisle-30280-automatic-center-punch-5-1-2-long/#oid=1002_1
Drill Bits: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/buffalo-tools-ps07535-titanium-drill-bit-set/#oid=1002_1
Drill bit sharpener: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/drill-doctor-350x-drill-bit-sharpener/#oid=1002_1
Punch set: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/performance-tool-w750-7-pc-chisel-punch-set/#oid=1002_1
Hammer: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/gearwrench-82253-ball-pein-hammer-32-oz-fiberglass/#oid=1002_1
Vice Grips: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/irwin-37-pliers-locking-2pc-10wrench-5wrench/#oid=1002_1
Safety glasses: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/sas-safety-5341-nsx-cricket-safety-glasses-black-frame/#oid=1002_1
Easy outs: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/otc-4651-screw-extractor-set/#oid=1002_1
Easy out drill bits: http://www.zorotools.com/g/00065862/k-G2602731?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&kw=%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=CNPKiea6nrwCFY1cMgodVjwAkw
Discussion about this video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/forum/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/49344-removing-broken-fasteners#87001
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
Here’s my method.
One day i decided to go ahead and install a bullbar on my truck, the day starts. I try to remove the bolt that holds in the tow rings, I remove 3 eventually with socket set and breaker bar. Then I come to the 4th and final bolt (Yes! I almost there I silently said in my head, with a chuckle) I break a breaker bar and go search for another one. Then later that day after 70-100$ of tools and supplies. I break the head off with a breaker bar, after breaking the 1 breaker bar. Days later after it soaking in PD I drill a small hole a pilot hole with a left hand bit set. That I had to go and buy along with a thread kit and some other shit. Now days later I’m still working on it. I think I have the method.
1k of thumbs down might want to stick to the topic instead of journeying onto other topics. Personally, you talk too much get straight to the point on how you're going to go about it. Not you don't want to do this or that unless if you can work and talk at the same time. Sorry but wasn't worth the 30 mins of effort to listen to you ramble on about nonsense.
Thank you very much sir, for such a great explanation and for taking the time to do what a lot of us could run to and now having a bit of knowledge to to try to sold this kind of problems.👌😓
I have a amscope microscope I can look at in the microscope to see the right pitch
Man I had a rocker arm bolt snap on me in my LS cam swap. The amount of a high I got when me ez out caught what was left and zipped it out was better than any drug lol
Eric I'm wondering why you didn't use an ace out after you got a good hole drilled in that broken bolt. It seems like with some penetrating oil and an ease out it you know it might have worked well that having a tab the hole.
I hope you respond to this I really like to know why tap it if you don't have to or why you didn't use the penetrating oil and ease out method.
Good video. Should we use left handle drill bits?
Did u make the hole bigger with the tap or did u just clean and condition the threads to the original thread pitch with the tap?
Once u drilled a big enough hole u can also punch in a torx bit then turn the bolt out….torx bit will bite into the hole for a nice grip
Can cobalt bits drill thru broken taps?
Funny how 1/2 impact socket sets offer even 8mm xD its so odd
Dammit!!!!
Should've watched this before I tried removing a broken seat fastener. Thanks Eric. I got 2 more chances with my drill bits and extractors.
DRILL DOCTOR BUDDY. Worth its weight in drill bits!!!!!!!
Reverse drill bit set !!
I’ve broken a bolt off in a Honda gx140 exhaust manifold, I’ve drilled the bolt with a cobalt drill bit and tapped it so it would take a smaller bolt, which it does do so it should be ok… Only thing about taping into engine blocks is obviously taking good care of drill depth and having the Wright tapping bits, I had to cut the one I’ve used with the grinder because the whole I was taping was to short so the threads wouldn’t reach all the way to the bottom of the hole. I’ve ordered the exhaust, remains to see how it will work. I’ve learned my lesson though, next time I’ll be more patient with the tourch….
8:00 ya I used to use an ice pick or a small phillips with a thump with the hammer. worked great for me, just like the center punch. Worst part about some cases was finding the exact center. thx good video
I broke one bolt on one of the camshaft fasteners and just went ahead and left it out and reinstalled everything. It threw a code once i got it started but it runs good. Is it crucial enough to go back and replace that bolt or does it make a big difference??
Need a reverse drill bit. AVE talks about them
I agree with Bruce provided the bolt wasn't bottomed out a left handed drill bit would have taken out in a matter of minutes.
Awesome video, teach me in actual dude
i think i would have tried an ez out sooner
A professional mechanic would have a set of left-handed drill bits. Man, did you make an easy job tough!
Very good video. I also suggest watching the bolt removal video of the Ultimate Handyman. Interestingly, he uses a door hinge centering drill or threaded bolt with the center drilled out to achieve the center point easily and perfectly, and he uses reverse drills to extract.
You're blowing all of the metal from drilling directly into the engine not very good
Hi Eric. I popped a fastener on the valve cover… Is it worth removing the intake, detaching the injector rail , taking off the valve cover …to do all this? Can I use clamps lol?? F the broken bolt
Yeah I know this is old but the only game in town are Matco twist drills. Everything over 1/4" is warranted for life. The set was like $525 and in my opinion was completely worth it. Buy once, cry once.
Even the Snap-On drills are junk. I'm just a guy, and those bits are pretty much the only Matco stuff I have. I don't work for Matco.
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/DBC29HSRM/29-PIECE-COBALT-MECHANIC-S-LENGTH-HYPER-STEP-REDUCED-SHANK-DRILL-BIT-SET/
Easy out
If you have them always use left hand drill bit. When the broken part gets some heat in it from drilling they will usually back out on their own.
use left hand drill and easy outs
I’m dealing with my damn mk6 Volkswagen gti notorious driver side angled stud breaking off. I think ima have to drop the damn motor out or pull the head 😭
Are you supposed to use left hand bits or regular bits?
On my h23a 1 valve cover bolt I stripped it out really good leaning to the side I still don't have all the bolt out seems like I'm cutting into the aluminum damn
There is no cheating if it gets the job done. Nice job, Eric!!
Love how people are doing this with the engine block out & easy to maneuver.
I just use a drill with the tap, on the smooth part of the tap, then it stops(and machine spins)before the risk of breaking it!
Works every time!
Never Use A Broken Bolt Extractor & Drill To Extract A Broken Bolt. Here it is an amazing method! https://youtu.be/u6uQ0soBaO8
Why didn't you use a easy out before' the last drill bit ? The remains of the bolt was turning – as you said … I think it would have backed on out (with the easy out)
Hes the best on youtube but my man always look high asf 🤣