Too much power on my new impact!

[jmt1271]

It is a IR 231c.

I have never tried any of the drill bit screw extractors, are these effective on bolts as large as this? If I understand the process, you drill in reverse into the bolt head, and at some point the bolt loosens and comes out. Is this correct?

 

[radman1]

I was loosening the nut with a 12 point socket, the same that I used to take the other two out. I have tried the vise grip and the moknkey wrench route. I guess I will take it over to a buddys and let him weld a nut on.

To be clear, I was removing the bolt. The wrench has adjustable power for tightening AND loosening and I was set about middle ways. I was also using a craftsman socket, my impact sockets dont go that big. I am getting ready to order some now. Thanks for the tips guys.

Sorry, I thought you were trying to tighten the bolt. That is one tight bolt and probably too tight. My only other thought was maybe they are metric head instead of SAE and stripped the head?
They do make large screw/bolts extractors. I have one that would probably do a 1/2-5/8" bolt but never used it. I have only used the smaller ones. My set uses a standard drill bit to drill out a hole in the bolt. Then the extractor is inserted and screwed in backwards so that it turns couterclockwise. It will continue to screw in until it finally stops and the bolt then turns and unscrews. Welding on a nut maybe the easiest route.

 

[emmy71]

I believe that is the same wrench I have. Pretty powerful for a 1/2" impact wrench. I was taking the front tire off my wifes car and mistakingly had the wrench set for forward instead of reverse at full power and twisted one of the studs off. Only made that mistake once.

 

[Bird]

[It is a IR 231c./QUOTE]

The IR231 series is still my favorite, and yes, the 231C is adjustable for both forward and reverse power. My own personal impact now is an IR 231H-2. I really didn't need the 2" extra long anvil, but since I got mine at a pawn shop . . ..

 

[1bush2hog]

You might try NAPA for larger size EZ Outs

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet...

Penetrating oil.

 

[dbdartman]

If you rounded the head trying to remove the bolt, I can guarantee you'll only make things worse if any kind of hardened extractor is used. They WILL break!

If you're trying to remove something like a flange, & this is the last bolt, tighten all the other bolts down, then try to remove the rounded one with a pipe wrench or vice-grips.

Left-hand drill bits are GREAT! Not only will they heat the bolt/stud, they'll normally screw it out for you. Get a set!

Next time you are tempted to use that impact, MAKE SURE you ONLY use 6-point IMPACT sockets! I can't stress this enough:6-POINT IMPACT SOCKETS ONLY! Use of anything else leaves you at GREAT risk of rounding the head, or shattering the socket, both of which are easily avoided by using the CORRECT sockets.

 

[CATMAN]

Here is an idea,if you just rounded the head off, take some tin snips and cut some metal out of a pop can bigger than the head of the bolt. Lay the metal over the head of the bolt and pound your socket on with a hammer, then don't use an impact. Try to use a breaker bar or rachet with a cheater pipe and see if you can slowly loosen it. I know a 6 point socket would be much better, but it doesn't cost anything to try this and see if you can remove it by this method. That extra metal just takes up space inside the 12 pt. area and if you have some little bumps or points on the bolt head yet, it may work.

 

[jmt1271]

thanks for all the great tips guys. I will try some of them tomorrow, if that doesnt work, I am headed to a buddys that can weld. Thanks again.

 

[workinallthetime]

Here is an idea,if you just rounded the head off, take some tin snips and cut some metal out of a pop can bigger than the head of the bolt. Lay the metal over the head of the bolt and pound your socket on with a hammer, then don't use an impact. Try to use a breaker bar or rachet with a cheater pipe and see if you can slowly loosen it. I know a 6 point socket would be much better, but it doesn't cost anything to try this and see if you can remove it by this method. That extra metal just takes up space inside the 12 pt. area and if you have some little bumps or points on the bolt head yet, it may work.

ya know the first thing i do when i have a rounded off bolt is get out the next size smaller and pound it on, 12 or 6 point which ever is closer. useing only hand tools to remove it from there. i have some stud removers but nothing that big.
next time use the 1" gun