How to Remove a Bolt with Stripped Threads; 08 Methods to try for best outcome

How to remove a bolt with stripped threads? It is impossible that you’ve never experienced removing a bolt with stripped threads. Some do not take much time [especially relatively small ones], but sometimes you get fully disappointed because they are over-tightened because of the rust.  

Corrosion between an unscrewed bolt and nut threads makes it impossible to remove it. This often results in the bolt breaking off and the need to drill and retap the hold or use a bolt extractor to remove it.

What happens if the drill, tap, or puller broke off in the same place? So there are many ways you can give a shot in case of removing such a nutcase relatively easy and with less effort.

In this article, we bought 08 methods you can try, and they will definitely work for you. So this is how to remove a bolt with stripped threads.

Try giving a brutal force.

When trying to loosen difficult bolts, this is normally our first step. We always employ this approach before removing exhaust studs from a cylinder head. It is possible to achieve this in several ways. One method is to use a chisel or a punch to strike the middle of the bolt’s head. 

There are several ways to do this, including using an impact wrench/gun and striking it many times in both directions. In each of these approaches, vibration or impact breaks the corrosion connection between the threads.

This method will work if the bolts are just mildly seized, but it isn’t foolproof. Remember that it may be used in conjunction with a slew of other strategies to expedite the process.

This method most common method among mechanic’s when talk about the how to remove a bolt with stripped threads.

Try heating the system for Remove a Bolt with Stripped Threads.

When heated and cooled, the expansion and contraction of metal are well-known if you pay attention in chemistry class. In the past, we have employed this procedure by heating the head/body of the bolt until it reaches a temperature of almost red hotness.

When the bolt is heated, it expands, and when it cools, it contracts, causing the threads to separate from one other. The bolt may be threaded out by heating the region surrounding it to widen the threaded hole and open it up a little to fit the looser.

The pounding power of an impact wrench/gun splits the rust apart as well, making it easier to tear it off. Using penetrants like Kroil or CRC Freeze-Off will help speed up the removal.

Some cuts can be effective.

This is our ” sure-fire ” approach when it comes to removing most stripped bolts and nuts, and this is our “sure-fire” approach. Although it isn’t as hygienic or polite as the other options, it’s a lot more efficient. Using this technique, the bolt or nut head will be chopped in two or three places.

The objective is to make a shallow cut through the bolt or nut head, but not quite. It’s then time to smash the cuts in the nuts and bolts many times to split them apart and relieve the stress they’re under. If you’re dealing with nuts, you’ll usually only have to remove the old one, clean out the threads, and put on the new one.

Locking jaw pliers may be used to remove bolts by gripping the bolt head and turning it counter-clockwise. In most cases, a pliers’ grip on the bolt’s head will be sufficient to remove it. Fasteners that have been “frozen” by thermal or other forms of corrosion may frequently be “freed up” using relief cuts.

Try Drilling the bolt for “how to remove a bolt with stripped threads”.

This may be the only option if the bolt has torn off tight with the surface. Drill all the way through into the bolt lengthwise using a tiny drill bit. This incorporates some of the other techniques as well. When you drill a hole in a bolt, you’re heating it up, and you’re also creating a hollow area that allows the bolt to compress more when you remove it.

screw extracting machine
screw extracting machine

 We’ve seen frozen bolts come out effortlessly after merely drilling the hole. There are situations when the diameter of the bolt may need you to increase the size of your drill bit until you are just a hair smaller. You may be able to break or chisel the bolt apart in the hole at this stage.

Then remove the components and use a tap set or universal tap tool to clean the threads back up.

When discuss about the how to remove a bolt with stripped threads , this method also widely use, but we will not much recommend it because it can damage the surface.

Welding will definitely give some support.

This is the tool to use for a nut or bolt with a badly stripped or damaged head; locking jaw pliers will not be able to spin it. Bolt body may be strengthened by tacking-welding a nut and bolt of a little bigger size.

Tack weld the bolt and nut together, and then apply a bead of weld around the nut’s base where it meets the bolt’s body. A socket may be used on the bolt again, and the socket’s heat will help break the rust on the bolt.

We prefer to use a MIG welder rather than a stick welder for this task since it gives us greater control. Welding gives an extra grip for the applying force, and the excess heat expands the holes. So, the welding can be beneficial in two ways.

Try using an Air Hammer.

air hammer
Air hammer

This incorporates a handful of the procedures listed and may be utilized when the bolt head is stripped—basically, utilizing an air hammer and chisel on the bolt or nut such that the bolt loosens. We have seen it work with modest effectiveness, although it helps if the bolt or nut is in an exposed location.

Try using a screw extracting machine.

When talk about the how to remove a bolt with stripped threads , this method will be the easiest way to remove the bolt.

pipe wrench for bolt removal
Pipe wrench for bolt removal

Extractors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which operate well and others that don’t. It’s done by inserting hardened bits into the bolt or nut and pulling it out. Drill a tiny hole in the bolt, and then thread an extractor into it.

Breaking the extractor within the hole will cause a protracted, agonizing procedure. Hardened steel pieces can’t be drilled using standard drill bits. The damaged extractors need the use of specialized drill bits.

What about a pipe wrench?

A pipe wrench, which virtually everyone has lying around their shop, is an extremely simple tool to use when dealing with a stripped bolt. Use a pipe wrench to get the bolt or nut very snug. In fact, the pipe wrench tightens its grip on the bolt head as you turn the bolt clockwise with the pipe wrench in hand.

Tools for Bolt removal
Tools for Bolt removal

A pipe wrench may be useful in situations when a box or open-end wrench is ineffective because the head of the bolt or nut has been rounded.

So now you know how to remove a bolt with stripped threads. Now let’s have a brief look at some questions that people frequently ask regarding these.

FAQs about “How to Remove a Bolt with Stripped Threads”.

What to do when stripping threads?

Using a coil-type thread insert is the best way to fix threads that have been stripped. These inserts will entirely re-thread the bolt hole, allowing it to accept the original bolt’s diameter. Drill slightly wider holes in the damaged holes in order to insert thread inserts.

Can you Retape a hole the same size?

Using taps, threads are carved into the metal. As they’re twisted by hand into the hole being tapped, they gradually make their way in. Re-threading components of this kind are usually possible, but it must be done with the same size threads; the next lower thread size cannot be cut.

We hope you’ve got the answer that you’ve needed for the question, “How to remove a bolt with stripped threads” reading our explanation. If you have more questions just leave a comment below, and we are really straightforward to help you further. If you need review of the Branded Cars, check this link for it. Thank you.

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