Hex Nut Head Stripped

[Boxer82]

Apologies if I've missed a thread (I did look) and am the latest in a line of numpties asking the same question.......

I'm doing a bit of cosmetic tidying and have stripped the hex nut on a bolt A bit frustrating since it did move initially but then the hex driver just made the hex circular! It was the right size, I can only presume that the hex driver is made of sterner stuff than 10 year old hex bolt heads.

Is the getting it out process the same as for a threaded bolt, or is there a better way?

In case it helps (not me anyway!!), the bolt is one of the three holding the nearside footplate to the engine, and it's recessed.

Any info/ideas much appreciated.

Don

 

[cookie]

drive a slightly bigger Torx key in with a hammer

i'm thinking you've rounded out a hex socket head, not a hex head bolt?

 

[Bigtwin]

Shame on you and your abuse. Those heads are made only of the finest BMW 85% coca solids chocolate metal. Tisk!

 

[Boxer82]

Cookie - Thanks, yes it's a hex socket head.

Not having ever tried it, I presume that since the next size is 1mm bigger, it simply forces a new hex head shape into what is currently (nearly) round?

Apart from WD40, is there anything else worth doing as well?

Don

 

[boxer]

Cookie is referring to a Torx key and is not advising you to simply drive the next size up hex key into the bolt head.

 

[boxer]

Boxer82

 

[Bert]

possible solutions to think (carefully) about!

This is what I have tried - sometimes it works depending on what you are looking at- without a piccy not so easy!

You could try - if all is left is a hole - and if accessible - so many 'if's' !!

• making a 3mm notch in the head to allow a screwdriver head to go in - with a view of 'tapping' the bolt round

OR

• 
  
  The best method might be welding something to it allowing you to apply more torque. If it's an ally chocky bolt - you'll need a welder with special weld kit kit
  
  OR
  
  If you have a very very fine mini chisel, maybe try re-cutting the ali to next size up-
  
  OR
  • If it's an ally bolt (therefore reasonably soft) and depending on your skills, you can also drill the bolt out- not always obvious depending where it is.
  Bonne chance!
  
  OR have you thought about asking Steptoe?
  
  WD can help as can ACF

 

[cookie]

Cookie is referring to a Torx key and is not advising you to simply drive the next size up hex key into the bolt head.

indeed.

method has never failed for me.

 

[Agothaclypse]

Here are some methods I have tried (with success) for removing recessed skt hd screws.
1.) Initially, if tight & feels like its going to round off, cease & swap your allen key for a hex bit in an impact screwdriver & give it some welly till freed off. (This method is a bit late for you, but may help in future.
2.) Using a centre punch & hammer on the rim of the fastener, try to drive it in an anticlockwise circular direction untill free. (works best if you alternate 180 degreees appart)
3. Drill the skt head. but only as far as the depth of the recess, (use a drill 1mm larger than the thread diameter) the head will drop off allowing you to remove footplate then you can get some mole grips or stilsons on the remaining portion of the screw.
4.) I have had some success with stud extractors, but be carefull, if the extractor breaks in the screw, you would have an even worse problem.

All the above to be done with liberal applications of plusgas/WD40 and or heat.

Hope this helps & good luck, I know from bitter experience what a swine it is to round the hex of a fastener & how it always happens to be the fastener that is in the most awkward position to get at.

Paul.

 

[Boxer82]

Thanks all for comments and suggestions - I shall file the ones I think I can manage without making an a%^e of it, as well as try them out (well hopefully just one!) - and also making me clear on what a torx key is

Don

 

[Boxer82]

The Torx method worked.

Cheers!

Don