Employing a MIG Welder, Acetylene Torch, and Air Hammer for the Removal of a Stuck Bolt
Revamping that Broken Bolt Dilemma
Got a shop stocked with a MIG welder, an acetylene torch, and an air hammer? Sweet! You're all set to navigate the chore of ejecting recalcitrant bolts like a pro.
In this snappy video from [Jim's Automotive Machine Shop, Inc], they'll walk you through the process of unscrewing a naughty manifold bolt: attach a washer to the broken bit using a MIG welder, pile on a snug nut with the help of said welder, torch the assembly to bite into any rusty residue, tap away with a hammer to stir loose the corroded threads, and finally, tug it out with your trusty wrench! Piece of cake!
But fear not if your realm doesn't boast a MIG welder or acetylene torch; don't worry, you're not out of luck! You can still wrestle with the Easy Out screw extractor, just like the rest of us mortals. And when you've found yourself in a devilish bolt predicament, remember that lubrication can be your friends-with-benefits.
Here's a peek into a couple of battle-tested strategies for ejecting broken bolts, whets your appetite for the full spectrum of solutions:
Upgrading your Armory
MIG Welder
- Welding a Nut:
- Swab the surroundings of the broken bolt.
- Toward the bolt remnant, slip a nut.
- With the MIG welder, weld the nut to the bolt. This offers a new grip zone for the wrench.
- Take hold of the bolt with the wrench once welded.
- Welding a Stud:
- If the bolt is too deep-rooted, consider welding a stud or metallic rod to the bolt. This provides additional pull.
Acetylene Torch
- Heating the Scene:
- With the acetylene torch, torrefy the neighborhood of the broken bolt. Warmth can facilitate the bolt's eviction by swelling the surrounding metal.
- Be mindful not to cook it too long, or you might end up scorching the surrounding stuff.
Air Hammer
- Pulsating Hurrah:
- Deploy the air hammer to apply a rapid, pulsating force to the bolt.
- This method is fantastic for loosening the bolt without causing too much collateral damage.
Life without the Big Guns
Drilling and Tapping
- Drilling:
- Use a drill bit to pierce a small hole through the center of the broken bolt.
- Gradually upsize the drill bit until you've excavated the vast majority of the bolt.
- Tapping:
- If some of the bolt remains, use a tap to generate new threads.
- Plant a bolt extractor or a screw extractor into the newly forged hole to evict the remaining bolt matter.
Greasing the Muscles
- Oiling Up:
- Coat the bolt with penetrating oils like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench to smooth its exit.
- Allow the oil time to trickle into the bolt and its surroundings overnight.
- Applying Heat (Optional):
- If viable, apply gentle warmth to facilitate the oil's infiltration.
- Unleashing the Wrench:
- Attempt to yank out the bolt once it's been loosened.
In the world of automotive industry, possessing tools like a MIG welder and an acetylene torch can significantly aid in dealing with stubborn bolts, making transportation problems seem less daunting. For those without such tools, alternate methods such as drilling, tapping, and the use of lubricants can be employed to finance the broken bolt predicament.
