How to Remove a Stripped Bolt: 10 Simple Methods

There are many ways to insert bolts and screws, thanks to modern tools such as power drills and impact drivers. However, there might also be times when you need to remove a bolt, which can be very difficult if it has been damaged.

Bolts can become stripped, their heads can become rounded, or they might rust into place. Removing these damaged bolts is a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be a complicated one with the right technique.

In this article, we will explore how to remove a stripped bolt using 10 different methods. At least one of these techniques should be enough to get a damaged bolt out.

How to Remove a Stripped Bolt

There are various ways to remove a stripped bolt and which ones will work will depend on how stubborn the bolt is. We will look at the simplest, quickest method first, which is a reliable way to remove many bolts:

Method #1: Impact Force

In many cases, brute force is enough to remove a rusted bolt, so it is worth trying this before moving on to other methods. It uses tools that most DIYers will already have in their collections.

Take a chisel or a punch and use a hammer to strike it into the center of the bolt. Your aim is to shock the bolt free. If it doesn’t work the first time, you can try it repeatedly until you are sure it won’t move.

Before you concede defeat, try using an impact gun. The rapid percussive force it uses should be able to free the bolt.

Method #2: Heat

Heating a bolt will make it expand before it cools and retracts. This process should break the corrosive seal that holds the bolt in its housing.

There are two effective ways to do this:

Heat the Bolt

Use a blow torch to heat the bolt directly. Do this until it is almost red hot so you can be sure it has expanded. Then, let the bolt cool. Next, use a penetrant such as WD-40 or Kroil penetrating oil to help dislodge the bolt from its housing.

If that fails, you can try CRC-Freeze Off. After applying this, you can try using an impact gun again, which should be able to dislodge it more easily now.

Heat the Housing

Sometimes, heating the bolt’s housing is more effective than heating the bolt itself. The theory is the same: you need to heat the metal so it expands and then retracts. This process breaks the seal and allows the bolt to be removed.

Again, try applying penetrating oil to any gaps that appear after the metal expands and retracts. This will lubricate the bolt, making it easier to free with an impact gun.

Method #2: Relief Cuts

Relief cutting is the most reliable way of removing rusted bolts or nuts that are stuck fast. This includes cutting two or three grooves with a hacksaw or rotary cutting tool into the head of the bolt. Cut them almost as deep as the thread.

Then, place a chisel in the groove and strike it with a hammer. You want the bolt to turn in the housing, causing as little damage as possible, or the nut to split off the bolt completely.

Using this method should help you get enough grip on the bolt or nut to clamp on some locking jaw pliers. You can then twist the bolt out of the housing.

Method #3: Shake the Bolt

This is one of the most straightforward methods. Grab a socket wrench and start twisting the bolt or nut back and forth, trying to loosen it further each time.

Feel for the bolt to offer some resistance, and always move the same distance forward and backward, returning the bolt to its original position. Gradually increase the rotation with each turn until you see the bolt start to rise out of the housing.

Squirt some penetrating fluid into the gap you have created between the bolt and housing. This will lubricate the hidden thread and allow for a cleaner exit of the bolt. Hopefully, it will also cause less damage to the threads in the housing.

You will need patience when using this method, but it will usually work with enough patience.

Method #4: Drill it Out

Drilling a bolt could break it into multiple pieces and leave fragments of metal in the hole. However, it is the go-to method if the bolt has sheared off and is now sitting flush with the surrounding surface.

Start with a smaller drill bit, working through the center of the sheared bolt lengthways. As the bit works its way down the shaft of the bolt, it will heat it and that heat will help loosen the bolt.

The bolt also has more room to contract when it cools, as its shaft will now be hollow. If you are lucky, a pair of long-nosed pliers will be sufficient to grip the bolt and twist it out. If not, you will need to use a larger drill bit and work through the frozen bolt again.

Hopefully, the bolt will break apart and you can clear the hole of debris. Be careful not to damage the surrounding thread. If you do need to make repairs, use a universal tap tool.

Method #5: Bolt or Screw Extractor

This method is tricky to get right. If you get it wrong, you could cause a more significant problem than the one you are trying to solve.

Start by drilling a small pilot hole into the shaft of the bolt or screw. Don’t drill the entire length as this will weaken the bolt and also reduce the grip of the extractor.

Then, insert the extractor bit into the pilot hole and give it a couple of taps with a hammer. Turn the T-bar or locking pliers counterclockwise, applying downward pressure. This should make the screw or bolt start twisting out.

Be careful not to snap the extractor bit inside the hollowed bolt. If you do, it will be extremely difficult to get the bolt out of the hole. It might also require a specialist drill bit.

Method #6: Pipe Wrench

Pipe wrenches are common household tools and this is one of the easiest ways to extract a stripped bolt. They are ideal if the head of the bolt or nut has rounded slightly. However, it won’t be suitable for rusted screws as they sit flush with the surrounding surface.

Place the head of the pipe wrench over the head of the bolt and tighten it down. As you twist, the wrench will bite down on the bolt head and grip it harder. If the bolt is stubborn and won’t move, try moving the wrench back and forth, increasing the rotation each time.

Method #7: Weld a Bolt

This method requires some welding knowledge and specialist equipment, so it won’t be an option for everyone. Sometimes the bolt head or nut will be so stripped that it can’t be turned, even by locking jaw pliers. To overcome this, you can take a nut and bolt head of a slightly larger size and tack-weld it to the body of the bolt.

Fill the nut with weld and run a bead of the weld where the two parts meet. This welding process has the added benefit of heating the bolt to loosen the rusted grip in the housing. It will also allow you to use a socket on the bolt.

Method #8: Air Hammer/Chisel

This method is similar to using impact as the air hammer and chisel will apply downward force to the stripped hardware to shock it free of the rusted housing. Like similar methods, this has limited success and works better on screws and bolts that are more exposed.

Method #9: Screwdriver

A screwdriver is particularly effective when removing rusted screws, especially Philips or cross-head screws.

You can also use this method on stripped bolts. However, twisting the hardware free from the corrosive seal requires a great deal of force, so it has limited effectiveness.

Cross-head screws can take a lot of torque, but when they rust, they become brittle and strip easily.

There are two ways to use a screwdriver to loosen bolts and screws:

Brute Force

Take a Philips screwdriver and place it in the head of the screw. Make sure it is the correct size because you will need a snug fit. You don’t want any wiggle room, as this will strip the head of the screw.

Now, gently strike the screwdriver two or three times with a hammer. This should drive the screwdriver deeper into the screw head, giving it a better grip. Try to turn the screw counterclockwise. If the screw moves, turn it back and forth repeatedly, much like shaking a bolt. This should loosen the screw and eventually get it out.

Cut a New Groove

If the screw head has become completely rounded but is protruding above the surrounding material, you can cut a new groove into it. Grab a hacksaw or rotary cutting tool and cut a new groove into the head of the screw.

A rotary tool works well if the screw is flush with the surface. Once you have cut a deep enough groove, insert a flathead screwdriver into the slot. You can push the screwdriver deeper by using a hammer, then turn the screw to remove it.

Method #10: Reinstall New Bolts or Nuts

If you have tried all the methods on this list, you might have to accept that you aren’t going to remove the stripped bolt. However, it may be possible to install a new bolt to strengthen the existing one.

First, check that you can install new bolts. Some precision-engineered components, especially in machinery, are designed to have their bolts in specific locations. If you believe it is possible to install a new bolt, you will need some specialist tools.

What you will need:

• Drill
• Various sizes of HSS drill bits
• Protective goggles
• New bolts or nuts
• A tapping tool
• A can of compressed air

1. Drill the Pilot Hole

For this example, we will assume the material is metal. Use a drill bit for metal and make a pilot hole in the material. It is important to ensure the hole is as straight as possible, so hold the drill perpendicular to the hole. Once you have reached the required depth, remove the drill bit.

2. Use a Larger Drill Bit

Widen the hole by using a larger drill bit. Make sure it is slightly narrower than your tapping tool so the tool will be able to gain purchase. Remove the drill bit and clean the hole with a can of compressed air.

3. Use the Tapping Tool

Insert the end of the tapping tool into the hole. Keep the tapping tool perfectly straight, otherwise, the bolt will be off-center. While the bolt might still hold, it will result in a worse finish. Gently twist the tapping tool clockwise by the T-bar and let it move deeper into the hole.

When you reach the bottom, turn it counterclockwise to remove the tapping tool. You are now ready to insert the new bolt.

FAQs

Why Do Bolt Threads Strip?

Stripped threads are a common issue that happens because of improper installation or the use of two engaged fasteners.

This occurs when the wrong thread nut or threaded hole is forced under load, applying too great a tensile force for the thread design and material and thus literally ripping threads off.

Loosening the fasteners is then difficult and sometimes impossible without replacing them with new hardware. As such, it is important to understand why bolt threads strip in order to create structures that last longer and require less maintenance over time.

Proactive steps should be taken to optimize the safety of your installation and ensure the longevity of your bolted connections.

Can You Fix Stripped Threads on a Bolt?

A bolt or screw with stripped threads can be a frustrating issue, but thankfully there are solutions. Running a die over the thread repairs its structure and is often an effective method of repairing stripped threads.

A simpler method, yet one which also holds risk, is to run a nut up and down the thread in order to reform its shape.

However, this may cause friction between the nut and thread that results in them fusing together (known as galling). Both methods can aid in fixing damaged threads, though running a die is usually more dependable than using the nut method.

Does WD-40 Help Remove Stripped Bolts?

Yes, WD-40 can be a beneficial product for removing stripped bolts. It works by acting as a lubrication lubricant and soaking into spaces and cracks so it can penetrate the seized bolt.

This allows it to dissolve rust, dirt and debris that’s built up over time, preventing the bolt from being removed.

WD-40 contains silicone oil which provides a thin film of protection while slightly loosening the corrosion grip on the bolt. However, it should be noted that when used regularly, WD-40 can be corrosive, so caution should be taken when using this product.

What Are the Best Drill Bits for Drilling Out Bolts?

Cobalt drill bits are best for removing bolts due to their superior cobalt alloy material construction, allowing them to remain sharp even when drilling through hard materials like hardened steel.

In addition to the cobalt alloy material construction making cobalt drill bits more durable and reliable than other types of drill bits, they also have a higher melting point which allows them to better withstand high temperatures when in use.

Cobalt drill bits are ideal for removing bolts and can provide a faster process overall due to their long-lasting durability.

What Is the Best Tool to Remove a Stripped Bolt?

When attempting to remove a stripped bolt, locking pliers may be the best tool to use due to its locking mechanism. This locking mechanism provides extra grip, allowing you to exert maximum force on the bolt without risking injury to the surrounding area.

To use locking pliers properly, simply place the jaws around either side of the bolt before locking them into place and turning them counterclockwise slowly with a wrench or ratchet.

Although this method is not foolproof for every situation, locking pliers are an effective way to easily loosen a stuck nut or bolt.