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5 Handyman Hints For Removing A Damaged Bolt

  
  
  

bolt headA neighbor was working on a project in which he couldn't remove a bolt from a piece of metal. He was working with a set of channel locks and was gradually chewing away the corners of a hexagonal bolt head into a round head. That's when he asked the handyman for help.

A couple of ideas came to mind.

1. Try To Tighten It

I know it sounds counter-productive, but sometimes if you try to tighten the bolt first, it might move enough to allow you to back out the bolt.

2. Use A Larger Wrench

You can gain leverage with a larger wrench or even a wrench with an iron pipe slipped over the handle for more leverage.

3. Try Some Heat

Apply the tip of a torch to the head of the bolt to expand the metal. Let it cool and then add some penetrating oil.

4. Grind The Surface

If the head of the bolt has become round, try grinding off two opposing sides of the bolt's head so that you can use a wrench on it again.

5. Cut Some Grooves

Use a hacksaw blade (or 2 of them side-by-side) and cut a slot in the middle of the head. You can place a large screwdriver in the slot and may be able to unscrew it.

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