

| Subject: | Bolt Extraction - few successes |
| From: | Dan Houg |
| Date: | Fri, 17 Nov 1995 11:15:29 CST6CDT |
I've had more failures than successes but the best luck i've had is with a kit from Blue-Point. The kit comes with various size extractors and for each extractor it includes a sized drill bit and a wrench collar. I'll explain. the extractor is a hardened steel rod with 4 ridges spaced equidistant from each other. one drills a hole thru the bolt, tap in this rod, and then place a wrench collar over the rod. the collar grips the rod by these ridges, which also anchor the rod in the bolt. i've broken several of the smaller rods but the larger diameter ones can really take the torque. i like the idea of a wrench collar as it allows for easy tapping of the extractor with a hammer while applying reverse torque. another tip to be used in conjunction with extractors is to heat the offending stub up quite hot and then touch a piece of paraffin (candle wax) to the bolt/hole when hot. the paraffin vaporizes but keep dousing it as the bolt cools and eventually it remains a liquid and 'in theory' get sucked into the threads. then use an extractor. it seems the older the mechanic, the fewer the bolts broken. Olde Fahrts have paid their tuition at the School of Hard Knocks and exercise more patience than us young bucks. they soak parts in penetrating oil hours if not days before tackling a project, have developed that 'feel' of a bolt prior to its breaking point, and do not let anger get the best of them. they know the piece they are working on has no personality, no vendetta, no conscious and approach it from a cold, methodical standpoint until they beat the bugger. i'm still at the stage where i'll get angry and snap the bugger off just to show it who's stronger. the subsequent loosening of my anal sphincter at that exact moment of breakage far exceeds the effect on the bolt. :( -dan
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