Rounded off bolt help

[Armed4defense]

So I went to change transmission fluid in my truck, something I have done on many trucks in my life -no problem. That is until I got to one of the 2 bolts over the exhaust. The last Einstein that changed it must have used vise grips and about a tube of RTV. Is my only option getting some of those sockets just for rounded off bolts or does anyone know a DIY fix? 2006 Ram 1500. I do have correct socket and swivel to get straight on bolt it's just too damaged and the lip on pan prevents getting a real grip with vise grips - probably WHY it's F ed up. Thanks in advance.

 

[Frack N Cylons]

I’m a hack, but I have successfully dremeled a slot in a bolt to use a flat head for removal.

I pray that some of the actual mechanics can help you.

 

[heavydoc]

6 point socket and some heat should get it. I also have some sockets that are splined not smooth from lowes that work pretty well for stripped heads

 

[heavydoc]

Also if it is a metric head use an sae socket close to the size and hammer it on. Vice versa if it is sae

 

[BigWaylon]

Can you run a file down two opposite sides and get them fairly straight, then use an open-end wrench or adjustable wrench?

 

[Armed4defense]

Can you run a file down two opposite sides and get them fairly straight, then use an open-end wrench or adjustable wrench?

Wish I had that kind of room or to hammer one on, but good thought!

 

[BigWaylon]

I keep one of these around, but not even sure I’ve ever used it…

Gator Grip 3/8 in. Universal Socket with Power Drill Adapter ETC120A - The Home Depot

The Gator Grip Universal Socket with Power Drill Adapter fits nut and bolt heads from 1/4 in. to 3/4 in. standard and 7 mm to 19 mm metric. Easy to use just press on fastener and turn. Especially good

www.homedepot.com

 

[Armed4defense]

I keep one of these around, but not even sure I’ve ever used it…

Gator Grip 3/8 in. Universal Socket with Power Drill Adapter ETC120A - The Home Depot

The Gator Grip Universal Socket with Power Drill Adapter fits nut and bolt heads from 1/4 in. to 3/4 in. standard and 7 mm to 19 mm metric. Easy to use just press on fastener and turn. Especially good

www.homedepot.com

I've MAYBE got 1 1/2" to top of exhaust

 

[Armed4defense]

Also if it is a metric head use an sae socket close to the size and hammer it on. Vice versa if it is sae

It will be 5/16" or 8mm -my luck it will fit either

 

[BigWaylon]

I've MAYBE got 1 1/2" to top of exhaust

No luck getting to it with an open end wrench? Are all 6 corners messed up?

 

[Armed4defense]

No luck getting to it with an open end wrench? Are all 6 corners messed up?

Too rounded off -He did a real good job the last time

 

[heavydoc]

Can't you cut a groove it like @Frack N Cylons suggested above and use a screwdriver, or impact screwdriver. If the exhaust is hindering access to the bolt, remove it or loosen it from the down pipe and ratchet strap it out of the way

 

[Armed4defense]

Can't you cut a groove it like @Frack N Cylons suggested above and use a screwdriver, or impact screwdriver. If the exhaust is hindering access to the bolt, remove it or loosen it from the down pipe and ratchet strap it out of the way

I'm gonna try some heat first -worst I can do is set it on fire

 

[Pack72]

Can you get to it with a small pipe wrench?

Never mind, I see now how small it is.

 

[Armed4defense]

Update - I got the mother. Did have a little scare when the PB blaster I put on this morning met 3500 degrees from my torch with mapp gas but the fire department was NOT called. We are good! Thank you guys for your suggestions and moral support! I appreciate you!

 

[keepcalmandcarryon]

I keep one of these around, but not even sure I’ve ever used it…

Gator Grip 3/8 in. Universal Socket with Power Drill Adapter ETC120A - The Home Depot

The Gator Grip Universal Socket with Power Drill Adapter fits nut and bolt heads from 1/4 in. to 3/4 in. standard and 7 mm to 19 mm metric. Easy to use just press on fastener and turn. Especially good

www.homedepot.com

I have one, these are worthless.

 

[Average Joe]

I keep one of these around, but not even sure I’ve ever used it…

Gator Grip 3/8 in. Universal Socket with Power Drill Adapter ETC120A - The Home Depot

The Gator Grip Universal Socket with Power Drill Adapter fits nut and bolt heads from 1/4 in. to 3/4 in. standard and 7 mm to 19 mm metric. Easy to use just press on fastener and turn. Especially good

www.homedepot.com

I have one, these are worthless.

I’ve got one but have never used it. Complete junk and should be trashed or can you get one or two uses out of it?

 

[keepcalmandcarryon]

I’ve got one but have never used it. Complete junk and should be trashed or can you get one or two uses out of it?

biggest problem is you can’t put any torque on it if the surface of the fastener isn’t 100% perpendicular to the surface. A weird shape like a hook that doesn’t need too much torque to turn it will work but then so will a pair of pliers.

 

[Supermatch]

I’ve got one but have never used it. Complete junk and should be trashed or can you get one or two uses out of it?

They’re good for driving/tightening things like hooks, eye screws, or small wing nuts, but that’s about it.

 

[Supermatch]

I also have some sockets that are splined not smooth from lowes that work pretty well for stripped heads

FWIW, I have these too, and they’re awesome. My oil pan nuts need a 1/4” drive thin wall set, and these things have been amongst the best I’ve used.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

I use these. They work great on completely rounded bolt heads.

 

[Gator]

I use these. They work great on completely rounded bolt heads.

View attachment 629615

Can confirm these work. Assisted @LizardKing in removing the exhaust manifold bolts on his 1977 Chevy C10 a few years ago, worked like a charm. I was actually a little surprised at how well they worked.

.

 

[Jp8819]

I use these. They work great on completely rounded bolt heads.

View attachment 629615

I agree as well. Other thing i have used a bunch is a stud extractor set that has rollers inside on bolts the head is gone.

 

[nhusa]

I use these. They work great on completely rounded bolt heads.

View attachment 629615

OK where do I get them?

 

[Ben Jefferson]

NAPA
ORDER THROUGH PRO AT ADVANCE AUTO
AMAZON
SNAP-ON
MANY MORE

 

[Beef15]

I use these. They work great on completely rounded bolt heads.

View attachment 629615

Mine are very old and I don't know that any have been used, never enough clearance.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

OK where do I get them?

Amazon product ASIN B0B2WFNVCG

 

[Get Off My Lawn]

OK where do I get them?

I've a socket rail, and of Gearwrench Bolt Biters sockets I was going to post in BST. I'll see if I can get my hands on them for more info.

Bolt Biter Extraction Tools

Learn more about the entire family of GEARWRENCH Bolt Biter™ extraction tools. Our screw extraction bits are a 2022 Pro Tool Innovation Award Winner.

www.gearwrench.com

 

[Mike79]

I've a socket rail, and of Gearwrench Bolt Biters sockets I was going to post in BST. I'll see if I can get my hands on them for more info.

Bolt Biter Extraction Tools

Learn more about the entire family of GEARWRENCH Bolt Biter™ extraction tools. Our screw extraction bits are a 2022 Pro Tool Innovation Award Winner.

www.gearwrench.com

I'd be interested in them if you are selling

 

[HMP]

Glad you got it bro
As earlier mentioned - the slot method is a great one.
As are the rounded off head sockets. Used both with success.

 

[Ponzerite]

I could have told you many ways to round off a bolt head, but I see that's not what you were looking for.

But if I can help anyone else out, let me know.

 

[Mr.Gadget]

Got mine several years back. Craftsman at sears.
Bet Ace or Lowes sell them now.

 

[Get Off My Lawn]

If y’all are interested I can let this set go, it’s NIB & still sealed, how’s $80 shipped sound?
$120 at Amazon
www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-Drive-Impact-Extraction-Socket/dp/B07PMTQQ4G

Mods, let me know if this needs to be in BST, I replied here due to the discussion.