Help - rounded Allen bolt

cherrybomb":3p1d0zoe said:
............Then use a little jobbie called an 'easy out' They look like a cross between a screw and drill tap. These have a LH cutting thread and the idea is that you screw them down into the hole in the remains of the bolt and as they grip they'll wind the bolt out.

Careful how you use them though because if it breaks off in the bolt there's not a drill bit readily available that will touch it as its hardened cutting steel.

I looked for one of these suitable for allen key bolts and really struggled in UK, found one specialised set but at nearly £50, maybe in US ?

the idea of a left hand drill bit was to use same principle, they are not that hard to find
 
Yep I'm familiar with easy outs....I've also had one snap on me on my subaru ps pump.. But I think it may have been made of monkey metal... Oh to have access to my dad's garage... I may just drill the head so I can separate the two parts which will make it 100% easier to work on. I can get some penetrating oil and heat on it as needed.
 
Yeah, it might have been a 'mystery metal special'! I've never had one snap on me, but for a good set they certainly ain't cheap.
 
If you can find a cheap set- don't buy it!

I'd be tempted to drill the head off the bolt and then pop round a local engineers.

They should be able to get the rest out without too much trouble.
 
Rather than trying to source a left hand drill bit just grind a standard the wrong way so that it cuts on the back face, then run the drill in reverse.

I've used this method with much success many times at work.
 
Grannygrinder":e64zytzf said:
Don't know why you are talking to these numpty's, talk to your dad!!! :lol:

:lol:

...even better, just get him to fix it. He'll probably get teary eyed in a nostalgic way. Give him the opportunity to swear at bits of metal again.
 
Dad lives 5000 miles away... Would be an expensive fix... Anyway back fro. Sears with a set of craftsman drill-out/screw-out that basically looks like what has been suggested a bit that cuts into the damaged Allen hole, so we'll see, soaking with penetrating oil right now.... I also got a cobalt drill bit as plan b.... Dinner is in the oven... Then it'll be that hard decision of a night ride out on the trails or play retrobike repair man.... Hmmmm
 
And she's apart! Ended up drilling it out which left me enough to grab on to with mole grips or vice grips as they are here and pull the rest out... Off for a reprint now!
 

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