How to remove a corroded exhaust flange stud

[@AJ-oj5eu]

You sir, are doing gods work. Just saved me hundreds of dollars and a trip to a professional. Thankyou from Australia

[@kookylook2071]

Inductor heater, air chisel. Quick and neat no flange damage.

[@alan4x]

😊

[@richardwatkins6725]

Each to there own but that ceramic cat matrix is taking a hammering.

[@Litesnip2022]

Cut the stud off and then drill the rest out. Would of looked cleaner.

[@AlexGnok]

takes ages though

[@Daedalus_UK]

@@AlexGnok only if you have cheap drill bits

[@Daedalus_UK]

use cobalt

[@AlexGnok]

@@Daedalus_UK yeah probably you are right. I don't remember what drill bits I was using, but I was drilling out 4 studs from the dpf filter on my focus and it took me half a day to do it

[@Daedalus_UK]

@@AlexGnok probably HSS titanium coated which are shit. They polish metal not cut. Cobalt for the win.

[@lilibethdoherty295]

This is why High temperature paint is so great, I coat all my cars exhaust parts with it and the metal will not absorb moisture. I have been doing this for decades and have none of these problems!

[@vintageallday2771]

What type of paint?

[@mule666]

He just said...cant you read ?

[@RenoLaringo]

​@@mule666😂

[@danieldryden4246]

OMG! I wish you had posted this video 2 weeks ago! I had the same issue trying to remove the dpf from my 2010 2.0 tdci S-Max. I opted to cut the studs flush with the flange and then drill them out… It worked, but it took me the best part of 4 hours to do 2 flanges. 🤦‍♂️

[@Umski]

I fear I am taking on a similar problem - I spent 2 hours drilling and have only cut about 2mm so far - busted several smaller drill bits in the process too 🤦‍♂

[@Country_Nasty]

@@Umskigotta buy the best drill bits. Cheap ones will break your heart half way into a hole

[@Umski]

@@Country_Nasty 😄 yeah I went for a cobalt single of the correct size in the end - it was like a hot knife through butter - have had similar experiences with masonry drills too 😬

[@mikeberry304]

Nice job Alan , I usually cut off the thread , and drill through the stud a couple of times and bolt it back together, at least no damage to catalytic converter either way 👍

[@hoojchoons2258]

Snap, still a twat of a job!

[@jedigeekbiker]

id have done same

[@justadreamin1004]

Wouldn't that cause an exhaust leak the way he did it---at least eventually?

[@jedigeekbiker]

@@justadreamin1004 that part is seperate from the exhaust gasket so actually would be ok

[@N269]

Exactly Mike. By cutting a notch (slicing the wing) will lead to other issues. I'd cut & drill and replace the stud with a bolt and an Aerotight nut. Might as well do same on the other stud.

[@danb4530]

Utilised this method today and it worked an absolute treat, thanks Alan!

[@marktompkins8519]

Hey I just tried your method, want to say THANK YOU! Broken stud on the manifold to the exhaust pipe, (1999 Jeep TJ 2.5) just enough room for the angle grinder, then finished the cut with a hack saw blade (hand held). Punched it out, new nut and bolt, only took maybe 45 minutes. Thanks again!

[@callumcurtis15]

If you have a acetylene torch I would deffinatly say heating around the stud then one nice whack usualy does it for me .

[@jamesporter4749]

That's what I did with a Vauxhall corsa exhaust I changed the other week, heating up the surrounding area around the stud until blood red and used my spring punch on the two studs. They flew out

[@andybramwell9179]

Did this today...I tried drilling out but it was woukd have taken hours. I cut a groove with the grinder. Job done. Than you so much.

[@makeitpay8241]

you need better drill bits not junk high speed steel those are only for mild steel not hardened studs.

[@Liam1H]

It would have only taken you a few minutes drilling it out with a carbide bit. They cost a lot but they are so handy for jobs like this. I would have ground off the stud, dented the center of the stud and drilled away, Three minutes max.

[@garybrown5500]

Top tip Alan. Got to laugh at the people getting all sensitive about the slit left in the exhaust. It can easily be welded! As for drilling the stud well they'd be there a long time. Those studs get bloody hard with all the heat cycles!

[@chrisnewell-7758]

cobalt drill, lube and slow speed lol

[@garybrown5500]

@@chrisnewell-7758 Post up a video show us! LOL

[@N269]

So, cut a groove/slit, bash the sucker out, can't use a new stud, still need a bolt... oh, yeah, and waste time welding?! Just drill the sucker and use a bolt. What a waste of time! Might have tried a 2-prong puller as a pusher (if it was small enuff to fit in there).

[@gmoney9588]

Not in our wildest dreams would we be able to retread a stud that had deteriorated to a smaller size and expect it to hold up under the stress of torque and heat and last for any length of time . Replacement was the only option . Although splined studs are not always easy to remove , even when heat is applied , it’s still easier than a threaded stud for removal . I’ve had success on thinner flanges with heat , and I don’t even own acetylene torches but used MAP gas . After heating until it smokes heavily , a socket on the stud end a C press on the other end to produce tension , followed by some concentrated tapping to shock the stud loose . Such as removing a ball joint , readjust tension when tapping and introducing shock to loosen the stud until the splines back out . Before beginning the removal process however , I will try cleaning away as much rust as possible and apply a penetrating oil in hopes that it will lubricate the splines and free up the rust bond as best as possible . You will always want to clean away as much rust from the head of the stud and threads where they go through the hole in the flange so there is the minimal of rust bond for a successful extraction of the stud . Yes , cutting the flange to relieve tension and aid extraction works but I really do try to avoid cutting unless I’ve no choice . That is a healthy sized flange and should be quite strong but heat from the catalytic converter will eventually cause it to bend . Respecting that this is a quick fix when time is of the essence and the exhaust has only a limited time left in this world before your MOT Lads condemn it to the junk pile , it’s what gets the job done . I speak from personal ownership as though it’s got to last twenty years or so since I personally keep a vehicle an eternity as it is anyway . While everyone has their methods , I will say that cutting and relieving will absolutely get the old stud out . Re-welding is not likely to last if that is a cast steel flange . The heat cycles from the exhaust will eventually weaken it . A body can try heat as you’ve suggested and pressing it out but time is always the deciding factor . You’ve got to keep them rolling and quickly , granted . Just hope the MOT lads haven’t a difference with this plan of attack . I should think not or you wouldn’t take this route . Well , to each his own but I will say , yes , this will definitely work . This thick flange will go a while in service with this repair for at least long enough before mileage has this vehicle either parted out or on its way to the furnace . The taxis rack up mileage so it’s a question of whether mileage dictates removal from service or wear and tear does first . Anyway , under the circumstances , this is a quick and acceptable repair for the needs . If all else fails , miss Monica’s input is always welcome ❤️

[@trboj]

The C press on the other end is what i would due

[@gmoney9588]

@@trboj Yes , I’ve found that a C press used for ball joints and universal joints to be useful on larger bolts . Smaller bolts , I’d use a press clamp similar to a C press in action . Yes , it’s the method of pressing out a splined fastener that we must use . Shocking the faster out whether on the flange surface or the fastener itself with a hammer or air hammer and increasing pressure of the press will eventually get it done .

[@mikeruddy7675]

Just had an exhaust flange stud snap on me. Had very limited access but a reciprocating saw worked a charm. Cut and a few light taps and it was out. Thank you so much.

[@alan4x]

excellent..nice when things work out

[@yoyo762]

If i cut a thin slot in a flange, i also cut nearly all the way through the bolt too. That way the bolt is in half and comes out with a small hammer hit.

[@alan4x]

yes should do

[@garymills7494]

Great video. Most manifold studs are stainless steel, which still corrodes at the elevated temperatures they see.

[@idunknown7591]

I'll be damned... I have been trying to get mine out on my 98 K2500 4x4 for two solid days. Then I decided to go to KZbin University. and there you were Alan. As soon as you said cut a relief cut in the flange, I knew that that was the trick. Going outside right now and going to get them both out. Will update in a few.

[@Calmac519]

update?

[@MotorwiseBromley]

i cut them flush , drill a dimple into it, then punch it out with a pointed tip on an air hammer

[@sandy7m]

Spilned studs on an exhaust assembly flange. What moron tbought that was a good idea. You had a great solution to the problem which took the issue back to what shohld have been their "day one" nut and bolt

[@alan4x]

yes nuts and bolts would be much better but I guess its cheaper to produce the studs

[@usnchief1339]

The moron that wants consumer to purchase a new exhaust component before it actually fails.

[@danielgreenbaum8875]

Ive always drilled them out but a quick way of getting them always good to learn new tricks and have other options only thing I think would be abit more difficult is trying to grind stub at top getting grinder in but still a very good idea

[@guffermeister]

Please put the guard back on your angle grinder. I have had slitting and grinding discs let go on me before and been so thankful that I had the guard on to eject the disc debris away from me. Proper eye protection is a must. If you had an accident, you would be putting your employer in a horrible position with liability without the proper guards and basic PPE in place...

[@nomaschalupas2453]

Well, it hasn’t happened to him yet, so he’s alright.

[@johnsaliba5358]

@@nomaschalupas2453 I've seen a disk coming apart and being embedded in a mate's face. Gruesome and nearly cost him an eye. JUst because it has not happened yet does not mean it will not.

[@Whatta33]

Get a desk job

[@jaybird3651]

I've seen a ufo at band camp

[@jimhenderson2308]

I had the exact same thing happen and bent the flange. I'm going to do what you suggest and attempt to bend the flange back. Another way is to cut the stud off and drill a hole thru it and use a mini hack saw to cut a slot in the wall thickness left from drilling the hole. This will spare the slot in the flange.

[@BesprovolkiSvias]

Here, in the US of A, we use "PB Blaster" to soak the rust before we try these kind of tasks. It is a rust penetrant, works wonders, seeps through seemingly impossibly narrow spaces (microscopic), makes a path for itself by dissolving rust and seeping further.

[@AndrewRosales-y1h]

I sprayed with PB blaster 3 days prior to the job snapped one side with impact snapped other side with hand tools🤣

[@Soandsoguy]

Apparently you don't watch Project Farm youtube channel? PBlaster doesnt work nearly as well as liquid wrench or seafoam. You are welcome.

[@andrewcheatle4691]

Or homemade ATF/Acetone 50/50mix, works better than any commercial product. Just don't get it in your eyes

[@BesprovolkiSvias]

"Commercial products" cannot be possibly "worse" because those people are not dumb, as follows: if you know about ATF / Acetone mix, this follows that they (them) have known it for centuries. Conspiracy Theory Scientists are the best, they tell us that allmighty "they ("them") have been hiding the best facts from humanity for millions of years. Alien Tech?

[@PaweMusia]

Great tip Alan! when i did mine downpipe on my Mk3 Mondeo couple years back, nuts on the catalytic converter end were so rotted that they looked like 2 layers of tin foin wrapped around the stud. luckily threads were saveable ;)

[@Theorangeman.]

Also put a socket on the flush part of stud and push it out with the vice

[@williamkelly6034]

Good show! I've got to take apart my exhaust to get to the O2 sensor. Exactly the solution that I needed! Many thanks!

[@alan4x]

Glad it helped

[@SM-ch2ny]

Thank you. this method over anything you can get cutting tools in and around the exhaust very easily, but trying to drill it out like some people say “would be better” but like your saying in the video if your gonna do that you need to remove the hole exhaust bit to make that work effectively and/or pray your drill actually fits in that specific area !

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

The heat from the exhaust will constantly heat treat the bolts, studs and nuts, and attract moisture that will cause them to rust and corrode and chemically weld the parts together. There should be a rule that requires the manufacturer to use something like anti-seize/never-seize that will prevent the pieces from welding together and rusting and corroding.

[@bobabraham5060]

Dremel tool with a grinding blade will make a much thinner slot. Might take a bit longer but it will do the job and you won’t lose as much material.

[@nickaxe771]

What would a thinner slot gain....its still a slot.

[@josephhalwagy6435]

Great seeing you back Alan and thank you for sharing

[@timhancock6626]

One of those little electric induction heaters might do the trick by applying heat locally to the stud, but cutting a slot makes complete sense anyway.

[@hydewhyte4364]

I have one and love it, but to get enough heat into a flange like that you'll be there all day. You can't operate them for more than 1 minute at a time of they shut down and take 5 minutes to reset. So 30 seconds on, 15 seconds off, until you get enough into it .... They're really good for nuts, but anything bigger you really need a torch.

[@enoz.j3506]

I angle gring all the way through the bolt to the back,makes it so much easier,less banging & stressing parts.

[@tcmits3699]

Just don't get who thought a wheel stud was a better idea than a plain nut and bolt🤔Nice job on the simple slot👍

[@alan4x]

nuts and bolts would be so much easier

[@victoryfirst2878]

NICE trick fella, I will use it myself in the future.

[@user-wu7rf6kl6j]

🧐 Each to their own. Cut and drill, brake flaring tools could have been used, splitting fork behind the bolt head, heat treatment, use some imagination. Smacking an unsupported pipe with a hammer will surely lead to more damage. Could have at least put something behind the flange to counter the impact. Sorta like "every action has an equal an opposite reaction"

[@markk8225]

Suggestion: After cutting the flange, insert a chisel in the groove and give the chisel a sharp tap or two to slightly expand the groove. NOW the bolt should tap right out.

[@alan4x]

that is a really good idea, cheers

[@johnfry8737]

😂if you have a oxy acal torch heat cherry red quench with ice cold water put wrench on turn it out shock. Loosen up every time old welders trick works every time

[@colinbryan2738]

BMW Z4 2.5 exhaust studs corrode away and are awful to get out. I cut a slot like you did but space is tight to cut the upper one. Air hammer on them and managed to get them out. Killed an exhaust sensor from all the hammering so had to replace that as well. Stainless bolts fitted to the exhaust flange so they won't rot away again. Getting the broken exhaust sensor out was another pain sensor sockets just spun on the sensor flats ended up chiselling off the top of the sensor to get a reverse twist extractor socket on what was left and a short breaker bar to get it out. Chased the thread out then fitted the replacement.

[@benws8246]

I do love a good flange video. 😁

[@joe10toes]

I love google subtitles..."here we have a mark free Ford mondeo" 😂😂😂

[@patkelly7999]

Great job Alan, every day is a learning day, Thank You👌👍

[@Peter_Riis_DK]

Bloody hell, Alan. Please don't succumb to the vertical video syndrome any more. Anyway; top repair tip, thanks.

[@nilsthemis]

An old clip, but anyway: It's a standard pressed in stud. The best way to remove them is to press them back out. If you can't bring it to a work bench an improvised tool can be made from nuts, bolts and some scrap steel. But OK, that's a bit fiddly. In this case propane torch heating and tapping it with some heavy object backing the flange up is suggested. Banging on things without backing is not very effective and can easily cause damage.

[@melbournechugging2999]

Just heat the back of the stud until it's red hot then use an air hammer to push it out

[@ericjumpelfeaturingjohnnyj4135]

Excellent work! About to go give it a try right now. Both of my studs are gone and require this same surgery. I tried drilling the stud remnant out, but I think the stud is only slightly softer than my drill bit.

[@drummer4hire24]

Awesome tip Mate.... worked like a charm. A bit of Penetrating oil while it was warm may have helped also.

[@alan4x]

thanks drummer

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

I just got an arc welder. Makes me want to give that quick zap, a bit of a mend and a bit of tidying up. Love the strategy.

[@robertboykin1828]

I'm 80, retired mechanic, dun fixin that old junk. Now I trade that crap in.

[@Wildwwill]

I've noticed a smaller hammer sometimes works better to break the rust. Get that ting sound rather than a blunt thud. You can see fine particles of rust fly.

[@ianlaccohee7180]

I did an apprenticeship as an hgv mechanic. We used acetylene on an almost daily basis.

[@muffs55mercury61]

Good job. My grinder has done many things for me thru the years. When one goes bad I buy another.

[@manosparavida3551]

Another method would be a reputable 3" G-clamp with m8 nuts to act as a spacer with an additional nut on what remains of the stud thread and merely wind the clamp in to push the stud out.

[@alan4x]

👍

[@SJR275]

What about cutting the bold off and drilling it out?

[@x-man5056]

Good method. The only remaining question is; why aren't you changing the rusty muffler out also? It can't be any better inside than the studs on the outside. That would also negate the need for removing that stud.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

That was the catalytic converter !

[@jra55417]

@@AJ-qn6gderm. No. It was the centre silencer. You can see him fit a brand new cat to it at the end of the vid

[@Normandy1944]

Good idea, though I thought you were going to knock a slot big enough to hammer the stud out downward...hint, another way to accomplish this feat. Also, as far as you only went with the one cut groove, would be to put a hardened pry bar in their to pry it and relieve some of the tension of the rust on the stud and then bashing it out with less concern of bending the flange. Barring the size of the bar, you could apply pressure to the slot and give it a bash with the 3 lb maul.

[@funfun5656]

It doesn't compromise clamping force to do that? I'd almost want to put some high heat putty epoxy in the slots after bolting it all up just because now the surface area goes all the way through the flange. Means it will rust quicker

[@theronwolf3296]

Couple of thoughts Good to see eye protection, but really angle grinder in close quarters should use ear protection as well. Use good penetrating rust solvent and leave in place for several hours. Makes a big difference.

[@12demention]

brake fluid will guarantee work no cutting,Best bolt loosened on the planet.2 to 8hr soak time need

[@lancedenney2408]

These are super strong heat-treated bolts! use a small gear puller and patience setting up the 2 arms!

[@mondodaftasabrush]

Your braver than me ... with that 360 cutting grinder with shades on ... I do love a guard me would never use a tool without one Probably the best and easy solution to rectify the problem at hand Yeah the comments are funny, but if we had all day to make things perfect the average customer wouldn't pay the rate ... some don't even care just want it repaired cheaply and NOW !

[@psdaengr911]

I'd have used an angle grinder to remove the head and projecting stud and drilled it, but this way looks easier. Only issue is that the exposed threads within the flange cut are a rust accelerator, and the location is already known to be a rapid rusting problem. To stop that, maybe apply antiseize on the "entrapped" thread then use JBWeld to stuff the slot with the new bolt in place?

[@alan4x]

😊

[@liviustelianbotanoiu906]

Thank you for this! I really enjoy watching your videos, they are full of knowledge. Would the shocks caused by the hammer not damage the catalytic converter?

[@pauljanssen7594]

Actually you can get a bolt puller unusual looking tool but instead of using penetrating oil you heat up the area of the stud or bolt use paraffin wax as a it doesn't burn off like paraffin wax. Of course this is pressed in stud usually has one comment said you cut the stud off drill it partly out you say drift to knock it out.

[@jasondinscore4251]

You fucking rock mate!!! I thought that was going to be a much harder chore.

[@alan4x]

lol, glad it helped

[@JordanBurnett-mf4yn]

This doesn't affect the effectiveness of the new bolt/nut getting a good seal?

[@zzhughesd]

Alan. Trader and not a garage. Have a 4 poster but little else. I've rusty flange bolts exhaust but the nut and thread are gone. how do I resolve cheaply workout an exhaust cat to Flexi and beyond. cheers. Thought about a bracket to hold ... literally 2 bolts no longer clamping.

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

One point I'd make would be well even if you have a map gas torch or even propane and not a real acetylene torch, still heat it up with anything, put a big socket BEHIND the head of the stud and whack it with a hammer. A little heat goes a LONG way!! Great work though, I'm about to try this on my friend's Ford F250 where the Y pipe meets the catalytic converter, that flange there.. fun thing is there is a THIRD bolt up on TOP that you can't get to without disassembling the whole exhaust. So fun!!

[@Dave-Huston-Dublin]

Check the lower gearbox mount.

[@anthonyiannone7618]

A tie rod puller may have been able to press that stud out without bending the flange , just a thought

[@AcuraJ32]

Yes Sir that is how I get them out cut a slice in flange saves alot of aggravation! I subscribed to your channel

[@kevinpalmer7452]

That’s how I do them Allen like you say quickest and easiest way👍

[@phreekinoriginal]

ever tried placing a over sized socket on the head of the bolt and cutting the stud flush and then using a C clamp to compress it out? I have seen it work in certain applications.

[@seeya205]

I would have used some penetrating oil on it. Once you got that little crack in the front, I would sprayed some in there. It may have made it easier to get out. It stilled worked out in the end. This my job coming up once the part arrives.I would never have thought about cutting the slot. I may need this trick this weekend if mine break. They do look in better condition than yours, so fingers crossed.

[@alan4x]

Great point!

[@Walczyk]

Remove the exhaust and put it on a press with a backer

[@philipnewton7942]

Allen A good way of getting out of trouble but wont it make the flange week and slacken if the bolt I thought you would fill in the flange where you cut with weld a interesting way though Phil in stoke

[@Donutkommando]

Thanks for posting this, I tried it today. Wish me luck and hope it holds!

[@pakkelly]

Brilliant. Arguably the fastest method. Thank you.

[@alan4x]

yeah, that was the whole point to get it done quick with no fuss, cheers

[@CrankImmortals]

I use a ball joint separator to press it out while supporting the flange.

[@tazmun]

I consider heat for this type of work a necessity and if you don’t have it, you need to get it that. Most heat all over only enhancing the problem. What you need to do is only heat of very narrow strip on the end of the loop around the bolt. I admit the cutting isn’t a bad idea, but I think you cut too wide a swathe weakening the bracket too much. I would’ve used either and much narrower cut off wheel or maybe a reciprocating sawblade made out of carbide. I also would’ve used the cutting torch to cut off the backend of the stud.

[@cosmicallyderived]

If you’re going to hammer it cut it down some so it won’t want to bend because the radium arm will be so short.

[@harveysmith100]

Nice tip. The only thing I would add would be to use a 1mm slitting disk

[@minaminx]

you could get a puller on that. The drive bolt pushing on stud an hooks over the back

[@rasmadrak]

Isn't there a risk of destroying the cat ceramic by pounding on it? Or is it durable enough for that? I handled my new cat with silk gloves during install... :'D

[@ghassanalfarra8935]

@05:54 you can see inside the CC that the honeycomb still seems to be intact .. but I too would have worried

[@minaminx]

but your solution is still a simple and excellent solution.

[@Rmahaffey714]

Hey this worked flawlessly for me thank you so much

[@wangwang2003]

Use inductive heating device to heat it up to cheery red, then it would be very easy to remove

[@mixedboi]

I had the same situation on my 2004 CL7 Accord, I drilled them out and hammered the splines out with a punch, it was a nasty job, 3 studs, not 2. Down + flex pipe unit.

[@elsancho6697]

Do they not have torches where your at? You get that ear cherry red and that stud will pop out no problemo

[@marknucita8284]

Evening Alan got engine malfunction came up its the P244c code having a Ford part fitted next week £515 fitted thought it was a sensor but think it might be the vaporizer. fault said exhaust temp too low for part filter regen bank 1 is that the part with pipes and nozzle in ya video? Aftermarket parts don't work as you said Regards Mark Black Mk4, you did my tracking

[@JoelFrakes-ny7vc]

Mine has 3. When attempting to remove The exhaust to install new CV axles no my Nissan, I broke two of the three off of the exhaust flange. Now I have to fix the bolts by drilling them and then rethreading the flange. It's going to be a pain in the ass.

[@Ocho474]

What if I just hammered the bolt out? Would it work or nah?

[@alan4x]

no you would bend the flange

[@dcasteaux9181]

The catalytic converter contains a glass-like honeycomb: it can crack with the shocks from the hammer. Just saying. Personally I'd cut off the thread and drill out the remainder with a carbide drill bit.

[@callumcurtis15]

Chances are very very low and sometimes you just can't get a drill into the working area .

[@CLIFTYPOPS]

Alan how many miles can the 2 litre duratec engine and its gearbox go before they start going bad?

[@waynebeck7801]

Wouldn’t it be easier to grind the stud flush and drill it out?

[@philtucker1224]

There seems to be enough room to just drill it right through and just fit a good nut and bolt.

[@brianhume4743]

Nice one Alan,just saying from North of Newcastle 👍

[@scoobgirl]

got some studs like that causing me misery , thought it was welded on cut the head off hit with hammer and still not budged , trying this next, stay tuned haha

[@scoobgirl]

worked a treat thanks

[@lancedenney2408]

Break or cut, then use a small 2 arm gear puller! Hold tight together as you tighten the center bolt. Takes 5" each! Not welded!

[@johnbower]

I certainly would not want iron sparks sprayed into the under body of my car causing rust to form , quickest way is rarely the best way, drilling the stud out is the best method.

[@claytonsimplot9554]

What keeps those ears from snapping in two?

[@imapadlock]

Rather you that me with no guard on that angle grinder 😳🙈

[@johnqpublic4012]

There's a video, also on KZbin, where the guy uses a torch on the flange ear until cherry red, then a couple quick pops on the end of the seized stud with an air hammer. Pops right out. Worth a try.

[@alan4x]

yes, thanks