HOW TO REMOVE A BROKEN BOLT DEEP IN A HOLE / REMOVE A BROKEN BOLT IN A RECESSED HOLE EASY EXTRACTION

HOW 2 AF how to remove a broken bolt deep in a hole. It's easy to remove a broken bolt in a recessed hole using Harbor Freight Screw Extractor kit.
Drilling out the center of the broken bolt that is stuck in the hole. The drill bit must be in the center of the broken stud or bolt. I started with the smallest drill bit and worked up to larger size to match the No 3 extractor. Extracting a steel bolt out of aluminum cylinder head. Broken valve cover bolt easy out with this extractor kit. Keep checking the depth of the hole to the extractor don't want to drill too deep. Once the extractor starts to bite onto the broken bolt or stud soak it with lubricant and use steady force turning it out.

[@diegobarraza7096]

Step 1: cry

[@ExpertAcee]

😭

[@segbachan5123]

Step 2 start cussing..Step 3 keep repeating step 2 until the job is done 👍

[@crazykjdm]

@@segbachan5123 I’m at this point now I’m contemplating leaving it in there😂😂

[@RedVelvet_EdgeMuffin]

@@crazykjdm my girlfriend started crying because she couldn’t get the bolt out of my car- I don’t blame her. Neither could I but we’ll see what we can do today. Broken top bolt in my alternator mount. Finances are tight as ever. One missed day of work is another foot deeper in the ground and we desperately need to move from here.

[@crazykjdm]

@@RedVelvet_EdgeMuffin u got it don’t let it get to u get that isht done 💯

[@masonreppeto882]

My dumb ass over torqued the valve cover bolts. I forgot these extractors existed! thanks for the video.

[@how2af263]

I’m glad you found the video helpful.

[@benbanda8411]

Same boat as you lol

[@dancewithml]

Same.

[@addisondre8083]

@@dancewithmlsame

[@jaykgarcia69]

Same bro😭

[@gfysyoutube]

One of the best feelings in the world. Once you get it out.

[@joeconklin2542]

Good job. However a couple of suggestions. 1. Penetration oil or Rust remover. WD-40 is a last resort. PB Blaster works great. 2. Lube those drill bits with cutting oil. Small the bit the faster the speed, but less pressure. Bigger bits slower speed, medium pressure. Never force. 3. Vacuume the shavings. Never, ever, wipe it away. 100% you will drop shavings in the head or worse... the crank.

[@how2af263]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@joelcastaneda2517]

Thank you. I had 2 bolt break on my 2008 impala.also,can you use the oil from the oil pan for your drill bit

[@joeconklin2542]

@@joelcastaneda2517 you can use discarded oil. However, a lot the materials used in the oil for cooling the metal has burnt off. So it's not an oil I'd start with. I highly recommend high speed cutting oil. Provides a reasonable amount of cooling. When you start to see a build up metal shavings. Vacuum them away if engine is exposed. Make sure you keep your bits lubed up. Kolbolting or bluing of the metal is bad. That's means your taking Ng to big old bite. It will destroy your bits faster.

[@robinmullen9770]

@@how2af263 LOVE PB Blaster! Once you use it, you'll never go back to WD 40 for anything. Lasts longer on squeaky hinges too. Even outside metal gates.

[@boomerguy9935]

@@robinmullen9770 WD40 is actually a solvent. "WD" stands for Water Displacement and the number 40 refers to formula #40. It is not a lube.

[@mosthated8190]

I used the harbor freight left hand drill bits to get out a transmission drain pan bolt while replacing transmission filter and gasket. Worked like a charm!

[@MOE13576]

I'm currently trying to remove a broken exhaust bolt out an engine before a swap. This ain't working for sht.

[@TS-xj5mt]

Well done 10 times better than Scotty Kilmer's video on the subject you deserve all his views

[@how2af263]

Thank you for sharing. Awesome thanks again!

[@jpeepsjr]

This helped me tremendously.. I had the bits but they broke.. and I was using a drill to extract which is a NO NO.. use drill to drill hole and then use the extractor bit to MANUALLY extract the bolt turning COUNTER CLOCKWISE with a wrench or pliers . Thanks for the video!

[@how2af263]

You’re welcome. Good job 👍

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

Another vid used a tap & die holder for leverage on the extractor.

[@jessehernandez7984]

⁰9999999⁹!

[@willpage79]

What's the adapter u need to for hex I see an extension he using?

[@iozzelli1]

I just try this and the extractor got broken 😭 the only last step left is to drill and make the screw collapse 😢

[@dauntevivone3578]

I'm the lucky guy that broke off the #2 easy out. Got a dremmel, some chainsaw sharpening stones and a 12 Pack of IPA's. Wish me luck. This broken Easy-out is harder than algebra

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

That IPA will do better than WD-40.....

[@Jacobs29ify]

All: If you are going to use a ratchet, you'll need to get tap sockets. Home Depot sells them (8 piece) for just under $26.00. Hope this helps.

[@papitosabe]

Can you explain why in ELI5 form?

[@chrisl3140]

Tap sockets would make it easier but not required if you have a small socket that goes on securely.

[@joelcastaneda2517]

What are tap sockets? I bought a torque wrench from harbor freight. I put it at 7feet pounds and it still snapped 2 bolts I used a speed drill bit and a T20 bit to remove it. Works good 👍🏽.

[@fredrickgreen4275]

So very thankful for your video I have a extraction set but didn't know how to use it now I do thanks alot,keep up that great videos 👍

[@MrJustDIY]

Great video and I think I will get a set next time I'm at harbor freight.

[@dougmerritt6748]

Good video. Easy to understand and good camera work too.

[@how2af263]

Thank you for watching. I enjoy reading the comments.

[@toddcastle3926]

I just bought this kit myself. It wasn’t priced bad, but if it helps me out at least this time, then it paid for itself! Wish me luck!?

[@joshstacy623]

Todd Castle did it work? I just had one bolt snap on my water pump & came across this video. I'm going to harbor freight tomorrow to see if they have this set in stock. To add more gas to the flame my new water pump threads to the clutch fan cross threaded on me, very aggravating 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@joshstacy623]

Do you mind me asking, how much was the set?

[@bennysmith3531]

I have the same problem with the valve cover gasket bolt broke off into so appreciate your video so now I know what to do

[@1010109999999]

Thanks so much for sharing I didn't really know how to use it getting ready to try it now wish me luck❤

[@michaelhernandez1398]

Good video! Thank you!

[@jackalninezeronine]

An extractor from harbor freight with no cutting fluid and Water Displacer 40? You were playing with fire on this one. Glad it worked out.

[@how2af263]

You are correct! Harbor freight tool got it done. I was nervous about doing it but no other choices. Thanks for watching.

[@skys9741]

Took 3 of them out using the method shown…. Thank you Lord. Ps never go cheap on replacement parts.

[@how2af263]

Thank you.

[@carnahangreen1391]

Currently in exact same predicament with broken valve cover bolt in cylinder head. Below the surface and a pretty skinny bolt-hole. Nervous to try this. Your instruction was pretty clear though. Thanks.

[@how2af263]

😉 Take it slowly. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@robinmullen9770]

Ne too 3 bolts!!

[@torkamills5584]

Me toooooo dudeeeeee. Mf nerve racking 😂

[@CasmoD1]

Great job young man, thank for the video.

[@TanveerAhmed-gl5jk]

Fantastic video superb thanks buddy straight to the point briliant👍👍👍

[@how2af263]

Hello thanks for watching and sharing your positive comments. I’m glad you found it and enjoyed the video.

[@chuckwood8638]

Appreciate the video!

[@johnmilos8145]

Dear in a hole? This is one of the most easily accessible bolts I've ever seen.

[@matthewmagee31]

Show me a head bolt about four inches down from the top of the cylinder head and I’ll say yeah that’s deep. This hole he’s got is like stealing candy from a moron.

[@jeSSiEmiLLeR]

Yes thats my current issue. Have a broke head bolt deep down in a hole and I need to know how to remove it!

[@matthewmagee31]

@@jeSSiEmiLLeR ok, so a trick I learned, first of course center point the bolt with a punch. But, first!!!!!!! Make a sleeve to put in the hole where the broken bolt is from a socket, preferablly a 1/4 in drive deep. If you need to cut the end off with an angle grinder do it. Then Put that in the hole. Then use a long drill bit, or a short one on an extension, and drill through the sleeve into the top of the broken bolt. Then use your extractor. If ya can’t get it with all that, take off that head!

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

CONGRATS! Didn't think it'd "go"!

[@how2af263]

Hello thanks for watching! Slow and steady.

[@SlayerMcG]

Snapped 2 of my studs on my valve cover a few days ago, hopefully I wont need these tools since they aren't snapped flush with the block that I should be able to get them out with just a pair of pliers. But thanks for the video showcasing how the extractor set works!

[@ChrisB-cx6td]

Where you able to?

[@kennywowie]

I'd use a vise-grip if I were you.

[@kyletracey5819]

A little heat with torch in most situations works wonders. Especially b4 snapping off a siezed bolt first. Bet you were glad that turned out 👍

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

A garage said they had to heat up a bolt "cherry red" to get it out of one of my cars, years ago.

[@kyletracey5819]

@@BOBXFILES2374a oh ya, ive had to heat a few up glowing. Hinge pins on my cargo van once and few other things like caliper bolts

[@robinmullen9770]

Yea, on a valve cover a blow torch doesn't sound like such a good a good idea. Cant wait to see that video. 😁

[@bobedwards7927]

@@robinmullen9770😂😂

[@larrymc4428]

Is that a 2.4 chevy that your working on. Snapped a bolt while changing the vavle cover gasket on my Malibu last night.

[@MakotoTsuguri]

I broke 3 bolts removing my valve cover on my Honda Civic. Didn't even know until I was putting them back lol. Hopefully this set will do the job. I got new bolts to replace them with.

[@kingplatano1592]

Did it work

[@Jay-xr1lj]

Did it work ?

[@MakotoTsuguri]

@@Jay-xr1lj Definitely didn't work for me. The bolts were much stronger material so I couldn't even make a dent in it. I ended up finding an even worse problem than broken bolts, so I had to get rid of the car entirely.

[@Undafind666]

Doing this tomorrow on my valve cover hope it works

[@how2af263]

Awesome! I’m glad you found the video useful.

[@dcla3467]

Cool im buying one thanks 👍

[@mykofreder1682]

Learned the toolbox drill or even these ones that came with the kit which don't look only slightly better than my toolbox drills, they are like butter knives against bolt steel. Finally got the cobalt or titanium drill and instead of butter knife drills goes through like the bolt was wood, 1 minute of drilling for a deep hole. I got a titanium drill from Milwaukee that clicks into my impact drill like a screw bit, normal and not high arm pressure and metal cork screw shaving came out like it was wood. My opinion the impact was a big benefit, my drills impact is quite mild a better impact might be too much.

[@robinmullen9770]

Good drill bits are a must. Got the Irwin (extraction tool company too) bit thinking it would be better than what I had at home at the neighborhood Ace Hardware. Sorely disappointed. Good Lord, what a flippin slow, to no go that loser was!!

[@LaToyaPlansLife]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@how2af263]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it at the right time!

[@je19662008]

To be honest, I have NEVER known those so-called easy-outs to work under any circumstance. I've found the only way to solve that problem is to re-drill & tap the the hole.

[@how2af263]

Thank you for watching. I hope you enjoyed the video. Plan B was to re-drill & tap the hole. 👍

[@denvercolorado811]

Good job. What did u use along with the socket wrench to attach to the blot extractor

[@Bulletz4Breakfast13]

I think he used a 12 point socket because they fit square ends but you can use a crescent wrench "adjustable wrench," to get some leverage. I recommend using: 1. a punch to mark a center hole and shock the bolt threads multiple times. 2. Spraying with PB Blaster/Liquid Wrench/CRC penetrate oil/WD-40 specialist penetrating oil and letting that soak. 3. Use a butane torch can or MAP GAS torch to heat up center of bolt which expands bolt threads and let it cool or spray with PB Blaster to make it shock cool, then heat around bolt to expand the threads holding bolt. 4a.Then try drilling in dead center, start kind of small but not too small, you don't want to break off an extractor screw in there. If you do you will need real Carbide drill bits $63 for each drill bit, or a Dremel 1/8th shank Carbide burr that cost around $30-$35 each. 4b. Continue with extractors/EZ outs and move up to #3 and try carefully twisting it out. Don't use a drill, use wrench and extension pipe for leverage after hammering extractor screw in tight. The trick is not to use one big enough to eat up threads around bolt. You have to have a 90° angle and dead center entry or you will mess up threads or brake it in there. Extractor Screws are high carbon steel hardness and hard as F to get out. 5. Last resort is buy an Amazon Mig welder kit with a auto dark helmet and welding gloves. You don't need to have gas but you need a slag hammer and wire brush to clean up residue from each weld. Weld a sacrificial screw driver or a long wrench to get high leverage. But you can always weld a nut onto it but do a small washer first. If the internal threads are not aluminum and are steel like bolt you should put pure copper tubing inside hole to protect threads and make the weld only bond to bolt.

[@B-S1999]

Wonder if this would work on fuel rail studs had one stud break flush and those studs are very small

[@coolloser85]

I just got a set. This set is the drill bit and the extrator? Side by side? IDK what I'm looking at.

[@robertstewart9658]

Not gonna lie. When I saw you were using an HF set I was waiting for it to break.

[@how2af263]

You and me both. Slow and steady wins the race. Thanks for watching Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@MaCH-2X]

@ How 2 AF...what size of rachet & socket did you use? Thankz

[@Chris-kb7vo]

this helped me get one out of a cylinder head

[@how2af263]

Awesome I’m glad it helped!

[@ploxplox1109]

@@how2af263 hey man i got the same problem what socket you use to hold the extractor?>

[@TheMotoboy247]

Awesome video bro..

[@how2af263]

Thank you Gabe I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing.

[@manuelrivera4884]

excuse me , what wrench socket number you use to use the number 3 extractor bit?

[@stephencook7337]

You’re supposed to hammer the extractor in before you begin the extraction process.

[@wigletron2846]

And hammering it can help break the bolt loose

[@Gatorbags23]

Hey man plz help was this done on a valve cover like bolts of 10mm because I have broken n I’m freaking 😢out

[@WV591]

Good job.too bad you can't get the rusty bolts out with these tools.

[@msaw1997]

What size socket did you use?

[@zacb7427]

Try doing this on a exhaust manifold stud upside down on your back yea screw that I personally like the extractors that are square saved a few fuel tanks that have broken off before

[@jedigeekbiker]

doing that now on a fazer, well it looks like il end up drilling as stud extractor tools wont grip.. 6mm too which mean they are soft

[@samantharidgeway8912]

Hubby broke muffler bolt off and can't seem to extract it -_- garage bill here we come!!!!!!!! 😭🤦🏻😠😡

[@jedigeekbiker]

@@samantharidgeway8912 nightmare. still trying to do mine

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

@Yaboy Dolo Ouch!

[@lebaneseeagle5196]

hello, how are you sir great video what size socket that fits the extractor bits? I thank you so much

[@Jacobs29ify]

If you are going to use a ratchet, you'll need to get tap sockets . Home Depot sells them (8 piece) for just under $26.00. Hope this helps.

[@joshstacy623]

Subscribed. That's awesome you got it out easily. I just snapped a bolt on my water pump & top everything else off the threads on my water pump that go to the clutch fan cross threaded 🤦🏼‍♂️ Could I just rethread the clutch fan instead of buying another water pump? Just trying to save some money lol

[@joshstacy623]

It's a 05 Trailblazer with the 4.2 motor. Needless to say I have plenty of room

[@kidddank572]

I have this issue right before you remove the spark plugs all three Allen screws broke in half. If anyone has advice please let me know asap

[@ret702]

Where did vu find that socket adapter, holy fuq, I've been looking for something to hold the extractor for a while

[@TheFrenchPug]

Wasn't so lucky yesterday. Bolt lower down holding in my injectors snapped. Gotta drill it all out and retap it now :(

[@how2af263]

It happens. Best of luck to you.

[@TheFrenchPug]

@@how2af263 Got a thicker, self tapping bolt with grabbing threads in there for now holding firm. Ordered a helicoil kit from Amazon for next injector replacement because I don't like Jimmy rigged stuff :)

[@caayydenn]

Well I had bad threads in one of my engine blocks holes for the water pump and when re tapping the cheap tap tool I purchased snapped almost immediately. No room to drill. Would hate to junk it over something stupid. Im at a loss. I'll remember this for sure tho..

[@alexandernewsome1581]

Whats on the end of the tap attached to the rachet, whats it called ?

[@lillouie9738]

What kind of socket is that holding the left handed extractor bit onto the ratchet?

[@ret702]

I'm wondering the same

[@Jmav91]

Damn it lol I took on a project of fixing up a 5.3 motor and I snapped the damn intake manifold bolt

[@cliffhymen]

What size socket is that?

[@toddbarlow3094]

Good job brother!

[@wakepe1]

Awesome

[@how2af263]

Thank you!

[@zeaqlo]

I'm gonna try them I broken bolt on my vale cover

[@keytonkunzle5400]

Do you think you could do this with valve cover on

[@segbachan5123]

Good job you should have vacuumed up those metal shavings though, they have a sneaky way of finding themselves into places you really don't want them to.😧

[@johnybrawo647]

and how solve this problem if screw is a very small.

[@MakotoTsuguri]

Could you tell me what socket you used to fit that extractor, and where you got it? I've been to AAP, AutpZone, and even Home Depot, and they don't even have the size for an 1/8th screw.

[@TT-bv4eh]

Its a square end so if your using small ones youre probably going to need a tap wrench

[@MakotoTsuguri]

@@TT-bv4eh Well it looks like I'm on my own. I went to Harbor Freight and the manager said those are hard to find over here. I tried to look online, and even that is not giving me the results I'm looking for.

[@762531971]

Little fluid will help

[@Jacobs29ify]

If you are going to use a ratchet, you'll need to get tap sockets. Home Depot sells them (8 piece) for just under $26.00. Hope this helps.

[@awax9221]

What size bolt did u take out?

[@CampedToDeath]

Doesn't the kit come with left hand drill bits? Why didn't you use them if it did? Sometimes the left hand drill bit get the broken screw out while you're drilling it.

[@e36fanatics]

ive heard this before too

[@waynebeck7801]

I think they are left hand drill bits.

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

Great if the bolt is very soft metal. If it's grade 5 or higher, it gets kind of sketchy

[@nathan752]

We’re can I find a socket to fit the extractor tool

[@willpage79]

What's the adapter you using for the wrench ?

[@how2af263]

It’s just a socket that fit. I grabbed it from my toolbox.

[@pureblood6310]

Need heat! Gotta love aluminum and steel!😤😤😤😢

[@how2af263]

Hello thanks for sharing! Thanks for watching I’m glad you found it useful.

[@gregcowan4477]

Heat normally help and having nothing in the way also works

[@elmezcalitonews8735]

I broke mine, 2016 honda accord, the bolt is to thin hopefully it works

[@brandonpoe8706]

cant find anybody to do this for me . can u list all the tools u used in the video.

[@tyhenio3640]

How much is that set?

[@lexxluther5124]

Is the drill bits left hand too? Or just the extractors?

[@sandrarichardson2713]

Hi--It may be too late to answer your question. I just bought this set last week for a broken off bolt on a propane tank. The set had left hand drill bits in it as well as the extractors. Many videos I saw said they preferred the left hand bits and usually had success getting the bolt out with just the drill bit since it rotates counter clockwise. Hope this helps. Jesus bless.

[@freddiecolon7948]

Not bad, thanq

[@how2af263]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@zaytyga]

Did you use the bits that came with the kit? You mentioned the drill was going clockwise but correct me if im wrong but the first time you used the drill it def seemed to be going counter not clockwise. And i thought the left drill bits you're supposed to go left not right? Help me understand this please. I want to use my kit but I've seen many people use regular drill bits and some people use left handed bits!

[@papitosabe]

Yea, I was confused as well

[@e36fanatics]

you should use left hand bits or atleast thats what ive been told

[@waylonpourier4691]

Does it come with the socket that fits the extractor bits.

[@how2af263]

No it did not.

[@Jacobs29ify]

If you are going to use a ratchet, you'll need to get tap sockets. Home Depot sells them (8 piece) for just under $26.00. Hope this helps.

[@pablopenasco4254]

I was hoping this video was about “deep in a hole.” I’ve got a 8” bolt that broke off. I would need a 8” long version of this.

[@joshallocca6698]

Good job but I see you used different drill bits. Just got the kit and the drill bits suck. Can’t even get them to drill into the bolt at all. Lol.

[@Leahlenn]

me too. they dont work at all. Ive tried different sizes and different drills and barely a hole after an hour.

[@Daddyhithard]

So what do you do if the bolt isnt perfectly broke off and easy to drill into ? Mine is half way down and the drill bit jus shoots to the left Fucking up the side of the screw grooves.

[@how2af263]

Hello thanks for watching. The center punch is what I used to center the drill bit. It’s wasn’t easy to do. If my break wasn’t so clean I would have used a tiny dremel grinder and square up the face. Thanks for sharing.

[@MyShayShow]

Can you help me find the exact extractor set that you purchased from Harbor freight? 🙏🏽

[@jamevay]

61981. I have had luck with 95530 as well.

[@papitosabe]

He specifically states and shows it @0:30

[@xenimoth3152]

Bought the car didn’t realize that the Valvecover bolt was snapped into the threads. The small bit snapped regardless of my speed, I covered up the majority of the head but I couldn’t find the other half of the snapped bit….hope it’s not in the engine somewhere

[@newwavepressure6478]

Hahaha everyone here having a bad day lol off to harbor freight 😢

[@how2af263]

Awesome!

[@larryeddington9170]

if it is a japenese vehicle most likely they used locktight ergo use some heat to defeat it.

[@OffensiveL]

Step one cry when you notice this is not even close to deep hole you bolt is broken in

[@BH-tp3pm]

My issue now if anyone could help? I have about a 4 inch bolt. The last inch is what has the thread. I over torqued and now its snapped off. Trouble being that it snapped off about 3 inches in the hole....how am I gonna get this out with this approach?

[@dakingbomb]

Buy new car

[@bilgidunyas1366]

How to link thank you

[@alexandernewsome1581]

Whats kind of adapter is that iv nver seen it before

[@how2af263]

I just grabbed a socket that fit. It’s not included in the kit.

[@pramodlenka2398]

How much price

[@slugzkea]

what if the head of the bolt brakes off? how do you extract that?

[@King_Lyrid]

Use a center punch, and proceed with drilling the guide hole and then use the extraction bit.

[@johnle4178]

What size was the socket for the number 4

[@johnle4178]

Number 3

[@rustynail246]

good job, but 99% of the time the broken bolt would be in a spot that you can't get a drill in there.

[@Ruben901]

100% true....especially with 2 inches of space!

[@ChrisB-cx6td]

@@Ruben901 use a flex shaft and right angle attachment

[@downtownjohnnyyooo9081]

So besides wd40 what else do u put on it? Cuz I’m struggling

[@how2af263]

Hello thanks for watching and sharing. Slow and steady wins the race. If you haven't done so already please subscribe more videos in the works!

[@downtownjohnnyyooo9081]

@@how2af263 I actually got it thanks for that help man💙🤙

[@how2af263]

Victory!!!!! It’s a great feeling. Thank you for sharing!

[@jonhsmith2706]

Are those left handed bits?

[@how2af263]

Yes there are included in the kit.

[@libramagyk]

Mine is in my lawn mower..blade bolt sheered off..

[@how2af263]

This kit should work

[@ballershanelle]

Magnet to remove the shavings folk...

[@how2af263]

Hello thanks for sharing.

[@pramodlenka2398]

Mera ku chaia

[@chrissample3047]

Yep I broke2 bolts Ford water pump remove l

[@KidAfro29]

that screw/bolt was striped to hell