My Experience With GEARWRENCH Bolt Biter Screw Extractors for Stubborn or Frozen Faseners

I have had great luck with the line of GearWrench Bolt Bitter sockets for removing stripped bolts so there was some excitement when we found out GEARWRENCH was coming out with an "Easy Out" style of bolt extractor. I have to admit that the pound in style scared me a little, but we had faith.
I think my experience would have been different if we would have had a bolt that was not stuck, but who breaks the head off a bolt that is not stuck? We could have used a good amount of heat to aid in this, but these should have come out.
Per GEARWRENCH, the Bolt Biter Screw Extractors use tapered sides so the tool sits easily and safely into damaged screws, while the side- and tip-cutting edges provide grip. The bi-directional design makes it easy to remove fasteners from the extractor after use but also allows for fasteners to be retightened in an emergency if need be.
The kit has 1/4-inch and 7/16-inch hex base options allowing Bolt Biter Screw Extractors to be used with a ratchet, wrench, or power tool. GEARWRENCH states that an S2 steel composition and heat treatment process results in a lifespan that is 50x longer than the competition.

[@vaanes]

This style of extractor is my go-to tool when I’m trying to break off a piece of hardened steel inside of a bolt hole

[@binnsbrian]

It seemed you first were trying clockwise. I think counter clockwise should be your first attempt.

[@WorkshopAddict]

I dilled 100 percent through a bolt that was broken below flush. These work in both diections and it should not matter what direction we went. I get it, I should have went counter clockwise, but I wanted to test the "reverse" because that is so odd to me. The direction I went should not matter if the tool held as stated.

[@binnsbrian]

@@WorkshopAddict The reason I thought going clockwise was wrong is because the bolt could be bottomed out. I can see the wisdom of rocking the bolt both ways to loosen it. But I would start counter clockwise. Thanks for doing these honest reviews. A lot if Youubers would not air a review on a product that failed to avoid negative fallout.

[@WorkshopAddict]

@@binnsbrian I understand. The bolt was not bottomed out and in fact might be easier to be removed by going in further first as there would be antifreeze around the bolt normally. I get wrapped up in specs, testing and what would work that I need to explain why I am doing something better. But people skip through the videos also so that makes it hard. I am just trying to be honest and transparent.

[@itsnot1673]

these tools seem VERY counter-productive If the bit is tapered and you need to hammer it in place wouldn't that be stretching the bolt or fastener out making it a tighter fit in the hole

[@WorkshopAddict]

I show that at the end of the video.

[@jsimanella]

Exactly. Physics is real.

[@aldasilva2239]

I use a set of straight shaft extractors, they do work better than most, bust the hole has to be drilled perfectly.

[@itsnot1673]

@@WorkshopAddict Yeah sorry noticed that after posted comment

[@Griffinwoodworks]

As odd as it sounds, the best extractor I’ve used is a Ryobi set. They’ve never failed to bite for me.

[@timsimmons9042]

It seems counter productive to me as the bit you hammer in basically becomes a wedge. I would think that just forces the outer edges of the bolt (threads) tighter against the walls of the receiving item the bolt is threaded into. I’m sure it might have it’s niche applications but I also think those would be too few and far between to justify buying the kit. Just my opinion. Appreciate your showing this. Stay safe all

[@thebigdoghimself]

The old tried and true method of welding on a nut is probably the best when they are stuck like that.

[@WorkshopAddict]

Fully agree and say that at the end.

[@charlesg5085]

If you are trying to extract broken bolts I would go counter clockwise. There is a saying that helps with this. Righty tighty, lefty losey.

[@FixitFred]

I bought an irwin set of reverse drill bits with extractors. 9.9 times out of 10 just the reverse drill bit gets the broken bolt out and for the times it doesn’t their extractors work well.

[@maximepomerleau259]

You should have use the smaller one first then get bigger if needed.

[@MrMarkraffaele]

why are you tightening?

[@WorkshopAddict]

Because these are advertised that they work in both directions.

[@orijimi]

Also, it is very common that further tightening a locked in threaded component is the path to being able to loosen it.

[@conradluper5042]

@@WorkshopAddictthey work in both directions as in left handed or right handed threads, not that it will extract a bolt by tightening it.

[@jostertervar9916]

always honest👊

[@dahut3614]

I'm struggling right now with deck screws that won't come out. Somebody used phillips heads on a mohogany deck. The 1/4-inch impact just strips them out no matter how much downward force I apply. Some will snap-off in the pressure treated joists. I've had the best luck with the old-style pound-on-it-with-a-hammer impact tools, but there are a *lot* of screws! I'm thinking maybe I could induction-heat them, or weld to the heads somehow (if I could get them grounded).

[@WorkshopAddict]

I have been there and I can tell you there is no good solution.

[@FixitFred]

I think Gearwrench would have had much better success with these if they sold it with a conical reverse drill bit. This would have engaged the extractor much earlier as the hole would be conical to fit the wedge. This would greatly increase their manufacturing costs but would probably make this set then very useful

[@libtards1393]

Great review

[@FixitFred]

Why would they not include reverse drill bits in this set.

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Thanks Brian😎🛠️😎🛠️😎

[@binagarten4667]

They won an award, but I wish I had watched this as literally I purchased this minutes ago. Hope can cancel transaction.

[@iandtexarkana4549]

Not as easy as it looks, 100% of the time, especially working with exhaust manifolds, space constraint is the problem, not so much with the extractors themselves

[@Callelle6251]

I can't hear the apex tools failure over RBRT greatness

[@bennytorres4557]

??? Why would anyone buy them

[@jamallaidley4718]

Cool 😎

[@rjm7168]

These square, pound in extractors are the worst and worthless. Tapered helix are thd best.

[@BenVanAmburg]

I want to know why you used a craftsman drill when you're a Milwaukee guy like me. It's lighter, I'm guessing

[@WorkshopAddict]

It is the new model and I am trying it out. I always try different tools so I can let people know what I find.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

Hello

[@drewsquickfix]

Your review is not a fair one, only shows one scenario and your first problem is your using a wrench first stripping it worse. Th bits are designed for a drill not a wrench or pliers. I dont think you gave this a fair chance .

[@MUHAMMADAMIN-gy5mk]

Not Function 😁😁 With Knock Key PH3 or PH2 is Effectif..

[@terrmaso]

If you won't say it, I will, this tool sucks. Apparently their engineers/designers live in a perfect world. Those of us who have pulled a broken bolt in an odd space know that perfect or ideal does not exist. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@jloaiza9188]

You were going the wrong way

[@JP-xl7md]

Going the wrong way

[@brodi5367]

Thanks for spending the money so we don't have to 😬

[@MrSupernova111]

meh

[@TheGameBoy56]

Fongoooll Garbage I would tried may be some heat