How to Remove a Broken BoltDid You Break a Bolt While Repairing an Engine Block? the Removal of the Bolt Depends on How the Bolt is Broken in the Engine. If the Shaft is Flushed with the Engine, More Extraction to the Bolt Will Be Needed. However, If Just

Did you break a bolt while repairing an engine block? The removal of the bolt depends on how the bolt is broken in the engine. If the shaft is flushed with the engine, more extraction to the bolt will be needed. However, if just the head is broken off and the shaft of the bolt is sticking out, less work may be needed to remove the bolt. Here is what you need to do in both situations.

When removing the bolt, do not become frustrated with the situation. Its nearly impossible to not become aggravated but in the long run it is in your best interest and your engine if you stay calm and collected.

Shaft of bolt is exposed-

If the bolt is sticking out, it needs to be sprayed with oil. The proper oil for this type of work is WD40. This method will lube the broken shaft to where it able to be removed. In order to do so, you will need a pair of vice grips. With the grips firmly on the broken bolt, you can wig the bolt back and forth to both the right and left side. This will increase the chances of the bolt becoming loose and be able to be pulled out.

Shaft of bolt flushed and not exposed-

This may be a bit more difficult to remove the bolt. A steady and firm hand is key to performing this method of removing a bolt that is flushed with the engine. A left handed drill with extracting drill bit set is needed to remove this type of bolt. The key is to drill inside the center of the flushed bolt. This method and motion of the drill creates a backward motion. The method helps to ease the bolt out just as if it had been put in. A bit of WD40 can help the method of removing the bolt even more easier.

Once the bolt is loose, a reverse drill is needed to run a course screw inside the center of the broken bolt. Once the screw is tightened inside the bolt halfway in, a screwdriver can be used to remove both the screw and bolt together. If this method doesn't work, remove the screw and then finish drilling all the way through the bolt. Be careful not to damage the existing threads of the broken bolt. Needle nose pliers and vice grips will help to remove any remaining pieces of the bolt.

Frustration and headaches arise with a broken bolt. However time and patience is the key to removing the broken bolt. Another tip to consider when removing a broken bolt, a magnetic pen found at any hardware store can come in very handy.