Stuck!

**Keetoman393** · #1 09-11-2003, 07:36 PM

Ok, my Mongo, Gorrilla hands got me in a "tight" spot this time. My oil drain plug on the bottom of the bike is now a permanent part of my bike. I tried to rap it a few times with a brass hammer and still no luck. I finally rounded the darn thing off and even tried to use the next size smaller socket on it... still nothing. Vice grips failed to work also... now it's a real mess and I am about to pop open the liquid wrench unless someone tells me of a better way.

:

psyklone393 · #2 09-11-2003, 07:59 PM

i've stuck a few bolts like that and stripped the heads. what works for me is a dremel.

first approach: grind/flatten two parrallel edges on the bolt head with a dremel grinder tip, this should give you good surface traction on either side of the bolt to grab it with channel locks/vise grips and twist it off.

second approach: if that doesn't work you can take a cutting wheel on the dremel and score a deep cut across the middle of the bolt head, effectively turning it into an oversized flat-head screw ... if that makes sense. you should then be able to take a flat screw driver and torque the plug out of the case.

good luck!

-Z

Macho393 · #3 09-11-2003, 09:15 PM

is your oil drain on the side or bottom? if its on the bottom go to sears and buy a little tool that fits on your socket wrench. It pinches the bolt. the tool is round with a swivle(sp) inside that allows you to do this. Its made for bolts that are broke or striped. If its on the side I would.............just be pissed. No, I would do what psyklone said.

***MotoMan*** · #4 09-11-2003, 09:25 PM

Yep psyklone's suggestion is what I would try as well.

Alot of times if I cut the slot for the flathead and I still cannot budge it, I have a impact tool that you hit on the end with a hammer and it in turn applies loosening pressure to the bolt when struck. Works like a charm.

***Woody_393*** · #5 09-12-2003, 03:33 AM

I second.. er third... er whatever everyone else said.

I actually just want to say... MAN THAT SUCKS!!! I hate crap like that. Bolts are such a pain when they bust or seize. grrrr

Yardpro393 · #6 09-12-2003, 06:43 AM

motoman hit the nail, er, um bolt on the head. the manual impact works like a charm.

HLGuthery 393 · #7 09-12-2003, 07:34 AM

My stock drain plug on my bike seemed to be really soft. I am sure you have already tried a 6pt socket instead of a 12pt. Oh yeah stop and get yourself a cold six pack that usually seems to help me.

**Keetoman393** · #8 09-12-2003, 03:13 PM

Macho, is the socket one of those kind that has all the prongs in it? If it is, I don't think it will grab onto a round object...lol.

psyklone, I like your fist idea about grinding the head so I can use the cresent wrench.

Thanks to the rest of ya as well! Yes, I only use 6 point sockets. I use the 12 point sockets as punches.

P.S. Harley, I think the six pack was what started all this but I will try it again to validate your theory.

Macho393 · #9 09-12-2003, 03:32 PM

no Keetoman, this tool pinches the offending bolt with force from a side motion . If you get your motor really hot before trying this it should help loosen it some also.

**Keetoman393** · #10 09-12-2003, 03:36 PM

oh, ok. I think I have seen those. I am about to head out to the mall anyway so I may stop in at Sears and see if they have one. Thanks bro!

TexasDirtNap393 · #11 09-14-2003, 01:24 AM

Try a few good raps on the head of the bolt as well. It sometimes loosens the threads that are pinching. then try the 'tool' approach. If all else fails there's always easy outs !!!

**Keetoman393** · #12 09-14-2003, 08:14 AM

thanks guys! I got it out with the tool Macho described. it is a socket that has a spiral flute in it that really digs in and grabs onto rounded off heads. Two thumbs up!

Now I need to order me one of those magnetic STEEL plugs

psyklone393 · #13 09-15-2003, 07:11 PM

good news!

i got one of those magnetic plugs for my yz (am i allowed to post in a thumper thread?

) and it works like a charm. they're kinda steep, though ... i think mine was about $11 from the local yamaha shop.

cheers!

-Z

**Keetoman393** · #14 09-15-2003, 07:18 PM

Yeah, the bike shops like to charge an arm and a leg for something simple. Just be sure to get a new brass crush ring or we will be following your trail

TTR125L02 · #15 09-15-2003, 07:24 PM

Striped bolts: story of my life

My Camaro is LOADED with striped everything! all the fing screws and bolts are so stubborn. I get so mad i dont even bother trying to un screw them i just bust out the saw-z-all and cut off their heads

I have used the grider befour and the vise grips are my new found friend i would grind the two sides as psyklone said and then vice grip them.

Good luck and take breaks constantly i know how much of a true pain it can be!

**Keetoman393** · #16 09-15-2003, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TTR125L02
Striped bolts: story of my life
My Camaro is LOADED with striped everything! all the fing screws and bolts are so stubborn. I get so mad i dont even bother trying to un screw them i just bust out the saw-z-all and cut off their heads I have used the grider befour and the vise grips are my new found friend i would grind the two sides as psyklone said and then vice grip them.

Good luck and take breaks constantly i know how much of a true pain it can be!

That would be cool if it weren't my oil drain bolt.