Cheap extension end broke off in Torx socket.

[yjWrangler]

Alright, so I was using a cheapo extension with my Snap-On T55 socket, and the end that goes into the socket twisted off inside of it. I have no idea how to get it out Anybody know a good way of getting it out? It's broken off flush with the end of the socket.

 

[Sterff]

Tap it with a punch and it should loosen up. If not try and get it out with some small picks.

 

[Buckgnarly]

drill, tap, pull.

BTW this story reminds me of Hugh Grant but roles reversed.....

 

[Jawn]

If it's that soft, it might be possible to drill the end of it then use an extractor or something to dig into the hole then pull it out.

(wow, 3 replies at once!)

 

[wchamberlain]

I would suggest tapping a screw into it, then try pulling it out. If that doesn't work, secure the socket in a vise, try a different tap and pull hard that should work.

Use something to protect the T55 from getting damaged while it's in the vise, if you have to go to the vise

 

[nehog]

Know how they take a bullet out of a cartridge? Same technique might work well here too... Perhaps clamp the socket in a pair of vice grips and quickly (speed not force is important) rap it against a very solid steel or iron object. (like an anvil) Maybe even put an extension on the handle of the vice grips to let you get more speed? (Inertia, let inertia do the work for you...)

Did the same thing you did once, but it was a regular socket so I used a punch to push it out.

 

[Jawn]

Know how they take a bullet out of a cartridge? Same technique might work well here too...

I didn't think of that... great idea!

 

[yjWrangler]

rap it against a very solid steel or iron object. (like an anvil)

I like the idea, but nothing that solid.

Gonna try to tap it. Looks like I need to go buy some taps, needed an excuse for it anyways.

 

[hammergodthor]

I'd clamp the torx bit in a vise and pry the socket off (or use a punch), then use a punch through the hole in the socket to remove the extension. If the extension was soft, it might be twisted in there and be a real pain to get out.

My $0.02. Good luck!

 

[Danglerb]

Guessing your going to say HF, but what kind of extension shears in a bit socket?

 

[Tim-Bob]

Can you remove the bit and tap it out with a pin punch?

 

[Ford12508]

Guessing your going to say HF, but what kind of extension shears in a bit socket?

I had it happen to me. I was turning the ratchet and thought "The sockets not turning, just the ratchet...hmm" Never in a million years would I think that my bare hands on a 1/2" drive extension would brake it. PS it was a "Truecraft" brand extension I believe.

 

[Slaman37]

ummm How about the cheap easy way to try... Super glue on the end of a small bolt etc say 1/4-20 or smaller, stick it to the broken of part of the extention, allow to dry and pull out. Mind you you have to pull straight out as super glue doesn't so well with shear (sideways) tension.

My $.02

If that dont work, either get the torq out and use a punch or drill and tap like others have said.

Steve

 

[Outlawmws]

I like the inertia idea, but you don't need an anvil, just something solid.

Use the vise grips as suggested then rest a hammer on its handle, and strike the hammer head top with the VISE GRIPS, not the socket.

It may take a couple of whacks, or it may only come out part way, if it does you can then get it with a vise or vise grips and pull it.

 

[woody 73]

Put the item in your freezer (don't eat it by mistake), and after a few hours just give it a good tap it should come out!

 

[newlywv]

I had a problem of a cheap torx breaking off in a set screw of a pulley. That will drive you nuts. Needless to say I got rid of all the cheap torx.

 

[Sureshot]

Carefully "stick" a welding rod to it.

 

[shampoop]

Remove the torx bit and punch the extension out backwards? If you have a roll pin type, just punch it out and remove the bit. If it's a newer style maybe remove it like you would a dowel pin?

 

[reptilezs]

shim the ball detent with some shim stock or sheet metal to release its hold. should come out easier now