Extractors

[Swilkerson]

Hey guys,
Looking for a set of broken bolt extractors. Cost isn't a concern. I want a good quality set that will get me through a wide variety of bolt sizes.
Also, what are your takes on spiral flute vs straight flute extractors? Pros and cons?

 

[RoninB4]

Spiral can be easily removed, not so with the square ones. However, sometimes the spiral ones just spin because they refuse to bite enough, That's when I break out the square ones. Small (1/4" and smaller) spiral can easily break off but I guess square can too. Square work better on shallow/blind holes than spiral most of the time where depth is limited. If the spiral extractor breaks off there's still a chance they can be removed, square is in there solid and likely requires EDM for removal. Extractors are always kind of a roll of the dice. I try not to risk breaking one off in the hole so I can still drill the old fastener out.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I have the Craftsman shallow and the Snap-on deep extractors. Both are great. The Craftsman are the old USA not sure if you can get them anymore or not I actually ordered them from the Sears website lol. Both my sets are the spiral ones. Never had an issue with either one. I like the Snap-on better because you don’t have to turn it with a socket but you can but it has the drive in it so you can just put your ratchet or extension or whatever on it. I can’t remember who makes the Snap-on ones if it’s Snap-on or someone else but if it’s someone else you maybe able to get it directly from the people who make them for cheaper. I paid $309 for the set last year. Also you can’t go wrong with the Irwin set either. Most of the guys at my shop have that one and it does fine. They are shallow too so no deep.

 

[Coloshaver]

E-Z Outs...who has found gold?

I've tried many different brands and styles and none have proven to be reliable to any real extent. I am very patient and will dose the stuck item with Kroil and let it soak for a few days, if it's safe to apply heat, I always do. I'm curious if there is a brand or style that you have used and...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Mhyde52]

Depends on what you’re working on. I’ve also had very little luck with both spiral and straight extractors. I would not invest much into either. Spend it on left hand and right hand drill bits, taps, helicoil kits, etc that you may need.

 

[RedneckWelder]

More or less skip the extractors and go straight to a welder, torch, good sharp drill bits and so forth.

The big issue is that when it comes to broken bolts uou generally have three types. A freshly snapped bolt that is not jammed or corroded in the threads, one that has broken off and is corrosion welded into the threads, and then one that is physically jammed into the threads and locked up tight. The first two scenarios are the most common and extractors really only work on the first type. If you have the third you are fucked and are drilling it out and helicoiling or similar most likely.

The real problem with extractors is twofold…first you need to accurately drill a hole in the center and then the big one is the risk of them snapping and then you have something that can’t be drilled out and is very difficult to get in out. If you can accurately drill a bolt in the center (a magdrill really helps) you can progressively step up and drill out all but the outer fragments and then break and peel them out with a pick.

The best extraction method is welding a washer and nut on to it and backing it out that way. It’s a good success rate, takes only modest skill, and heats the hell out of the bolt to help break the corrosion bond as a bonus.