Spline Socket as extractor

[Ratchet Guy]

Have anyone use a Spline socket as a nut or bolt extractor, it looks like it can fit easily on a rounded bolt better than 12 point socket

 

[General Geoff]

I've hammered a spline socket onto a stripped internal-hex (allen) bolt that was holding the crank pulley on an older VW Jetta TDI. I couldn't use a vice-grip or other pliers on it because the bolt was recessed. Since the outer surface of the bolt was completely round from the start, the only way I could do it was to hammer a socket onto it. It DID work, though. I suspect it would have worked just as well with a 12 point socket.

I replaced all those allen bolts with standard external-hex bolts after removal.

 

[doan]

I have hammered a torx bit into a small allen set screw to get it out.

 

[lakota]

According to the SK website they can be used on a bolt/nut 50% rounded. It makes me want to try the HF ones, due to price and limited use.

 

[geojag]

I have used them a bit on damaged bolt heads with fair success. I don't like them for general use but they have earned a spot in my toolbox.

 

[NY_treeguy]

Used them many times on messed up lug nuts. 75% success I'd say.