Bolt Removal

[jcc911]

What is the best way to remove a bolt whose head is starting to round? There is a good amount of rust on it and I have used heat, but I do not want to strip the head completely.
Thanks All.

[vash]

in my experience, the first thing to try is to put away the 12 pt socket and try a 6 pt.

[jcc911]

Oh, forgot to add, it is in a tight place. No room for impact or socket.
I agree, 12 pt certainly would not help.
Thanks

[KFC911]

If that doesn't work, you might try cutting a 'slot' in the top of the bolt (with a dremel, etc) and try a screwdriver, or if worse comes to worse, cut off the bolt head, or drill it (depending on how it's attached). I had a bear of a time with some rusty exhaust bolts and ended up cutting most of them off.

[vash]

6 point box wrench. and sears has a new product< a "bolt out" based on a ratcheting box wrench.

[buster73]

Soak it in penetrating oil (liquid wrench...) for at least 24 hours. The longer the better.

[Wil Ferch]

Liquid wrench..and such ( WD-40) is totally worthless and useless...

Only 3 products work ( IMHO....)
- Kroil
- PB Blaster
- Wurth "Rost-Off!"

Wil

[jcc911]

I will continue with the PB, but am concerned with rounding the head.
PB blaster does work well as I soaked down my exhaust studs for a week before I tried removing them. Viola, no problems. And initally they wouldn't move.
Thanks for the ideas, I guess I am off to Sears.

[sammyg2]

Sometimes you can find an SAE wrench that fits a metric head tighter and gets a better bite if the rust has made the head undersized.
I agree with the above, Kroil is the kind.

[ZOA NOM]

If you can get a bite on the bolt, you can use an air hammer against the wrench while you push.

[Hugh R]

The Sears "bolt-out" sockets work very well. Their ratchet wrenches may work well too.

[David E. Clark]

I've had great luck with the "Craftsman 10 pc. Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set":

[Nine9six]

If you dont want to spend the money, I have removed many a stripped bolt with a good soaking, a set of vice grips and heat. Of course the fastener will have to be replaced.