Tool for Removing Broken Bolts and Screws

Removing broken bolts, studs, and stripped screws is a frequent maintenance challenge in machine assembly and field repair. When a fastener fractures flush with or below the surface of a tapped hole, specialized extractor tools and proven machining techniques must be applied to prevent damaging the parent threads.

Common Methods & Tools for Broken Bolt Removal:

• Spiral Flute & Straight Flute Screw Extractors (Easy-Outs): A pilot hole is drilled into the center of the broken bolt, and a tapered extractor with left-hand reverse flutes is tapped in and turned counterclockwise to bite and back the screw out.
• Left-Hand (Reverse) Drill Bits: Because left-hand bits cut while rotating counterclockwise, the friction and cutting torque frequently unscrew the broken fastener during the drilling process itself.
• Penetrating Lubricants & Thermal Shock: Applying penetrating oil along with targeted heat (induction heater or propane torch) breaks rust bonds and differential thermal expansion frees stubborn threads.
• Weld-Nut Extraction Technique: For heavy-duty bolts broken flush, welding a nut onto the exposed cross-section allows a standard wrench to apply high loosening torque.

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