Things You'll Need
Screwdriver
Penetrating Oil
Triangular File
Cold Chisel
Locking Pliers
Screw Extractor
Removing a screw or bolt is usually a straightforward and agreeable procedure. Occasionally, though, the head will shear and what was a simple task becomes a frustrating chore. It's time to put your problem solving skills to work. Assess the situation, determine a solution, and apply the fix in the most effective manner. This article will explain how to remove stripped bolt heads.
Step 1
Try a few drops of penetrating oil if the bolt is frozen from rust or corrosion. Tap the bolt a few times to break the bond. Apply the oil, and tap the bolt a few times to help the oil penetrate. Give the oil a few minutes to work before proceeding.
Step 2
Use a triangular file to cut a new slot across the bolt head. Remove the bolt slowly with downward pressure.
Step 3
Place a cold chisel across the screw or bolt head. Strike the chisel firmly with a hammer--one hard blow works best. The tip of the chisel will wedge itself into the head. Turn the chisel with a wrench to unscrew the bolt.
Step 4
Clamp the stripped bolt head securely with locking pliers. Twist the pliers to remove the bolt. Be careful not to turn the pliers off angle because you'll risk twisting the head off while leaving the screw shank intact.
Step 5
Drill through the head of the bolt into the shank. Tap a screw extractor into the hole so that it bites into the metal. Twist the screw extractor to remove the bolt.
Meg Jernigan
Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. Her offline credits include copy editing full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama.