Emma Wilson
Mushroomed bolts are a common issue for car and truck owners, often occurring when a bolt is hammered without a nut in place. This can cause the bolt to mushroom, or expand, making it difficult to remove. While some people recommend using a hammer, hub puller, or torch to remove the bolt, others suggest filing it down to make it fit. Another method is to use a new bit as a die and tap it into the hole with a pair of pliers while pushing down and turning.
How to fix a mushroomed bolt
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Propane torch, hammer, file |
| Steps | Heat the bolt, hammer it out, file it down |
| Other methods | Cutting the mushroomed material away, grinding it off, shaving it off |
| Disadvantages | The bolt may not be reusable if cut or ground |
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What You'll Learn
Using a hammer and torch
First, use a small propane or butane torch to heat the bolt. The idea is to heat the bolt enough to expand it and break the rust, without getting it red-hot. It is important to heat only the bolt and not the surrounding metal. Aim for around 15 seconds of heating. During this process, be cautious and ensure you have a fire extinguisher nearby, especially if you have applied any flammable substances to the bolt.
Once the bolt is consistently warm, use a hammer to tap it a few times. This helps to break the bolt loose. Be careful not to hammer too hard, as this can distort the bolt head and make it difficult to use a wrench.
If the bolt still does not come loose, you may need to repeat the heating and tapping process several times. This method is effective for even extremely stuck bolts.
After loosening the bolt, you can use a file to smooth down any remaining rough areas. If you need to reuse the bolt, ensure you do not cut or grind it, as this will make it unusable.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a hammer and torch to fix a mushroomed bolt.
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Filing it down
If you've mushroomed a bolt and need to remove it, one option is to file it down. Filing it down will allow you to remove the bolt, but it will not be reusable.
Before you begin filing, ensure you have everything off that you need to so that you can get the bolt out correctly. If you need to, you can turn the bolt's end down to make it easier to screw out once filed.
When filing down a mushroomed bolt, you can use a file to grind down the exposed mushroomed threads. Hold the screw with a spanner and run the file around the head of the bolt to remove the mushrooming. You can also use a Dremel tool with a reinforced cutoff disk to cut off the distorted end. Be sure to wear eye protection when using any cutting tools.
If you only need to remove a small amount of material, a file should be sufficient. However, if you need to remove a larger amount, you may need to use a grinder or cutting tool. In this case, you can use the side of a grinder disc to grind down past the mushroomed part of the bolt. This will allow you to back the bolt out.
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Using a hub puller
If you are dealing with a mushroomed bolt, there are several methods you can use to fix it. One common approach is to use a hub puller. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a hub puller to fix a mushroomed bolt:
First, it is important to understand the cause of the issue. A mushroomed bolt occurs when the head of the bolt expands or deforms, often due to excessive force or heat. This can happen when tightening or removing bolts with an impact wrench or hammer. The expanded head can make it difficult to remove the bolt, especially if it is in a tight or confined space.
To use a hub puller effectively, follow these steps:
- Ensure you have the correct size of hub puller for the bolt. It should fit snugly around the bolt head.
- Place the hub puller over the mushroomed bolt head, centering it as much as possible.
- Tighten the hub puller securely in place. You may need to use a wrench or ratchet to tighten it sufficiently.
- Once the hub puller is securely in place, you can begin the process of removing the bolt. Apply firm and steady pressure to the puller, using a hammer if needed, to create a strong pulling force directly away from the bolt head.
- With the hub puller firmly in place and under tension, gently tap the end of the bolt with a hammer. This combination of pulling force and impact on the bolt can help break the bolt free from its thread, allowing you to remove it.
- If the bolt does not come free, you may need to apply more force or try a different approach. It is important not to force the bolt too aggressively, as this can lead to further damage or breakage.
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Using a brand new bit
If you have a mushroomed bolt, there are several methods you can use to remove it. Here are some detailed steps for using a brand new bit to extract the bolt:
First, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a brand new bit that fits snugly into the damaged bolt head. It is important that the bit is new and has not been worn down, as you will be using it to create new grooves in the bolt head. You will also need a set of pliers or vice grips to hold the bit securely, and a hammer to drive the bit into the bolt head.
Once you have gathered your tools, use the pliers or vice grips to hold the bit securely. Position the bit directly over the damaged bolt head, and use the hammer to gently tap the bit into the head. Be careful not to use too much force, as you do not want to damage the bit or the bolt head further.
With the bit securely in place, you can begin to apply pressure and turn the bit to create new grooves in the bolt head. This process may take some time and effort, as you will need to apply significant force to cut into the metal of the bolt head. Turn the bit back and forth while applying downward pressure, and use the hammer to tap the bit further into the head as needed.
Once you have created new, deep grooves in the bolt head, you can switch to using a screwdriver or wrench to continue turning the bolt. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to apply the necessary force to loosen and remove the bolt.
It is important to exercise caution when performing this or any other method for removing a mushroomed bolt. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, to prevent injury. Additionally, be mindful of the surfaces and materials surrounding the bolt, as they may be damaged during the removal process if the correct tools are not used or if too much force is applied.
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Using a jack
If you are trying to remove a mushroomed bolt, one method is to use a jack to loosen the nut. This can be done by placing the jack against the nut and applying pressure to break it loose. This method may be effective if the bolt is only slightly mushroomed and has not been damaged too extensively.
It is important to note that this method may not work for all mushroomed bolts, especially if the damage is severe. In some cases, the bolt may need to be cut or ground off, or the axle may need to be disassembled and heated with a propane torch to pound out the bolt. These methods will likely render the bolt unusable, so it is important to consider the severity of the mushrooming and the reusability of the bolt before attempting any repairs.
If you are attempting to remove a mushroomed bolt using a jack, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Make sure you are wearing appropriate protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, and that the area you are working in is clear of any obstructions or hazards. It is also crucial to ensure that the jack is stable and secure before applying pressure to avoid any accidents or further damage.
When using the jack to loosen the nut, start by placing the jack in a stable position against the nut. Slowly apply pressure to the jack, being careful not to apply too much force too quickly, as this could cause the jack to slip or the bolt to break. If the nut begins to loosen, continue applying pressure until it is completely loose and can be removed. Once the nut is removed, inspect the bolt to determine if it can be reused or if it needs to be replaced.
If the mushroomed bolt is severely damaged or if the nut cannot be loosened with the jack, you may need to consider alternative methods, such as cutting or grinding the bolt, as mentioned earlier. These methods will likely require additional tools and may be more complex, so it is important to proceed with caution and seek professional advice or assistance if you are unsure.
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Frequently asked questions
Some ways to remove a mushroomed bolt include using a hammer, hub puller, or by prying it out.
Before attempting to remove a mushroomed bolt, it is important to loosen all the other bolts to prevent stripping.
A brand new bit held with a channellock plier or vice grip can be used to loosen a mushroomed bolt.
