Screw / Bolt Extractors

Dazbo666 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Karma :

I have a couple of rounded allen head bolts that I need to remove, to take the front sprocket cover off the Bandit.

On a previous (non-critical) job, I tried using some of the spiral-type extractors with potentially disasterous consequences... the hardened extractor snapped off inside the head of a bolt.

So, not wanting to repeat the experience I'm looking at some of the alternative designs....

Any recommendations etc on reliable, effective, user friendly options would be welcome!
____________________
1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

stirlinggaz · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Karma :

hi,
I have found most of the extractor kits to be a waste of money, often causing more serious problems than a stuck bolt.
nowadays i dont even bother with them.
if the head of the bolts is not flush with its mounting, i will usually cut a slot into the head of the bolt with a dremel & cutting disc attachment.
then attempt to unscrew the bolt with a flat bladed screwdriver or impact driver.
if that fails,or the head is recessed i reach for the cobalt drill,lol
cant remember how many times i've told people this, but they really are a revelatipn!
i got some de-walt drill bit off ebay as a last resort to removing some seized bolts.
the go right through most metals, just drill at a low speed keeping the bit cool & using plenty of cutting oil (i cheat & use some cheap bike oil from pouundland)
i start with the 3mm bit & work up wards until the head of the bolt shears off, letting me remove what im trying to get off, leaving the remainder of the bolt stub protruding.
then i remove the stub with mole grips or a pipe wrench.
if the bolts is, like an exhaust manifolt bolt, i just keep drilling until the bolts spins free. (stepping up through the sizes)
if i go too far, i cut new threads.
cheers,
GAZ