Remove a broken bolt using a left handed drill bit

[straight6Jeep]

So I'm workin on replacing the rear leaf springs on my jeep and i sheared a bolt that bolts into the frame and i can't really see the stud to drill in to it what you recomend i do to get the bolt out the left handed bit or a screw extractor?

[ultimatehandyman]

@straight6Jeep

Hard to say without seeing it. If you can't see the stud you are going to really struggle!

[whattheduecetv]

this video saves my life

[tdlewis103]

that's a sexy trick! I'll be giving it a try tomorrow as i broke off a rusty bolt in an old drill press base I'm trying to bring back to life. Not sure where to get a left handed drill. I'm pretty sure the Home Depot crew will look at me like i have a 3rd eye but I'll give it try tomorrow.

thanks,

[ultimatehandyman]

@tdlewis103

I bought mine from ebay.

Make sure you spray the broken bolt with spray penetrant ASAP, to help loosen it ;-)

Good luck with it ;-)

[youutubestinks]

haha ooh my always an idiot writing things to confirm it haha -- chadsayshello rising his greasy hand , man you should not even answer all those idiots just ignore or block them, thanks for the info ;)

[ultimatehandyman]

@youutubestinks

You are welcome.

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[chadsayshello]

Oh yes... whenever I've had a bolt head snap on me, its always left a perfectly smooth fucking surface for me to work with.

[ultimatehandyman]

@chadsayshello

Why do I get comments from idiots.

Do you want me to make a video for every possible scenario!

If the surface is not smooth enough you either file it or grind it using an angle grinder. It really is not rocket science is it?

Well I guess it is for some people ;-)

[rosterchange]

I'm trying to remove a faucet stem unit from a bathroom sink. It was leaky so I'm attempting to remove the old stem unit and install a new one.

The problem is, I can't seem to turn it and now the bolt is rounded. Will your method work with the Left Handed Drill Bit? How do you "senser drill bit"--the one you used to drill a hole prior to using the Left Handed Drill Bit?

Thanks.

[ultimatehandyman]

@rosterchange

I doubt if it will work, you need to centre the drill bit.

Taps (faucet's) in the UK are normally brass, which is soft. So you should be able to drill it out easily.

[rosterchange]

@ultimatehandyman

I'm not sure if I follow you. Do you mean that a regular Right Handed Drill Bit should loosen the stem or do you mean that a Left Handed Drill Bit will easily do the job?

Thanks.

[ultimatehandyman]

@rosterchange

If the stem is brass it's unlikely that a left handed drill bit will work as the brass is very soft. I'd drill it out using a regular right handed drill bit. I am not familiar with non UK taps, so it's difficult to picture exactly what you are drilling out.

[rosterchange]

@ultimatehandyman

It's brass. So my best bet at the moment is to drill it using a regular bit and then reverse it?

Thanks.

[ultimatehandyman]

@rosterchange

Might be best if you take some pictures and post them in the forum, then we know exactly what you are trying to do. Links to the forum are on my channel page ;-)

[rosterchange]

@ultimatehandyman

I just posted a pic and comment under the DIY forum titled "Help with Removing Faucet Stem".

Thanks for the link. Please let know your thoughts.

[ultimatehandyman]

@rosterchange

Thanks, I have replied to it ;-)

I also move it to the plumbing forum then the plumbers can take a look, but I doubt if any will be familiar with that model of faucet.

[THETOPGLOCK]

Great video. I broke a exhaust manifold stud off in the head of my 03' F150 and it was hell trying to find LH drill bits! Finally found a 13 piece set at Harbor Freight. I'm going to give it a shot this weekend.

[ultimatehandyman]

@THETOPGLOCK

Exhaust manifold studs can be a real pain to get out. Good luck with it ;-)

[maxamillionrudy]

so what happens when it doesnt come out and you just end up with a hollow screw

[ultimatehandyman]

@maxamillionrudy

You then use a screw extractor or drill the bolt out completely and re-tap the hole

[buhrrito]

Got any tips on removing broken drill bits/ EZ outs?

[ultimatehandyman]

@buhrrito

They are extremely difficult to get out when broken. If you can weld a nut onto it then try that first. If you can't do that you can try drilling it out, but you'll have to keep sharpening the drill bit as it will go blunt almost immediately. If you have a carbide drill bit it work much better than a HSS drill bit as they are tougher.

[halfmumi]

fantastic technique.

[ultimatehandyman]

@halfmumi

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[holywar911]

You are the man....keep up the great work.....

[ultimatehandyman]

@holywar911

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[holywar911]

@ultimatehandyman YOUR WELCOME...I WORK AS A SUPERINTENDENT IN NYC....AND I ALWAYS CHECK YOUR CHANNEL FOR TIPS

[benny5825]

Where can you get them bits

[ultimatehandyman]

@benny5825

I got mine from ebay.

Most tool factors will sell them as well as some ironmongery shops etc.

[pauliewalnutzz]

Awesome video. Would you be able to make a video on the different type of bits you use on certain surfaces and how to keep your bits from getting worn down. Thank you!

[ultimatehandyman]

@pauliewalnutzz

I think I have done videos on how to drill most materials (apart from wood)

Drill bits go dull very quickly, epsecially when drilling metal.

I'll do a drill sharpening video in the future, but it requires a lot of practice!

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[boabie]

Nice tip. I've also had success in the past by using a dremel to cut a slot in the end of the bolt/screw which allowed me to unscrew it with a flat head screwdriver.

[ultimatehandyman]

@boabie

Thanks for the comment ;-)