Stripped and rusty bolts

[Dunkut88TJ]

Looking for some wisdom here, ha. PO had mirror relocation brackets on my TJ, one was off but the driver side was still on. I cut off the outer piece leaving just a plate. I have tried an extractor tool , pliers, hammering a star bit in to ratchet out, and PB blaster for the assist. All with not luck, anyone else have ideas on how to remove these? I have used the largest extractor bit I have, I could go buy a larger one, but I‘m not sure I have faith in it! Thanks in advance

 

[Mike_H]

You've probably already stripped out the hex drive on that screw. I'd just drill the damn thing. If you want to try to extract it, get a heat source (100 W soldering iron, butane pencil torch, etc) and heat it up. Get it hot enough to smoke. That will help.

I've heard these work too, but I've not used one. Probably will pick one up though, as I have a number of rusted and seized fasteners to deal with.

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-screw-buster.html

 

[scottgraham]

I saw a video somewhere of a dude using a torch w/ a fender washer or something to block the heat spread...
There is locktight on those from the factory btw.

 

[Dunkut88TJ]

You've probably already stripped out the hex drive on that screw. I'd just drill the damn thing. If you want to try to extract it, get a heat source (100 W soldering iron, butane pencil torch, etc) and heat it up. Get it hot enough to smoke. That will help.

I've heard these work too, but I've not used one. Probably will pick one up though, as I have a number of rusted and seized fasteners to deal with.

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-screw-buster.html

Thanks, I haven’t tried heating it up yet. It was an Allen bolt, its long stripped, was before I even tried to remove it!

 

[98TxTJ]

These: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYBH8/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Start with the smallest drill bit (left hand, reverse cut) and work your way up until you think an extractor will work. Sometimes you'll back the bolt out with the drill bits and not have to use the extractor. You've got a nice center divot to start with.

I think those are the less-than-stellar bolts that came with the bracket, and not the OEMs.

 

[Goatman]

Heat will help deal with the locktite used on these bolts. That Eastwood tool DOES work. I have a similar I 'borrowed' from a friend. At least until he needs it again. With the head being stripped out like that you can either try and weld a nut (thru the center) on the head to remove it, just drill it completely out, or use an easy out. Be careful not to break the easy out off!