How to Extract a Rounded Bolt

There was a time when a rounded bolt meant that you had to drill the bolt to remove it, then clean the threads of the hole with a tap and die set. Thankfully, the process has been greatly simplified by the introduction of low-speed tools, such as hand ratchets, that are specifically designed to remove rounded bolts. These work by carefully biting into the surface of the rounded bolt, and providing enough force to extract the bolt.

Penetrating oil
Damaged bolt extraction tool
3/8-inch drive socket set

Instructions

- 1
  Apply penetrating oil to the rounded bolt and allow it to soak according to the penetrating oil's specifications.
- 2
  Place the bolt extraction tool onto the rounded bolt. On the inside of one side of the tool, you will see a series of sharp spiraled blades placed over the rounded bolt. The socket wrench fits into the hole in the other side.
- 3
  Insert the socket wrench into the bolt extraction tool, then press down on the head of the bolt as hard as you can with one hand, while turning the wrench with the other hand. When the bolt comes free, you will hear an audible squeaking sound as the threads loosen themselves. Continue ratcheting the wrench until the rounded bolt has been removed.

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