Broken bolt removal and re-threading in Thunder Bay
A snapped bolt or stud in an exhaust manifold, wheel hub, bucket or mounting flange can stop a job. Easy-outs often break off and make it worse. Welders and machinists have other methods: welding a nut onto the broken stud, heating the part, or drilling and tapping it out carefully.
Methods a pro may use
- Weld-on nut: welding a nut or washer onto the broken stud and turning it out. The heat helps break corrosion loose.
- Heat and penetrant: controlled heating around the boss.
- Drill-out and re-tap: drilling the bolt out and cleaning up the original threads.
- Thread repair inserts: installing a helical or solid insert when the original threads are damaged.
- Oversize re-thread: where the design allows it.
What to tell them
- What the part is and what it's made of (cast iron, aluminum heads and steel each need a different approach)
- The bolt size and thread, if you know it
- Whether an easy-out or drill bit is already broken off in the hole
- Whether the part can be removed and brought to a shop