Where to go to get a rounded off bolt removed?
Discussion
I've managed to round off (destroy) a screw in the roof of my Elise, and I'm trying to find someone who can have a go at removing it. New roofs are currently £900+VAT so would like to avoid that at all costs 
The bolt is fairly small - pic attached next to a tictac to give you an idea but its about 3mm wide. I'm under no illusion this could be a total ball ache but i've no idea where to take the thing for help. I've called a few local garages who won't go near it and still waiting to hear back from a few others.
Any idea what/who/where i can take the roof for help? I'm in Aylesbury.
Thanks
Luke
The bolt is fairly small - pic attached next to a tictac to give you an idea but its about 3mm wide. I'm under no illusion this could be a total ball ache but i've no idea where to take the thing for help. I've called a few local garages who won't go near it and still waiting to hear back from a few others.
Any idea what/who/where i can take the roof for help? I'm in Aylesbury.
Thanks
Luke
tting a screwdriver into the head and undoing it. It's not going to be torqued up, so should be easy enoughleft hand drill or these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SCREW-REMOVAL-PLIERS-ex...
Where are you based?if local ish to Guildford I will get it out for you.
Just needs a tiny drill in the middle and get slowly bigger and then an easy out wound in. Normally they loosen off once drilled.
Some modern glues like epoxy ar so strong you could glue a good bolt to that one and just undo it.
Just needs a tiny drill in the middle and get slowly bigger and then an easy out wound in. Normally they loosen off once drilled.
Some modern glues like epoxy ar so strong you could glue a good bolt to that one and just undo it.
Caddyshack said:
Where are you based?if local ish to Guildford I will get it out for you. Edit to add: Sorry, missed the Aylesbury
Just needs a tiny drill in the middle and get slowly bigger and then an easy out wound in. Normally they loosen off once drilled.
Some modern glues like epoxy ar so strong you could glue a good bolt to that one and just undo it.
Just needs a tiny drill in the middle and get slowly bigger and then an easy out wound in. Normally they loosen off once drilled.
Some modern glues like epoxy ar so strong you could glue a good bolt to that one and just undo it.
archie456 said:
Gently hammer a torx bit into it, it should come out easily.
This gets my vote now we know it's a hex socket head.edit: In my experience on old Japanese bikes, small hex socket-head (Allen?) bolts like this are a pain, they always get stuck and the head rounds out. Suzuki, I'm looking at you. When you get it out, smear the threads of its replacement with a bit of copper grease, should help to prevent it getting stuck again.
Edited by underwhelmist on Tuesday 26th January 23:05
Plan a. Tie some dental floss around it attach the other end to a door handle in the house. When you think the car isnt expecting it, in the slam the door.
Plan b. As it is in plastic, treat yourself to a new small good quality metal drill bit and then go for one of the left hand extractors the posters above have linked, or enlarge the hold slightly and tap a torq or star 12 point bit in there. Always start the drilling small and enlarge gradually until you can get purchase.
I wouldn't weld anything to it as it's in plastic that will get melty.
Plan b. As it is in plastic, treat yourself to a new small good quality metal drill bit and then go for one of the left hand extractors the posters above have linked, or enlarge the hold slightly and tap a torq or star 12 point bit in there. Always start the drilling small and enlarge gradually until you can get purchase.
I wouldn't weld anything to it as it's in plastic that will get melty.
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