Alan keys and bolts…

[Russian Rocket]

Alan keys and bolts…

Hate them

Tiv full of them aaaaarrrrgggghhhhhhh…….

Despite buying a high quality set keys and sockets I have still managed to mess one up.

Any suggestions for removing mashed ones?

[HRG.]

Cap head = Mole Grips

Button Head = Dot punch or drill.

[orange_dodo]

When I managed to strip the hex head on a bolt in my Volvo I used a hacksaw to cut a slot in it and used a bog standard screwdriver...came out in about 2 seconds once I did that.

Does require good access to the knackered bolt though...

[slowtypa]

Try hammering (with a flat punch if access is awkward) enough to spread metal into the key

reccess.Then hammer in Allen key and turn.

This does two things--- provides grip for the key and will loosen the bolt in the thread

enough to undo it!

[dhf]

There is a drill bit on the market designed specifically for that very job,try a good hardware outlet

[Derek Smith]

I know it is a bit stable doorish, but don't use 'L' shaped keys if possible, use a proper socket set. This can improve the action as there's a better chance of keeping pressure even.

Use proper penetrating oil (not just WD40) before trying to shift them, especially where it is a steel bolt into aluminium.

If you damage the head, even slightly, replace with a new one.

And finally, undo them once every couple of years or so.

[spend]

Using the right sized key generally helps, many problems seem to be caused mixing imperial - metric fasteners & tools?

Unfortunately Derek, very few are armed with imperial hex socket sets, in that case I would rather use an imperial key.