How to remove a snapped bolt in a tight space?
Standard drills and extractors require more depth than the restricted three-inch clearance available around deeply snapped bolts. This lack of room prevents you from getting a drill bit far enough into the recess to extract the broken fastener.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1epoxying the part in place
- 2welding a nut onto the broken bolt
- 3using a 90-degree drill adapter
- 4pulling the engine to gain clearance
- 5Using vice grips on any exposed nub
- 6Drilling and extracting the broken piece
- 7Using JB Weld in the hole with remaining threads
- 8Using left-hand drill bits
- 9Using an extractor bit or easy-out after drilling a guide hole
- 10Using an open-ended wrench instead of a socket
- 11Disconnecting the knuckle from the strut
- 12Applying heat
- 13Using a hammer to release the ball joint with the nut still partially on
- 14Cutting it off or removing the CV axle
- 15soak with lubricant
- 163 jaw puller
- 17bearing puller
- 18heating it up
- 19Using WD-40 to loosen screws
- 20Attempting to use a screwdriver, pliers, or vice grips
- 21Using a close quarters hacksaw to carefully cut them out
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I was working my Honda Jazz 2004 and I am struggling to remove this ball joint.”source ↗
“there is no space for me to put a socket or ball joint separator above the socket. Do I have to remove the CV axle?”source ↗
“I was replacing the belt tensioner and the lower bolt snapped around 4-5 cm in. Is there a good way to extract a bolt that far in or does anyone know a one time solution for it?”source ↗
“AC pulley bearing is stuck on the shaft. I have tried to soak with lubricant, 3 jaw puller but can't find any small enough to fit in the space between the electromagnet and pulley, bearing puller but same thing with the puller heads being too big.”source ↗
“I’m a big dumb idiot and broke one of the three top mount bolts off inside the mount. The hole goes through all the way. What is the best way to proceed?”source ↗
“I was looking at the 90* drills/adapters . I don’t have any of those atm I can buy one. But im just not sure I can get the necessary depth from that and a drill bit to reach the bolt . It looks about 3” of confined space near the bolt”source ↗
“It was a crossspost , posted to City forum . Here just looking for advice on DIY , considering the space is limited not sure how to get a drill bit far enough in”source ↗
“when I went to turn them, the tops almost disintegrated they were so old and rusty.”source ↗
“Theres not enough slot left in the screw head to use a screwdriver and I can't get them to turn using pliers or a vice grip.”source ↗
“it's less than 6 inches wide and the drain is about 8 or 9 inches down”source ↗