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Help: Removing "Rounded" Bolt Head??

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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 02:27 PM
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Default Help: Removing "Rounded" Bolt Head??

While trying to remove the air condition compressor, as suggested by
a few forum members, to access my driver side wires, I rounded of
one of the long narrow bolt heads just underneath the compressor. I don't know if that particular bolt is like "frozen" on or what. Anyone
suggestions as to its removal would be greatly appreciated. Incidentally, I first tried accessing from underneath—couldn't get a good enough grip on the boot. I don't know how some of you do it this way. I am still wondering if after the compressor is removed if I will be able to access the wires. HELP!
THANKS
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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 03:14 PM
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If you haven't rounded it too bad, get a 6 point socket or box end wrench and try it one more time. Sometimes an open end wrench or a 12 point socket/wrench will start to round the head of the bolt and the 6 point can save it. Good Luck
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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 05:54 PM
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If the corners are really rounded too much for a six point socket, I've had good luck with sockets and wrenches that grip on the flat of the bolt or nut. I tried to find a picture to post, but had no luck. Maybe someone else can come up with a picture. Good luck.
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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by NCMike
If the corners are really rounded too much for a six point socket, I've had good luck with sockets and wrenches that grip on the flat of the bolt or nut. I tried to find a picture to post, but had no luck. Maybe someone else can come up with a picture. Good luck.
They are very useful in these types of situations. You can also buy a set of 'stripped bolt removers' that do the same thing, but have more of a blade on them, so they dig in more.

Sears sells the side-gripping ones, though it's a 'special' item and is just in a random place in the store. Found them by accident while browsing the tool section last week.
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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 10:28 PM
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They make a socket just for this! They are called extractors, check them out . Good luck
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Old Mar 8, 2009 | 08:42 PM
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make sure you clean the threads before you remove the bolts my threads stripped this way
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Old Mar 9, 2009 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by NCMike
If the corners are really rounded too much for a six point socket, I've had good luck with sockets and wrenches that grip on the flat of the bolt or nut. I tried to find a picture to post, but had no luck. Maybe someone else can come up with a picture. Good luck.
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Old Mar 9, 2009 | 11:13 AM
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an impact driver with a six point socket will usually work. The jolting of the driver works better than a steady pull.
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