Today at work, stripping an OT engine, snapped of 5 small allen bolts holding a cover on, which were threaded into the water jacket, and that was after heating them first. Left about 1/4 inch stub proud of the block. Remembered something i think i read here, WAX So I heated them up pressed candle to them, grabbed on with the vise grips and out they came easy as pie. Next were some stuck galley plugs,thought I'd try it again, heated and applied wax, they practically fell out. I reccomend this highly to anyone. And to whoever mentioned the wax here in the first place, a big thanks.
i appreciate that you took the time to post some advice based on your experience. not just another "how do i....." thread.
Allen bolts also snap from a side load from long allen wrench. Whenever possible use a T handle to torque evenly.
Well put the candles in your tool box then just try to remember if that are for broken bolts or for when you forget to pay the electric bill.
beeswax candle in the tool box work great because the beeswax has a wicking effect so it draws into threads in any position.
Any tips on valve cover bolts that snapped level with the block? I have one that I hardly torqued and *snap*! The next sound was me throwing the socket wrench across the garage in anger haha!
Wax on,,wax off,, HRP <iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fULNUr0rvEc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Left hand drill bit. Drill small and move up. Many times just the drilling will back it out. If not get to near the thread minor diam and the the remaining threads should nearly fall out. Use a pick or similar to get them out. If you do it centered good, the threads will stay good in the head.
Has anyone tried this for stainless steel bolts, in aluminum? Tenacious is an understatement with these 'fits'.
Not to brag, but I posted about wax on 6/30/10 and I am glad somebody took the advice, if it was my post. I learned about wax from an old time shop in 1965 and have used it on many engines with 100% success. Works better than anything else.
Beeswax for me, they sell little sticks of them in most hardware stores, they usually have a basket of them up near the cash register.
Gotta be a song in there somewherz............................ I'm an old f@rt and ain't heard of this one. Thanx OP