How to Remove a Bolt in a Tight Spot | Different Methods Explained

How to Remove a Bolt in a Tight Spot

Removing a bolt can be a complex procedure for some people, but the truth is that it is not the most challenging procedure in the world. There will be times when you observe yourself in a position where you need to remove a bolt from a tight spot. 

Maybe the bolt is rusted, or perhaps you are trying to remove the bolt without a lot of damage to the surrounding area. This blog will focus on some of the steps involved in removing a bolt and some simple tips to help you do this more efficiently.

How to Remove a Bolt in a Tight Spot

How to Remove a Bolt in a Tight Spot

A good bolt removal tool can solve this problem! A hexagonal bolt removal tool can help you get a stripped hex bolt loose when you need it. The most common hex bolt is the hex socket head. It’s also the most common bolt type. If you’ve got a stripped one, you can use the tip of the hex bolt removal tool to grip the shaft and pull it from the object you’re trying to remove from it. 

The center of the hex bolt removal tool has a hexagonal shape, which means it will fit into any bolt or nut with a hexagonal head. It helps the tool grip onto whatever you’re trying to remove the bolt from it. 

Different Ways to Remove a Bolt from a Tight Spot

Different Ways to Remove a Bolt from a Tight Spot

Heat and Force

Most bolts will unscrew themselves with heat applied to the head. As the bolt heats up, the metal expands and becomes easier to turn. You’ll need to get it hot enough to soften the metal enough to loosen, but not so hot that it damages the threads. 

If you have a torch, aim it at the head of the bolt and leave it there long enough to heat the lead-up. These are the two most acceptable alternatives if you have access to a barbecue lighter or MAPP gas torch. You may need a pair of pliers to adjust the nut while heating. Once the head is hot all the way around, try your wrench again. 

Prolonged Chisel Span

The strategy is uncomplicated. First, drill a hole in the bolt head. Put the chisel in the chuck as you usually do it, and then hit the spot in the bolt head. You can use the drill press to assemble the hole. Use the chisel bit in the chuck and drill out the bolt head.

Depending on the bolt head size, you can tell the chisel bit to go in one stroke or two strokes. You can make the hole in the bolt head bigger with the chisel bit. Check out the picture below!

Ratcheting Box + Wrench

If you are talking about a bolt too tight to get a regular wrench on, you need a ratcheting box and wrench—these styles to get on those tight spots. There are two typically used techniques to reduce nuts and bolts.

The first one is to reduce the nut just enough to spin freely, then use a regular wrench to loosen the nut.

The second technique reduces the nut as significantly as feasible with an expected twist. Then place the ratcheting box-end wrench as far around the bolt and tighten it. The ratchet head will then turn the bolt just enough to loosen it.

Lubricant

If you’re working in a tight spot, sometimes you need to remove bolts to get to a particular area. It can be challenging to get a wrench on these bolts, and you may not have the right tool for the job. If you have one of those bolts, here’s a great and cheap way to remove that bolt! First, you need to get WD-40, a hammer, and a self-lubricating wrench. 

Spray the bolt with the WD-40, then place the wrench over the bolt and strike it with the hammer. It will reduce the bolt, and you’ll be capable of removing it with alleviation!

Ensure Safety

Be sure to scrap safety gear when attempting to remove a stuck bolt. Foremost, you’ll warm the bolt and flow in some liquid soap. Put on safety goggles and grab a wrench. When it warms, the wrench tightens the bolt. Put the twist as close to the bolt as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Loosen A-Bolt If You Can’t Reach The Nut?

A nut on the opposite end typically holds the bolt in place, which tightens with an adjustable spanner. If the spanner can’t reach, it’s best to thread an extension bar onto the tool for extra reach. For added torque, use a ratchet-head wrench or T-handle wrench. If all else fails, use a pipe jerk with a wide jaw to generate torque from the side. 

What Tool Can You Use To Remove A Rounded Bolt?

A rounded bolt is a bolt that has a head that is either hemispherical or domed. A round bolt can remove by using a puller, which operates to remove rounded bolts from blind holes. The purpose of the puller is to provide an adequate grip on the bolt as it attempts to loosen.

How Do I Remove A Bolt That Had Its Head Broken Off?

A bolt that has had its head broken off can remove with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. The pliers will grab the broken-off section and twist it back and forth until it falls free so that the screwdriver blade can use to unscrew the remainder of the bolt.

Conclusion

There are many objectives why you might need to remove a bolt from a tight spot, and the reasons you need to do this will determine the method you will want to use. If you want to remove a bolt from a tight spot, you need to use a technique to get it out without damaging it or the part you are withdrawing from it. 

We hope we have promoted you in understanding the different methods you can use to remove a bolt from a tight spot. We recommend that you practice these methods with a bolt not attached to anything before using them on a bolt that holds something together.