Headless Bolt
- Thread starter Gummo
- Start date
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BigSid
Legendary Member
- Location
- Hungerford
Nasty! Could you Dremel a slot into it for a screwdriver?
Every 20 minute job is just one broken bolt away from a three day nightmare.
Every 20 minute job is just one broken bolt away from a three day nightmare.
ktmbiker58
Senior Member
Maybe a bit of lateral thinking - abandon that mounting point and use the upper one - or just keep drilling you seem to be doing ok by the second photo and if you haven't got a tap then nut n bolt it - me I'd be searching fleabay for an alternative frame "sorry dear it just wasn't repairable " hehe
OP
OP
Gummo
Über Member
Looking again the the second photo, maybe a need a better quality bit. I haven't a clue what the bit's made of.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Start with much smaller drill bits. Worth investing in some 'easy outs'.
ktmbiker58
Senior Member
There's a lot of soft drill bits on sale these days, if you can find a HSS (high speed steel) one it will drill that bolt out no problem.
FrankCrank
Old layabout
I think the pillar drill suggestion above is a good one. Steel can work harden if the drill bit starts to rub rather than remove material.
A pillar drill will help apply sufficient downward force to keep the drill bit cutting.
And again as already suggested, use drill bits that increase in diameter in small increments, rather than one large drill bit to do the whole job.
If the bolt is stainless steel, work hardening is certain to happen with even the slightest of rubbing rather than cutting. Anyways, good luck
A pillar drill will help apply sufficient downward force to keep the drill bit cutting.
And again as already suggested, use drill bits that increase in diameter in small increments, rather than one large drill bit to do the whole job.
If the bolt is stainless steel, work hardening is certain to happen with even the slightest of rubbing rather than cutting. Anyways, good luck
Time to get some really good drill bits and cutting fluid (WD40 do some, and you'll easily get some at screwfix) - I think the reason you're not making any headway is because the drill bit is getting really hot and becoming dull very quickly. Some new drill bits and cutting fluid will work - the fluid will help keep the temperature of the drillbit down and make it last longer, but you'll still need to drill in short bursts and add more cutting fluid as you go and keep the drill at a low speed, it'll help you keep things straight and reduce heat build up. Use a narrow drillbit first and then widen the hole out as you go.
OP
OP
Gummo
Über Member
This is my plan - thanks. Screwfix sells 5 Ebaeur 3mm bits for £4. The calipers deem the bolt diameter to be 4.8mm.
Electric_Andy
Heavy Metal Fan
- Location
- Plymouth
Easy outs are not to be underestimated. Lots of people have bad experiences because they try to use them incorrectly i.e try to spin them out with a drill or impact wrench. Also make sure you lube your drill bit well, as a small bit can easily overheat and snap
Ming the Merciless
There is no mercy
- Location
- Inside my skull
Is this a leaked post from the Bodge It and Fix It forum?
OP
OP
Gummo
Über Member
Success - I bought a set of five HSS 3mm bits and used them in succession until I broke through which happened in no time at all. This allowed me to use my screw extractor bit to complete.
An unexpected bonus is that the threads appear undamaged as the new mudguards are now firmly in place.
Thanks to you all for your kind attention and knowledge.
An unexpected bonus is that the threads appear undamaged as the new mudguards are now firmly in place.
Thanks to you all for your kind attention and knowledge.
Perfect, couldn't ask for more!
