Headless Bolt

[Gummo]

I'm replacing my mudguards but, in removing the rear one, the head came off one of the bolts. As you can see from the photos, drilling has only got so far and I think I'm doing more harm to my tools than the bolt.

 

[Gunk]

That needs to be laid flat and drilled out with a pillar drill

 

[BigSid]

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.

 

[Gummo]

Tried slotting it - not enough sides to get purchase from.

 

[ktmbiker58]

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

 

[Gummo]

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

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]

Start with much smaller drill bits. Worth investing in some 'easy outs'.

 

[ktmbiker58]

Looking again the the second photo, maybe a need a better quality bit. I haven't a clue what the bit's made of.

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]

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

 

[si_c]

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.