Removing rounded off hex head bolt (help needed)

[mr_maxime]

I'm trying to change out the rotors and pads on my Honda accord but the caliper bolts are too rounded off to remove. In my frustrated attempts I only made the problem worse. I got the drivers side off using floor jack and cheater bars but can't get the passenger side.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/mr_maxime/Mobile%20Uploads/20160520_222628_zpsfcckbdx6.jpg (http://s15.photobucket.com/user/mr_maxime/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160520_222628_zpsfcckbdx6.jpg.html)

[Michael]

Soak it in PB Blaster overnight and hammer 1mm smaller 12 point socket on it and hope for the best. A torch on the outside of the caliper might help.

If you have a impact driver or access to one I would utilize that as well.

[content22207_2]

42086

Don't let its diminutive size mislead you -- this thing has saved me more times than I can count. It's one of the most valuable tools in my box.

You're probably dealing with electrolysis/galvanic corrosion. If you put acetylene on it, keep the flame on the steel fastener only. Propane/MAPP can go on aluminum no problem, but might not get hot enough to help. And as Michael said you want to hammer the fastener, not constant torque.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[jangell]

You can also get vice grips specifically meant for gripping hex bolts, like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Original-Locking-Wrench/dp/B00004SBBE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 they come in a few different sizes (small/medium/large) for different sized bolts. It can help you get a grip when nothing else will. The handle design would make it difficult to put a cheater bar on, though.

-- Joe

[jmettee]

Gator Grip sockets work great for this type of thing. I know Home Depot has them in the store in the tool section. Probably also at Lowes.

[Bitsyncmaster]

You must have been using a 12 point socket. Next time you need a cheater bar, make sure you have a 6 point socket.

[mr_maxime]

I got a gator grip socket and some sockets 1mm smaller. I don't trust myself using a torch so close to brakes lines

[mr_maxime]

Gator grips aren't working and the 16mm won't hammer on. Surprisingly no auto part store has the right size extractor for 17mm despite this being on a damn Honda. I'm getting increasingly frustrated with this and would do terrible things to whoever thought it'd be ok to reuse these rounded off bolts and stripped screws knowing they need a breaker bar even in good condition.

[Michael]

http://m.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-BOLT-GRIP-5-Pack-Bolt-Extractor-Set/50146292

[content22207_2]

The harder you pull on a pipe wrench, the more it bites into whatever is between its jaws.... (You can put a cheater bar on a pipe wrench).

Bill Robertson
#5939

[mr_maxime]

Lol Micheal, I saw those at the auto store but I needed 17mm. I got griptite from northern tools and that worked great with a breaker bar.