Getting a grip on your stripped out round hex head bolts on your pellet stove!

[Don2222]

Hello
My trick of the day was just to remove this bolt on the shroud just to get the stove in the door!
The round head was already stripped in the sunk in head so the ratchet and the socket could not cut the mustard and crack that bolt even with wire wheeling and spray PB Blaster lube on it!
So I pulled out the Dremel and installed the small cutting wheel on it and cut a flat spot on each side to get a grip with the vise grips and bingo!
See Pics
Pic 1 - cut the flats
Pic 2 - attach the locking pliers
Pic 3 - push and turn and heat a crack - Bingo
Pic 4 - put the ratchet and hex head socket in and it is working
Pic 5 - just keep turning
Pic 6 - Bingo - It is out
Simple as that???

 

[Highbeam]

Allen head. You could also put a second wrench across that vice grip for more leverage.

I love that crack pop feeling when the bolt comes free.

 

[jp99]

Allen head. You could also put a second wrench across that vice grip for more leverage.

I love that crack pop feeling when the bolt comes free.

Similarly, we all hate that awful feeling when it cracks/pops and only part of the bolt comes out!

 

[redmanlcs]

my favorite tool is the left hand twist drill...

 

[Overfireinthehole]

Hello
My trick of the day was just to remove this bolt on the shroud just to get the stove in the door!
The round head was already stripped in the sunk in head so the ratchet and the socket could not cut the mustard and crack that bolt even with wire wheeling and spray PB Blaster lube on it!
So I pulled out the Dremel and installed the small cutting wheel on it and cut a flat spot on each side to get a grip with the vise grips and bingo!
See Pics
Pic 1 - cut the flats
Pic 2 - attach the locking pliers
Pic 3 - push and turn and heat a crack - Bingo
Pic 4 - put the ratchet and hex head socket in and it is working
Pic 5 - just keep turning
Pic 6 - Bingo - It is out
Simple as that???

Stupid hex heads!

 

[Connecticut Yankee]

Whatever works, right? Just wanted to add: Kroil penetrating oil can help loosen a bolt in such a situation. Leave it to soak in for 24 hours, and you'll stand a better chance of getting the whole bolt out, instead of just part!