Removing Broken Extractor ?

[Mike Murrell]

M6 x 25mm bolt broke off in thermostat housing on an old Accord of mine. Tried using an extractor and in the process, it broke off in the hole I had drilled.

It's my understanding these things are about the hardest material known to man and in many cases impossible to drill out or thru.

I'm aware of the left-hand drill bit technique; I don't know if technique is going to get this done.

I'm content to completely drill out a new hole and simply attach a nut/locker washer to the other side of a new bolt once I get a new hole drilled.

Does anyone know of a product that will cut through a broken extractor?

Thanks

[mbdoc]

A very high-speed grinding tool like "Dremel" with diamond bit should cut thru anything, will take time.

Tool makers do have tap extractors but have never seen an extractor for a broken extractor!

[Ron in SC]

I broke an extractor off once too about 20 years ago and I don't remember what car I was working on. I think it was when I was trying to remove a broken stud that held an exhaust manifold on a Saab Turbo. Anyway I did get it out by drilling the extractor. I think they make special drill bits that will drill thru that material. I remember I bought a bunch of drill bits and just kept at it until I was able to extract the extractor. Very much of a pain in the behind job. Takes a lot of patients. Good Luck, you'll get it out.

[Mike Murrell]

DOC/Ron:

Thanks for the posts.

I can spend $$ on special drill bits or buy an after-market t-state case that surprisingly was cheaper than I thought it would be. I'm going to go for the 2nd option. This t-stat case has water-ways in it and I'm right on the edge of cutting into one of these interior canals.

In this particular case, I think I might be wasting my time & $$ drilling.

Onward.

[Ron in SC]

Mike,
I was over at a tool store I buy from and they have bits that can be used to drill out a broken extractor. The are made by ARTU

[dkveuro]

Originally Posted by Ron in SC

Mike,
I was over at a tool store I buy from and they have bits that can be used to drill out a broken extractor. The are made by ARTU

Try a circlip tool ?
Pointy stick ?

I'd try welding to the end of it with a MIG.
Snap-On carries an 'Extractor removal tool....$$$$$$$$ !
It has hard steel points to sit along side the extractor flutes...

or...........http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/may2003/techtotech.cfm