Help! Rounded Bolt Heads

I am attempting to remove the fan from my 300D and find a couple of the bolt heads are rounded from previous carelessness. What methods are there for loosening these bolts? I hesitate to use vise grips.

Thanks.

[mplafleur]

Try using a 6-point socket on the head. Do not use a twelve point. Tap the socket on if you have to. If it's tight, it's better.

M,

Several hardware stores, even Sears, sells a wrench that looks like a miniature oil filter wrench. The head is an adjustable head that loops around the bolt. The more pressure you apply in turning the wrench, the more it grips.

Only problem is that you need a bit of elbow room. Another solution if space is an issue is a one-size-fits-all socket that you can use with your socket wrench. It looks like a regular socket on the outside, but inside has a bunch of spring loaded rods.

Dunno if it works but it's still a neat little tool....

Best of luck.

Why hesitate with the vise-grips?

Another crude approach is to find a socket that is just slightly too small, an inch size perhaps. Then tap it on (hammer it on if you have to!).

A slightly more scientific approach, it the heads aren't completely wrecked, is to tighten slightly them before you loosen. This can sometimes 'unstick' the fastener.