Bolt Extraction?

AMYBELL614

MEMBER
2008 TOYOTA CAMRY
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
213,000 MILES

Which direction should the drill spin for a left-handed drill bit?

Which direction should the drill spin for a screw extraction but?

What is the purpose of cutting fluid?

What kind of power tool should these bits be used in?

Can you use small left-handed/extractor drill bits on a 1/2in square drive power wrench with an adapter, or will it just break? If you can, what kind of adapter can I use and where can I get one?

Any other tips on removing stuck bolts/screws? Any good recommendations for a center punch?

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,494 POSTS

Bolt extraction depends a lot on the reason for the broken bolt. However, to answer your questions, left hand bits turn in reverse or counterclockwise. But although I have had them work when the bolt was a loose bolt that simply broke off due to over torquing it, they don't help with rusted, cross threaded or bonded broken bolts. Cutting fluid or oil does two things, it helps flush the chips away and it helps keep the drill edges from getting hot.
The only powered extractors are the gimmick ones sold for low power drivers, those also turn in reverse, but they don't work very well. Generally, you don't use any power tools beyond the drill that you use to create the hole for the extractor, the extractor bits are normally very hard and brittle, and they will shatter when used with power tools.
If you want to see more info and hints as well as some of the tools used there are a few good videos out there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIQsWbwN-cA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-VD1yx61bA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVTn6wI4g6s