I need a tool to remove a rounded off allen head bolt that is recessed

 

Have you tried to beat in a slightly bigger Torx socket? (no Chinese "quality steel"!)

That works in in 95% of all cases.

We used to use this trick to loosen the (mostly rounded) bolts at the front drive-shafts from Volkswagen cars in the former live....

Yes I tried this after seeing it suggested on some other forums but... I have lived in Thailand for over 7 years now and hence all my tools are made of cheap Chinese metal so now I have a couple of rounded off Torx bits... lol... there was no joy in my quest yesterday although it was fun explaining to the Thai clerks what I was looking for.. I do not want to drive down towards Rayong to the big hardware store for just the one item... I am pretty sure a reversed drill bit would do the trick... Will look around at a few hardware shops on the darkside where I live today... Btw how would one know the difference between good metal Torx bit and a Chinese one?

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If you are looking for a cordless drill - I advise you to look for the latest models with LiOn batteries. The older NiMh batteries are much bulkier and fail relatively quickly. Even older NiCad's are useless.

 

The latest Bosch 10.8v (called 12v in USA) range are very small, but powerful. I've seen them sometimes in Homeworks/Homepro, but in Pattaya probably best source would be the main power tool dealer on north side of North Pattaya road between bus station and Sukhumvit junction. They have all of the brand catalogues and will order if they don't have the exact model you want in stock. 

The old ni range of batteries are fine if your a home handyman. I work on commercial building sites everyday and although they have been slowly fazed out, they were fine for us and every tradesman for years and years. These days it's all lithium ion batteries. The only real difference is recharging times imo, not much else.

If you want battery operated drills etc, there's not much difference between the big sellers. Makita is probably most popular. Thing is now days most dealers have interchangeable tools once you have the battery and charger. So you can just buy the bare skin tool from then on.

Top of the line is Hilti. Without a doubt.

I need a tool to remove a rounded off allen head bolt that is recessed

Have you tried to beat in a slightly bigger Torx socket? (no Chinese "quality steel"!)

That works in in 95% of all cases.

We used to use this trick to loosen the (mostly rounded) bolts at the front drive-shafts from Volkswagen cars in the former live....

Yes I tried this after seeing it suggested on some other forums but... I have lived in Thailand for over 7 years now and hence all my tools are made of cheap Chinese metal so now I have a couple of rounded off Torx bits... lol... there was no joy in my quest yesterday although it was fun explaining to the Thai clerks what I was looking for.. I do not want to drive down towards Rayong to the big hardware store for just the one item... I am pretty sure a reversed drill bit would do the trick... Will look around at a few hardware shops on the darkside where I live today... Btw how would one know the difference between good metal Torx bit and a Chinese one?

Sent from my SCH-I800 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I assume countersunk bolt.

What size is it (Or what size allen key were you using)..... is it possible to take it somewhere and get a nut welded to the bolt ?

You mention darkside, I have a access to reasonable workshop at my work, maybe if the item is smallish I could offer assistance if you wanted to drop it off to me.

Edited October 16, 201312 yr by Spoonman

Thanks for the offer of assistance Spoonman...it was a size 4 Allen when I started lol.. and yes it is recessed and is the clamp bolt for a handle bar end extender on my mountain bike that I have ridden extensively over the last 5 years or so.. . I have an option that would involve a hacksaw and the demise of the bar end but of course would like to avoid that route if possible... obviously it is not a time critical situation and I do have another bike that I can use if it ever stops raining... I only had a short torx bit to work with when I tried that route and like I mentioned if I could find a reverse drill bit as I already have a reversible drill I am sure it would bite into the bolt spin it right out... any suggestions on what shop in the greater Pattaya area that might stock such a bit?

TIA

Sent from my SCH-I800 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Sent from my SCH-I800 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Thanks for the offer of assistance Spoonman...it was a size 4 Allen when I started lol.. and yes it is recessed and is the clamp bolt for a handle bar end extender on my mountain bike that I have ridden extensively over the last 5 years or so.. . I have an option that would involve a hacksaw and the demise of the bar end but of course would like to avoid that route if possible... obviously it is not a time critical situation and I do have another bike that I can use if it ever stops raining... I only had a short torx bit to work with when I tried that route and like I mentioned if I could find a reverse drill bit as I already have a reversible drill I am sure it would bite into the bolt spin it right out... any suggestions on what shop in the greater Pattaya area that might stock such a bit?

TIA

Sent from my SCH-I800 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Sent from my SCH-I800 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The hardware store close to the busstation on Nua road, may be your best chance to find the part you're looking for.

#4 allen on a countersunk would equal an M6 thread which will give you a 12mm diameter head circumference, A nut could easily be welded to this thus facilitating it to be loosened and removed.

Iam not sure how a reverse drill be bit would be off assistance as it will just drill a hole or possibly snap if it bites the material but does not move the bolt. Maybe look for a screw extractor/easy out,True Value Hardware will have them or alternatively (if you want to stay local) try the Hardware store on Klang sorta opposite Foodland.

What material is the bolt screwed into and was there a thread locking compound used during assembly ?

Edited October 16, 201312 yr by Spoonman

finally made it out to hardware house siracha, yes good selection of tools, found a couple of things i wanted, store layout is a bit of a mess and parking was full is the rayong branch any better laid out

finally made it out to hardware house siracha, yes good selection of tools, found a couple of things i wanted, store layout is a bit of a mess and parking was full is the rayong branch any better laid out

The Rayong branch, actually it's only half way between Pattaya and Rayong, is at least double the size and very well organized.

Parking lot planning is however not their strongest point

went to the new thai watsadu today great store well laid out, good selection of products, lots of tools and easy to get too.

parking was busy but found a space, maybe first day opening made it busy