The bolt breaks off when it is turned sharply or due to other careless actions. The whole difficulty of this situation lies in the fact that part of the fastener is firmly stuck in the inlet hole and is very difficult to remove without special tools. Sometimes it is still possible to pick up a piece of a bolt with pliers and unscrew it, but using an extractor will be much better and more efficient, i.e. a special tool designed for unscrewing bolts.
Bolt extractor - general information
It is a device that is used to unscrew broken bolts. The extractor looks like a steel rod, at one end of which there is a wedge or left-hand thread. The shape of this tool is very similar to a beard or hammer. The sizes of extractors vary and this parameter will depend on the diameter of the bolt that needs to be extracted. Experts recommend not limiting yourself to having just one extractor in your household, but rather stocking up on a whole set at once in order to be prepared for any non-standard situation (usually the set includes devices for working with threads for sizes from M1 to M6). To properly unscrew the fastener, you first need to hook it. For these purposes, a recess is made in the center of the stud using a drill - it will be needed for further jamming of a conical or cylindrical tool in it, with the help of which the stuck element will be removed.
Modern types of extractors
Depending on the operational and design features, bolt screws are divided into the following modifications:
- Wedge-shaped - they have a conical faceted shape and work on the principle of a simple wedge, which is driven into the existing hole on the broken base of the stuck fastener. After driving in and fixing the device, it must be gradually turned with a wrench. Using this model does not cause any difficulties, the main thing is to take into account that the hole for screwing out should be located directly in the center of the base of the fastener. If this rule is violated, the forces applied during rotation will be displaced, and this, in turn, will not allow the broken element to be removed. In addition, there is a risk of damage to the extractor itself.
- Rod - these devices have the appearance of a faceted rod and their operating principle is very similar to a wedge-shaped tool. They also need to be driven into the drilled hole in the broken pin, then wedged and turned out using a key. The main disadvantage of the rod type is some difficulty in removing the twisted part.
- Spiral-screw - are the most common type, effective and easy to use. They also have a conical shape, on which a right or left thread is already applied (for unscrewing all types of threads). Such extractors are not driven into the part, but are carefully screwed into the hole in the fastener, after which they are wedged and, together with the fastener, are removed simultaneously and evenly. It should be noted that using a spiral screw extractor in conjunction with a wrench will require a special wrench.
Fastener Removal Tool Kits
Such kits are very easy to find in any specialized hardware store. Naturally, it is more practical to purchase a whole set at once than to purchase individual tools. Sets with the “station wagon” brand have become very popular, because with their help, the physical and time costs of unscrewing various bolts can be easily minimized, despite the complexity of the current situation. Such kits contain not only extractors with different diameters, but also additional tools necessary for unscrewing broken bolts, such as:
- Drivers or wrenches;
- Drill;
- Bushings for wrenches;
- Bushings to maintain the direction of the drill in relation to the center of the broken stud.
The components of such kits are durable and especially reliable, as they are made of hardened or chrome-plated steel.
Rating of quality products up to 1000 rubles
Innopax 38294855
A set of tools for unscrewing bolts and studs with damaged heads. It consists of four elements of different parameters, in the manufacture of which hardened stainless steel is used. To remove damaged fasteners, you must first make a small hole in the center using a drill. Afterwards, the extractor itself comes into operation, which is firmly wedged and rotates counterclockwise using a key. Items are packaged in a beautiful black plastic case. The kit includes an instruction manual.
The average price is 964 rubles.
Innopax extractor set
Advantages:
- strength of the material used;
- practicality;
- wear resistance;
- durability;
- functionality;
- ease of storage and transportation.
Flaws:
- not installed.
A-Market 33853549
The set can hardly be called a new product. It is in high demand among locksmiths due to its reliability and value for money. Works with damaged right-hand thread bolts to help remove them safely from objects. Also copes with broken studs. Pre-drilling of the fragment is required. Product length – 51 mm. Number of elements – 5 pieces.
The average cost is 870 rubles.
A-Market extractor set
Advantages:
- versatility;
- practicality;
- functionality;
- long service life;
- quality of the material used;
- no defects on sale.
Flaws:
- not defined.
Hairpin driver 6 mm Jonnesway AG 010061-6, 15492076
The device is among the TOP best-selling products. Purchased for installation or dismantling of stud connections. It is convenient and easy to use, reliable and durable. Standard size – 6. Material of manufacture – CrV. Country of origin: Taiwan. The product is sold in convenient packaging. In addition to the tools, the set includes a warranty card and a dealer certificate
The average price is 790 rubles.
Hairpin driver 6 mm Jonnesway AG 010061-6
Advantages:
- increased working resource;
- suitable for regular use;
- lifetime warranty from the manufacturer;
- value for money;
- efficiency.
Flaws:
- none.
Hairpin driver JonnesWay 12 mm AG 010061-12, 15507184
The product is manufactured by a Taiwanese company. There are no complaints about the product. Marriage items are not available for sale. The reviews are only positive. The tools are designed for unscrewing and screwing in threaded rods. High-quality materials are used in the manufacture of the model. Weight – 180 grams. Can be purchased at specialized retail outlets or ordered online in an online store.
How much does the product cost? You will have to pay 820 rubles for it.
Hairpin driver JonnesWay 12 mm AG 010061-12
Advantages:
- durability;
- reliability;
- ease of use;
- lifetime warranty from the manufacturer;
- functionality;
- value for money.
Flaws:
- not found.
Forsage 37826220
A set of extractors in the amount of 6 items M3 – M25. The products are manufactured at Chinese production facilities. Allows you to quickly and easily remove damaged bolts. It is in high demand among novice locksmiths. Sold in all specialized retail outlets. Packaging parameters: 0.08*0.02*0.11 cm.
The average cost is 527 rubles.
Forsage extractor set
Advantages:
- long service life;
- reliability;
- functionality;
- practicality;
- versatility.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Thorvik 25148909
The products are manufactured in Taiwan. It is a set of multi-start threaded tools with a conical shape. Able to deal with broken pins of small diameter, carefully removing them from the object. Alloyed chrome-molybdenum steel is used in the manufacture of this product. The devices are equipped with connecting squares with different parameters for the purpose of transmitting torque. The driver can be an adjustable tap holder, an adjustable wrench, or a twelve-sided socket head of the appropriate size with a drive. Product weight – 160 grams.
Retailers offer the product at a price of 541 rubles.
Thorvik extractor set
Advantages:
- wear resistance;
- durable material;
- high working resource;
- practicality;
- versatility.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Forsage 37826212
The recruitment is made on the territory of the Celestial Empire. Consists of 6 elements. Supplied for sale in a convenient case made of durable plastic. Packaging parameters – 0.1*0.03*0.17 mm. Belongs to the category of new products. It is in high demand not only among novice locksmiths, but also among professional craftsmen. The designs are reliable and easy to work with. No special skills required. The manufacturing material is durable, which makes the tools durable even with active use.
Purchase price – 506 rubles.
Forsage extractor set
Advantages:
- successful set;
- functionality;
- versatility;
- value for money;
- wear resistance.
Flaws:
- none.
Technology for unscrewing broken bolts
Even a beginner can remove broken fasteners from the base using an extractor. The main thing is to consistently follow all the structural steps of the extraction process. First of all, you should make a mark in the center of the broken fastener, for which you use a punch and a hammer. Then you need to drill a hole where the extractor will be inserted. In this case, the diameter of the future hole is taken into account, since it must correspond to the diameter of the extractor. For this purpose, a special guide bushing is used, which is supplied in the extractor kit. Then you need to install the extractor in the hole you have made, and fix it by tapping it with a mallet or hammer. Next, the extractor is screwed into the hole of the broken fastener using a driver, tap or wrench (all the way). Having screwed the extractor to the limit, you can begin to remove the bolt.
IMPORTANT! It is always worth remembering that you need to rotate the tool only in the direction of the axis, because any displacement will lead to breakage of the device.
Upon completion of eversion, the extractor is carefully removed, preventing damage to the edges of the wedge equipment. If a screw type was used, then the bolt is simply unscrewed. To facilitate the removal process, it is allowed to use a wrench or pliers.
Some features of the application of bolt extraction technology
Depending on the current situation, the technology for removing a broken bolt may vary depending on the location where it is stuck:
- Below the plane of the base - in this case, you first need to insert a sleeve into the resulting depth so that its diameter matches the hole. Then you need to drill a hole of the proper depth. If the stuck fastener has a large diameter, then small drills are used first to gradually drill out the hole. The final step will be driving in the rod and installing the sleeve to remove the fastener.
- Above the base plane - in this situation, all the same actions are performed as in the previous one. First, the sleeve is directed and installed, only then a hole is drilled to install the rod, which will remove the stuck bolt.
- At the same level with the base - here you will have to use a center punch in order to correctly mark the center of the future hole. Then you need to drill a hole in the center, install the extractor and unscrew the pin.
Useful tips when working with threaded bolts
When unscrewing such broken fasteners, it is possible to somewhat simplify the work process:
- If you heat up a stuck product, removing it will take much less time;
- If the thread is broken, you can use a hex wrench to unscrew it;
- Before starting work, it is better to treat the broken part with some kind of lubricant - solvent, acetone or oil;
- Using drills with reverse threads it is very easy to remove a broken bolt;
- Using a core and hammer can be an effective step. The core is installed at an angle of 45 degrees to the broken bolt and is driven counterclockwise. This operation must be carried out on at least four sides, and then the fasteners must move.
Rating of quality products up to 25,000 rubles
Heads – extractors 1/4″, ½", 6 – 27 mm, 13 pieces Sorokin 40.58, code 15476906
Products from a domestic manufacturer. Designed for pulling out bolts where the edges are completely worn out or damaged. The drive can be cranks, keys, ratchets. The set includes 13 elements. They arrive for sale in a convenient lockable case. The set is in high demand among professional locksmiths. Often purchased by auto repair shops to remove damaged screws.
The average price is 7999 rubles.
Heads – extractors 1/4″, ½", 6 – 27 mm, 13 pieces Sorokin 40.58
Advantages:
- efficiency;
- ease of use;
- high working resource;
- 1 year manufacturer's warranty;
- wear resistance;
- variety of metric thread diameters;
- quality of materials used;
- professional set.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Aist015372
Products of the Russian brand are manufactured in Taiwan. The set of external extractors consists of 12 items, including special heads and ejectors. Everything is packed in a practical case. The tools are suitable for working on damaged bolts and studs. Standard size – 10. CrV steel alloy is used in manufacturing. Package weight – 1.8 kg. The reviews are positive.
Retailers are asking 6,715 rubles for the product.
Aist 67310925 00-00015372
Advantages:
- practicality;
- functionality;
- versatility;
- reliability;
- durable alloy;
- suitable as a gift for a master;
- value for money.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Rennsteig RE-4719003
The set includes specialized tools that make it possible to quickly and smoothly remove damaged unnecessary fasteners from objects. The manufacturer packed the products in a convenient envelope with pockets. With proper use, damage does not occur, so expensive parts remain safe and sound. When working with fasteners made of soft material, the tool is screwed in by hand. If the composition is hard, you will have to use a drill. Dimensions – 1-5. Hardened chrome vanadium steel is used in the manufacture of the device. Metric thread - right - left.
You can purchase the products at a price of 4,540 rubles.
Rennsteig RE-4719003
Advantages:
- strength;
- practicality;
- versatility;
- ease of storage;
- burnished surface;
- no damage occurs during operation;
- polished cutting edges;
- long service life;
- hex head;
- two-year warranty from the manufacturer;
- designed for right-handed and left-handed threads;
- fastener removal speed.
Flaws:
- not found.
Gedore 6755550
Professional set from a German manufacturer. It is in high demand among masters of their craft. It goes on sale in a durable plastic case with separate holders for personal storage of devices. The main purpose is to remove broken screws and threaded rods. Length – 150 mm. The diameter of the drilled hole is M5 – M16. Manufacturing material – tool alloy steel. Weight – 790 grams. The manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty on its products.
The average cost is 23,740 rubles.
Gedore extractor set
Advantages:
- advanced functionality;
- ease of use;
- long service life;
- reliability;
- strength;
- convenient storage case.
Flaws:
- the price is high.
Matrix 13796567
The products are manufactured in the Middle Kingdom. There are no complaints about the product. The devices cope with cutting external threads on pipes with a diameter of 1*4, 1*2, 3*4, 1*1 1*4. The set includes a die holder with a ratchet, as well as a assembled handle. All items are in a plastic case with parameters 37*33*10 cm. The kit is in high demand among novice locksmiths.
Purchase price – 4857 rubles.
Matrix extractor set
Advantages:
- 8 items;
- functionality;
- ease of use;
- practical storage case;
- can be purchased through the online store.
Flaws:
- none.
JonnesWay 37589354
The set consists of five items. This includes conical multi-start threaded extractors with a small spiral angle. They are suitable for working with small diameter studs. Alloy chrome-molybdenum steel is used in the manufacture of devices. Supplied for sale in a durable plastic case. The tools are equipped with connecting squares with various parameters for transmitting torque. The driver is an adjustable tap holder or wrench, as well as a 12-sided socket head. The products are manufactured in Taiwan. Marriage items are not available for sale.
Purchase price – 2574 rubles.
JonnesWay extractor set
Advantages:
- advanced functionality;
- ease of use;
- quality of materials used;
- absence of marriage;
- value for money;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Benefits of using extractors
The use of this type of device for removing tightly stuck bolts has several undoubted advantages:
- The tool is quite simple to use: to handle it successfully, no special knowledge or skills are required;
- Sets of such tools are quite affordable, which indicates their universal popularity;
- The set includes most extractor tools with the most common diameters and sizes;
- Using this tool, you can quickly unscrew almost any damaged fastener stuck in a car body, furniture or equipment;
- If extractors are made of high-quality and durable steel, then the likelihood of their breakdown is very low, and on the contrary, their service life increases sharply.
Of course, not every bolt can be removed using an extractor - situations vary. The main thing is to follow the rule, which states that the material of the stuck element must be softer than the material from which the extractor is made.
Rating of designs up to 500 rubles
Forcekraft 37826218
A set of thread extractors from a Chinese manufacturer includes 5 elements (M3 – M18). Allows you to quickly remove fasteners with broken heads. Manipulations do not require much effort and free time. In this case, the master’s actions do not lead to damage to the main item. It is supplied to stores in regular packaging, the parameters of which are 0.06 * 0.02 * 0.1 cm. For storage, it is advisable to purchase a special case.
Purchase price – 498 rubles.
Forcekraft extractor set
Advantages:
- significant work resource;
- reliability;
- strength of the materials used;
- wear resistance;
- practicality.
Flaws:
- none.
Partner 37826211
The kit from the Chinese manufacturer has 6 components (M3 – M25). Allows you to quickly and efficiently remove broken fasteners from an object. The tools are made from durable steel alloy, therefore they have high wear resistance and a long service life during active use. It is in high demand among both beginners and professional craftsmen due to the price-quality ratio. There are no problems with the purchase. The product can be found in specialized retail outlets or ordered online in an online store.
The average cost is 471 rubles.
extractor set Partner
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- product strength;
- durability;
- reliability.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Patron 37826213
A convenient and practical set is not produced in the Celestial Empire. There are no complaints about the product. User reviews are positive. Includes five items (M3 – M18). The devices make it easy and simple to remove broken bolts from objects. It is supplied for sale in standard packaging with parameters 0.1*0.02*0.17 cm.
The average price is 440 rubles.
Patron extractor set
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- practicality;
- quality of the material used;
- durability.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Forcekraft 40791699
Chinese-made products are in high demand among domestic consumers due to their reasonable cost and good characteristics. The set includes 5 elements for removing broken fasteners. Working with devices is easy and simple. Supplied to stores in durable plastic cases.
The purchase price is 314 rubles.
Forcekraft extractor set
Advantages:
- value for money;
- practicality;
- wear resistance;
- long service life.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Sparta 38114916
Products are produced in the Middle Kingdom. Steel and plastic are used in production. Suitable for removing broken studs and right-hand threaded bolts. The set contains 5 elements made of durable steel alloys. The product is in high demand among domestic consumers.
The average cost is 256 rubles.
Sparta extractor set
Advantages:
- versatility;
- reliability;
- durability;
- practicality.
Flaws:
- none.
Difficulty of choice
It’s worth mentioning right away that the quality of the equipment in question is the determining parameter that should influence the choice. Extractors should not be purchased randomly and without careful analysis of all their operating properties. The characteristics that determine the quality of the extractor include the strength properties of the material used to make it. The steel must be very hard, but not very brittle, otherwise the tool will simply break during operation. Only a few grades of steel from different manufacturers have such characteristics, but in their composition they are more or less very similar to each other. Unfortunately, some manufacturing companies from Asian countries make extractors from almost any type of steel that is somewhat durable. Indeed, such products have a lower cost, but their purchase will not bring much benefit, and the tool itself can only be used a couple of times, then it will break. Therefore, experts advise buying only those sets whose manufacturer does not raise reputational doubts, while at the same time paying attention to the markings of the steel used in the tools.
Modern samples of extractors are sold both separately and as part of various sets. Professionals recommend having a complete set with extractors of different diameters and sizes on hand, and it would also be nice if the kit comes with additional tools. Naturally, the cost of a high-quality and complete set may seem quite high, but all expenses will pay off after the first use.
Main characteristics of devices
It is worth noting that extractors are designed to perform strictly defined tasks. They help remove a fastener with a broken head from an object. An indispensable item for car repairs. Much attention should be paid to such properties as the reliability and strength of the material used in manufacturing. The product is produced from high-carbon steel, carbide metals, and high-speed steel. S2 tool steel, oxidized steel, high-strength chrome vanadium steel and other similar alloys are often used.
It is worth noting that underground manufacturers use soft metals to manufacture products, which makes the use of these tools for their intended purpose impossible. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to the manufacturer and labeling. You should not contact little-known companies or those whose products have complaints. This is fraught with loss of money.
The weight of the device depends on the metal used in its manufacture, as well as on the parameters and type. Internal extractors have lengths from 26 to 150 mm. Conical tip in the range of 1.5 - 26 mm. The weight of the structure is 8 – 150 grams. External products are available in lengths from 16 to 26 mm, weighing about 100 - 150 grams.
There are no GOST standards for these locksmith devices. Each manufacturer relies on its own specifications. Well-known brands have personal laboratories where specialists develop the best composition of materials for the manufacture of professional-level instruments. Product markings are either missing or the diameter for which the tool is suitable is indicated.
