Screws are used to hold items together, such as wood or metal parts. Screws have stronger strength and holding power than regular nails. They also create a more secure seal. They can also be removed very quickly, unlike nails.
However, there are different kinds of screws. Wood screws, sheet metal screws, lag screws, and nuts are the most common screws. Screws of this sort are typically used to hold materials together.
Among the different kinds of screws, hex nut is one of the most substantial screws you can use. Nevertheless, it can also be challenging to remove stripped hex bolts. That is why we prepared some tips for you. But before that, let us know more about hex nuts. (Read How To Untighten A Stripped Caliper Bolt)
What is a Hex Nut?
A hexagonal nut, also known as a hex nut, is a type of metal fastener. It is used to prevent strain and movement and used to link both metal and wood components. Usually, nuts are hexagonal because it is the easiest shape to hold.
These are some of the most frequent nuts, and they are utilized with anchors, screws, studs, threaded rods, and any other machine screw threaded fastener. They are typically made of steel that has been cut using a steel cutting machine. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, and thousands of nuts can be produced.
Anyone looking for a hexagonal nut will find that most hardware stores have these. While particular applications may necessitate nuts of various sizes, practically all nuts are readily available. Specialty nuts can be purchased from a hardware store or bought online.
How Does It Work?
Fasteners with a hexagonal form are easier to turn since the needed turning distance is reduced. It would help if you turned a bolt or nut to tighten it. Hexagonal bolts and nuts require just a 30 degree turning radius to reach the next flat parallel due to their side sides.
This sort of nut often relies on torque to generate an axial force to achieve a secure fastening.
Types of Hex Nuts
Before we go to the tips on removing a stripped hex screws, let us know first the other types of nuts.
1. Hex Finish Nuts
These are used to attach a hex bolt, and socket cap screw. These are also the most common nuts. They have internal threads and are driven with a wrench.
2. Hex Jam Nut
Use a jam nut when a nut needs to be locked in place without clamping to another item. Jam nuts have internal threads but are thinner than finish nuts.
3. Heavy Hex Nuts
These are more extensive, heavier, and thicker than a standard bolt. These have an internal thread, and are driven with a wrench. This is usually utilized with hex bolt and carriage bolts.
4. Hex Machine Nuts
They are used with machine screws under 1/4″ diameter and are smaller than a jam or finish nut.
5. Slotted Hex Nuts
This has sections cut off for use with a cotter ping to provide a locking mechanism. These nuts are similar to castle nuts but have a smaller profile, making them a better choice in some cases.
6. Structural Heavy Hex Nuts
These are thicker and more durable. They’re commonly employed in structural steel-to-steel connections.
What Causes a Stripped Hex Bolt?
When a hex nut becomes stripped, the head is damaged to the point where removing it with a screwdriver might be difficult. The most common cause of stripped nuts is the use of incorrect tools. The following are some of the things that can strip a nut:
- When you employ low-quality tools, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
- Working at a breakneck speed.
- Screws are being turned in the wrong direction.
- Using the incorrect drill size.
- Using an out-of-date or worn drill bit.
- Over tightening the screw.
- Using a screw that has already been stripped.
How to Remove a Stripped Hex Screw?
There are many ways and methods of removing a stripped screw. However, some steps or processes may or may not apply to you. For that, kindly skip those steps.
1. Use a Standard Extraction Tool
This tool helps extract semi-stripped hex bolts that aren’t reusable. Bolts that are entirely rounded off will not be removed with this tool.
Using the Clever Standard Extraction tool instead of power tools is a better option. The Clever’s wrenches have a T-handle design and heads on the other side of the wrench.
The Clever Standard Extraction tool is designed to remove a stripped hex screw and not to tighten it. They are available in many sizes, including 2/, 2.5, 4/, 5/, 6/, 8/, and 10 mm.
2. Use a Hex Screw
The procedure will assist you in moving the screw’s location for easy removal. Here are the actions you should do if you used this method:
- The bolt’s head will need to be cut.
- To cut the head of it, use both a rotary tool and a cutting wheel.
- Place a flathead screwdriver on the cut bolt and turn it with it. The bolt should come out after a certain number of revolutions.
- It’s essential to keep the rotary tool near to the bolt’s head when utilizing it. A drill and an excavator of the same size should be used. Drill a hole in the center of the bolt after that.
- Take the bit from this tool and place it into the hole with an excavator. Place the bit carefully into the hole, making sure it is in a straight position.
- Now, spin the bit counterclockwise.
- Before beginning this technique, make sure the bolt is lubricated.
3. Use a Pair of Vice Grips Pliers
Drilling and using an easy out requires some practice and ability, as easy outs are brittle and far more difficult to remove if broken in place than the initial issue.
4. Cut a Slot in the Head
This is often accomplished with an air-powered grinder and a cutting wheel, as well as a large screwdriver/wrench combo. It’s either cutting the flats down to the next smaller wrench size or using one of the supplied stud/broken bolt removal tools.
5. Making Use of Screw Extractor
For this simple procedure, you’ll need a screw extractor, a set of pliers, a hammer, and a drill. To utilize this approach, follow the steps below.
- Punch a hole in the center of the screw head with the extractor. You can do this with your hammer.
- Drill a hole in the screw head of the hex screw. This hole should be just big enough to fit the screw extractor in.
- With your hammer, tap it.
- Turn the screw extractor slowly and carefully to remove the stripped hex bolt from its socket.
- Using your pliers, remove the screw.
Hex screws are helpful in our homes, work, and businesses. However, it can be a hassle if it turns into a stripped hex bolt. It can also be dangerous if you have no proper knowledge of how to remove it. In addition, it requires strength and right tools, which you may not know. (Learn How To Make Socket Sizes Readable)
Thankfully, we have the method for you on how to remove a stripped screw head. Just be careful and do not forget to read the whole procedure of every technique.