Garage Screw-up's...For Dummies- HELP!

[JJ]

  So I got back from track day and managed to shear off the brass bolt that screws on the mirror (1098). It is a star kinda connection...Why do I try things in the garage... Can't get a simple thing done!  What do I do??? It is fixed for good now. 

[Artful]

Where did it shear? I don't know exactly what that looks like. If you have something to bite onto with a pair of vice grips I would try that first, if not it's time to break out the drill and the left handed extractor bits.

[JJ]

Tool used to screw-up:

Bolt head that was sheared:


In case anyone cares, the Brinell's hardness number on steel tools is over 700, while yellow brass is just around 100! Was probably sleeping during my Engineering classes!  

[Artful]

If it sheared and you don't have anything to grab, go out and get an extractor set. Drill out the remaining material enough to get a reverse threaded extractor to grab. Set a drill to reverse and voila*, it should remove it.


http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-screw-extractor-set-40349.html

* it works 60% of the time. The other 40% you're left with a bit of extractor that is far harder than any drill bit in existence jamming up the hole. In that circumstance, it's less hassle to just buy a new bike.

[JJ]

If it sheared and you don't have anything to grab, go out and get an extractor set. Drill out the remaining material enough to get a reverse threaded extractor to grab. Set a drill to reverse and voila*, it should remove it.

* it works 60% of the time. The other 40% you're left with a bit of extractor that is far harder than any drill bit in existence jamming up the hole. In that circumstance, it's less hassle to just buy a new bike.

Wonderful!   I'll just have Shanon at PJ's help me and I'll put up the most pitiful, saddest face I have...

Thanks! I'll buy and keep a set. BTW, there's barely any room to drill between the headlight fairing support and handle bars...If it means that I should remove the tank, triple clamp, handle...I might just about destroy my only BIKE! 

[Ratfink749]

Wonderful!   I'll just have Shanon at PJ's help me and I'll put up the most pitiful, saddest face I have...

Thanks! I'll buy and keep a set. BTW, there's barely any room to drill between the headlight fairing support and handle bars...If it means that I should remove the tank, triple clamp, handle...I might just about destroy my only BIKE! 

I've heard mechanics like bribes such as cookes, brownies, or green chili filled foods as well.  It may help your cause.  I have some of those extractors if anyone ever needs them give me a heads up.  also have a giant tap and die set for rethreading things or making new threads.

[Artful]

Just be careful of a few things.

First and foremost, select the size bit that will drill out the bolt material without going larger than that and boogering up the threaded hole itself. You won't have any bolt material left for the extractor to grab.

It isn't a hard thing to do if you've seen it done before or used a set yourself. If you aren't comfortable with it, buy a friend a six pack and have them help. It's easy to make a problem worse with power tools and inexperience.

[Duck-Stew]

I can't add much to this thread, except that Shannon (Zoob) likes a 6-pack of good quality beer (nothing mass produced). 

[kingbaby]

I can't add much to this thread, except that Shannon (Zoob) likes a 6-pack of good quality beer (nothing mass produced).  

Stu is correct. He loves Beer....Good beer.
 
I have 3 or 4 extra of that size bit that you can have, JJ, but my taste for Hendricks Gin is a bit more $$$. I have a set of the extractor bits also if needed .

    Oh how I love watching people "Save" time and money.

Homer said it best... DOOOOEEE!   Or was it, DOOOOOO ?
... I DOOOON'T.... Remember.

[gratefulduc]

DOH!