Easy outs

[jcummins]

I've used them several times before....but I've got a really stubborn one now.

Bought a used flagpole...pretty decent one....and the ball on the top has broken off. I need to get the stud left out. I'm thinking I'll be forced to drill this to size and retap, but before I do.

I've used vise grips, pipe wrench, and a large crescent wrench, which has worked best, but I cannot get anything to hold to the easyout tight enough. I'm wanting to put an air wrench to it, but what to use. This has a square end on it, and I can get a 6 sided socket to fit, but not right, and it slips. Anyone with a solution?

 

[gundog10]

First, I would use a small wrench of appropriate size then I would heat the area around the stud with either a heat gun or carefully with a propane torch. The heat will expand the metal and make it easier to remove. Good luck.

 

[jcummins]

An 8mm fits. That wrench is so small, without a doubt I'd destroy the wrench. Need a square hole sized wrench that has enough beef to put some leverage on this. Heat....I will try that. BTW the broken stud is aluminum, and I think the top is also, I suspect this is galled together.

 

[tcartwri]

Anything more than a hand wrench and you will break the easy out. Which then becomes a will not come out. I suggest you drill and tap for a new stud.

 

[bcp]

You can get sockets for square nuts and bolts. They are usually 8 point.

I have never had success with extreme force on an easy-out. It either breaks or reams out the hole.

Bruce

 

[Dishpointer]

What size is the easy out? Couldn't you use the ratchet side of a socket that will fit the square hole of the easy out and use a hex heat bolt with double nuts tightened together and a corresponding wrench to turn it? Applying heat would help.

 

[doxford jim]

I would remove the easy out and re-drill and tap for a new screw. Turn the easy out clockwise and it should come out easy as it has a LH thread. This will save you a lot of headaches

 

[DFB]

8 point socket!

 

[jcummins]

It's a 3/8. I simply don't have anything that will fit that square easy out.

I can back out the easy out without issue. I may try a little heat, but thinking retap is my solution.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

I think you've found the reason your used flag pole was such a good deal

I wouldn't use anything larger than a 6" adjustable wrench on the EO. Every time I've tried to use brute force on an easy out it ends up broken off in the hole. Drilling hardened steel is a lot harder than drilling aluminum, and can put a whole new color into your day. I'd also make sure I was using a straight flute easy out, as the spiral ones tend to expand the stud as they draw themselves into the hole. That's the last thing you want.

But before I even tried to use the EO, I'd heat the assembly, apply a good penetrating oil such as Kroil or Liquid Wrench, and let it cool, repeating several times over several days. I'd try the EO every day, but never with enough force to strip the hole or break the EO. I might use a TIG welder to heat the stud and try to build up enough material to grab with a pair of vise grips. But knowing my luck I'd probably end up welding the stud into the hole

If I was in a hurry, I'd forget about using the EO and just drill and tap a larger hole in the original part. I'd take the time to make up a little drill guide to keep the hole from going crooked, though.

What ever you end up doing, good luck.