I've managed to shatter, yes, SHATTER two T-55 star bits trying to remove the bolts holding down the seat belts on the Bronco II. I have soaked them with PB Blaster as well. I was going to try a little Coca-Cola to see if the citric acid can loosen up the rust that is holding them in. Does anyone have any advice on how to loosen them?

 

Those T-55's are a real pain when they rust in like that because there's really no head to grab. You did the right thing by soaking them. You could also try slightly heating them with a small pencil torch or something similar unless they're over carpeting.

Other then that you may have to try and grab the head of them with some Vice-Grips. What do you mean "shattered"? Did they break or strip out?




Allen

 

The T-55 bits literally shattered on me...the bolt is okay, but the ends of the bit just disintegrated when I tried turning them. Either I have too much torque in my forearms (doubt that), the bits were poorly made (thanks China!) or the bolts are just REALLY locked down. I'll try some heat as well from my propane torch.

 

i'll vote on option 2 and 3

i hate star and hex heads... why did they ever have to get put into cars?! i say try heating them.. worst case drill it out

 

I bet heating them will be your best bet.

 

Thats why i buy snap on tools...

Anyway, looks like your options are..

get a better bit that wont shatter.. with a long breaker bar..

Cut the head off, and drill out the bolt...

Heat up the bolt..

I know my ranger seat bolts were a PITA to get out.. but if anything.. i would get a expencive bit... and an impact.. and it should come out.. just make sure you dont strip the bolt..

 

A good quality t55 1/2" socket, and either a breaker bar or impact will do the trick. But in your case you may need to focus on just getting a good T55 socket as it seems you have the power, just not the quality in those China torx.

 

Sorry, I misunderstood what actually shattered. Yeah, some of those cheapo bits are made of so cheap a metal that they actually start to flex and bend, and in your case, I guess shatter.

I"ve had good luck with the one I bought at AutoZone believe it or not. I used it to remove my bed recently to gain access to my fuel pump assembly. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.




Allen

 

if none of that works try hitting the top of the bolt with a hammer (gently ) spray some pb blaster hit it again and that should loosen that rust up

 

I've got like 5 of those T55 Performance Plus brand (i think??). Never had a problem. $2 a piece.

I'd say get yourself a propane torch, or I use MAPP gas...and heat them bolts up from the bottom.

 

good T55 bit and breaker bar I would try first, maybe use some heat...go from there

 

You'd be amazed what an impact wrench will do to a stuck bolt! Try that before you stink up the truck with melted stuff or PB Blaster!

 

Still need a good T55 socket to use an impact.....you can't even get an impact in there where the rear bolts are.

 

Looks like I'll go with heat and get a new bit and a longer extension. I need to move some speaker wires but other than that there is nothing in the way that the heat should effect. Perhaps a dumb question, but should I heat the bolt from the underside first?

 

You need an impact driver. It's got a 3/8" or whatever drive end on it, you stick a socket/bit adapter on it and hit it with a hammer. A spring/cam device makes the bit turn when you hit it. It works slowly, but well, and you won't strip anything because you seat the bit in the bolthead when you hit it with the hammer. Plus the turning is very gradual so it's less likely to damage the bolthead. Once it's turning you can go back to a ratchet for speed.

 

Another thought, if you heat it and the pour cold water over it then it may contract enough to break the threads out. Good luck!

 

I'd say impact it. I couldn't get mine, so I got the impact and an impact socket for it, zipped it right out.

 

go to the gym, work out for a while (couple years) build some muscle, and take em out, or do what they suggested or cut the seat belt and replace with a better one.