Beating Troublesome Bolts

[LostThePlot]

Hi Folks,

I have never quite understood why those bolts that have a hex recessed within a rounded head are used. In my expereince it's usual that the material will often oxidise, and as a result when you put a hex key on them they simply round off.

Does anyone have a sure fire way of avoiding this from happening please?

TIA

EricR

 

[television]

In my veiw only use the highest quality spanners that you can, its often cheap tools that round off bolts and nuts, once rounded off they can damage expensive sockets. often people use a imperial key when its a near fit rather than get the correct metric version.

Malcolm

 

[turnipsock]

I think the are called Allen Headed Bolts.

Usually they are full of gunge and when you put in the Allan Key at first, it only goes half way in and you end up rounding things.

You are best to spray with a penatrating spray and clean out the hole. Make sure the key goes all the way in before you apply any turning force.

I bought some good keys from Demon Tweaks (about £6 each) but they work every time and have never rounded of anything. I think the name began with a 'B' and they were italian.

 

[C220GJS]

I take it we're talking about socket head screws or allen screws, the problem with them is the socket gets clogged with dirt and rust ,and if you don't know the correct size, the key that first fits is undersize and can damage the socket if forced.
Always use good quality keys, clean out the socket using a small screwdriver or similar ,then make sure there is no rock on the key you fit and that it has gone to the bottom of the socket.
Geo.

Damn, Turnipsock beat me. I'll need to learn to type with more than one finger .At least we are in agreement.

 

[turnipsock]

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ProductDetail.asp?cls=MSPORT&pcode=BET0096949

 

[LostThePlot]

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ProductDetail.asp?cls=MSPORT&pcode=BET0096949

OK, some sensible advice there, will pick myself up a good set of those then..

 

[television]

Re Sockets, cheap ones have flats inside, good ones have splines.

Malcolm

 

[Myros]

I remember when Metrinch first brought them out

twenty odd years ago. despite having some very tasty Draper and Elora and Kamasa gear, I bought at 10mm and 13mm combi spanner and the sockets as well. I'm still using them 20 years on, and they don't round bolts and nuts off. I must get around to buying all the other sizes in the same format.

 

[wireman]

Allen bolts will corrode just like any other steel bolts, fill the head with waxoyl and plug the socket with a plastic cap, fastener suppliers can get hold of sealing plugs for most socket headed screws be they allen,torx or other recess.
I must take Television to task re
"cheap ones have flats good ones have splines"

Cheap and nasty sockets do indeed tend to be hexagon flated but really strong top class ones are also single hexagon because they are stronger than the easier to use Bi hexagon sockets most of us use. There are other types of socket which fit a range of sizes since they drive on the flats not on the corners, these sockets have a reputation for not rounding off the nut.
The measure is the metal from which they are made, Chrome Vanadium is the one I want, using forged steel or hardened carbon steel will just cause injuries to either the job or your hand when the tools suddenly give up being usefull.

 

[Uncle Benz]

Some good advice here. If I can add a couple of tips that have saved me many times...

1. As mentioned, use a good quality tool, and ensure it reaches the bottom of the bolt. Tapping it in with a hammer will help.

2. If it feels tight, DO NOT just keep applying force. You will round it out! Stop right there and remove the tool. Take a large flat punch and strike the bolt on the end quite hard. Now try again. Often a crack will loosen it.

3. If it has been rounded, using the flat of a hammer squarely on the face will often shrink the rounded hex back into shape and give you another shot.

4. If all else fails, a chisel can be used on the outer edge of the bolt to knock it round. An air chisel is the perfect tool for this but not many DIY guys have them.

5. Snap-on market a range of cunning tools to help, but of course they are expensive!!

Good luck!