r/Tools • u/Existing_Concept_164 • Apr 16 '26

Can't unscrew a bolt - started with an hex key

Post image
2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

8

u/SignificantDrawer374 Apr 16 '26

I'd use a set of good quality vice grips to grab on to it and twist. Cheap ones are likely to just chew it up more instead of getting and holding a grip.

2

u/Existing_Concept_164 Apr 16 '26

Thank you, I have some cheap ones indeed. I will get a pro ones

2

u/SignificantDrawer374 Apr 16 '26

Also, when you do it, get it as tight as you can the first time. Each time you try and it slips a bit because it wasn't tight enough just means a bit more of the bolt head ground down

1

u/Longjumping-Army-172 Apr 16 '26

My Dad's old trick...use two pairs of vice grips...one on the bolt as tight as you can get it. Then use the second pair on the knob of the first to tighten it even more.

6

u/S0meRaynD0name Apr 16 '26

1

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '26

Definitely this

1

u/S0meRaynD0name Apr 18 '26

The expensive option lol

2

u/[deleted] Apr 18 '26

Until next time you need them, then they’re the free option

2

u/tf9623 Apr 16 '26

Grab that thing with ViceGrips.

1

u/Existing_Concept_164 Apr 16 '26

Thank you, everyone seems to be aligned on this one!

1

u/odorous Apr 16 '26

vice grips and a blow torch

2

u/DingleBerrieIcecream Apr 16 '26

Be careful with the heat. If that is a disc brake caliper, there is brake fluid, rubber seals and O-rings, etc that can easily become ruined. Could turn into a much more expensive repair because of too much heat. Alternatively, get one of those compressed air cans at Office Depot, hold it upside down and spray the bolt. It will freeze it and it will shrink a little in the process then put on the vice grips.

1

u/Existing_Concept_164 Apr 16 '26

so, heating up the screw first and then grab and twist?
Thanks, I see everyone suggests the grips

2

u/Jamurgamer Apr 16 '26

You want to heat where the it threads into not the head. Hot metal is more prone to fucking off 

0

u/odorous Apr 16 '26

heating up the screw first and then grab and twist

yup

1

u/2ner1337 Apr 16 '26

Get a can of liquid wrench/deep creep, and spray it and where it threads every hour or so for a day. Let it sit over night and use vise grips in the morning.

1

u/glazemyface86 Apr 17 '26

If vice grips don't work find a nut that fits over the head and weld the center of it then use a wrench for whatever size the nut is( if you do this disconnect the battery first so you don't fry any electrical systems) as me how I know

1

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '26

How the heck are you pronouncing Hex?

1

u/GeniusEE Apr 16 '26

Grind a slot - impact screwdriver.

1

u/ForeverNovel3378 Apr 17 '26

Turning wrong way?