Stripped Bolts

[why?]

So I finally got a wrench that actually worked, and the only two bolts left to do are the ones I stripped yesterday. I'm going to give them one last try, but how do I get them out if they are completely stripped?

Oh, and another question, I can't seen to figure out how to get the top of the seatbelts out. I don't want to push too hard on the plastic, because I don't want to break it. Is there some trick I don't know, or is it simple pressure?

[bronsin]

Get a wrench made by Snap On in the size that fits. They will work on the heads of nuts/bolts even if they are totally rounded off.

[linny]

Use a dremel tool to turn the cap head into a slot head and use a big screwdriver.

[severous01]

cutoff-wheel, chisel, ez out? or, you can head to autozone and pick up a set of irwin extractors for about 20 bux. not bad seeing as how the snapon set which is made by the same company is almost 200.

[captaincrunch]

I'm not sure what size. I just got done looking at it a few hours ago. I know there is a set you can get at sears or advance auto parts called bolt out. I'm going give it a try and let you know if it helps.

[captaincrunch]

I was wondering some cars had reverse thread. Do you know if that is the case?

[severous01]

well, the easy thing would be vise grips for me depending on where they are and how big...anything up to about 15mm

or, drill and extract w ez-out, slot and use a freakin massive screwdriver...use a chisel and tap in reverse direction, like you're trying to back it out with the chisel...

sometimes you can just hit it really hard in the center with a punch and it makes things easier to back them out.

but like mentioned above, use a high quality 6-point wrench or socket made by snapon mac or matco. they have what's called flank-drive. it's set up to touch on the flats of the bolt, not the edges like cheapo wrenches and even craftsman.

[captaincrunch]

Yes..I just use the bolt out and it works really well. I think the bolt however messed up the some of the threads though. I'm going to try a shorter bolt and see if it works, but new belt is on.

[severous01]

reverse threads are usually only used on waterpumps. or fan clutches. i can't really think of any other application where one is used on a car.