Question – I broke a 3/16″ drill bit trying to drill out a broke bolt. Should I use your 1/8″ bit? The broken bit is about 1/4″ inside the hole with jagged edges showing, will the rescue bit be able to get the bit out, then the remnants of the bolt? Should I just use an extractor to get the bolt after the rescue bit removes the broken drill bit?
Answer – Usually you go a little smaller than what you’re trying to drill out so you can use a rounding motion, so I’d try the 1/8″. The rounding motion makes the hole a little bigger to reduce binding which could break the Rescue Bit. I’d also start with the reamer end of the Rescue Bit, because it would have less chance of snagging and breaking on the jagged part of the broken drill bit. An extractor could work but as always be careful not to break it! Too much force will break an extractor every-time if the bolt won’t budge. If the extractor idea doesn’t work keep in mind we sell Time Sert thread repair kits that can be used if needed to install a solid inert that allows the use of the same size bolt. Just need to know what size bolt to recommend a kit. In most cases we have over-size kits available, if needed that still uses the original size bolt.
The 1/8″ Rescue Bit can be used in a drill or in a die grinder. We have the 1/8″ Rescue Bit listed with a collet which is the adapter that fits 1/4″ straight and 90 degree air die grinders. It adapts the die grinder so it can use 1/8 accessories, in this case the 1/8″ Rescue Bit. See our Rescue Bits for sale on our main website.
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DenLorsTools.com Summary: Suggestions on how to properly repair stripped threads for rocker arm bolts in cylinder heads. Tools for repairing rocker arm bolt holes for gm 2.8, 3.1 and 3.4’s. Affected engines in GM vehicles are 2.8, 3.1 and 3.4 Liter V-6 motors. Aluminum cylinder heads used in Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Buick and Pontiac’s have a common problem with rocker arms coming loose. Misfire codes and very rough running conditions can indicate a fallen rocker arm.
DennisB DenLorsTools.com © Summary: This is another question regarding how to drill out a tool like a drill bit which has a hard metal compound. While the Rescue Bit can also break in some cases, it has saved a lot of jobs. The success rate is good if recommendations are followed and common sense prevails.
