Help - how to remove rounded bolt?

[davej_anderson]

HELP

Whilst changing my seat belts to some red ones I picked up all was going well until I went to remove the main bolt on the passengers belt (a pic here taken from someone else's thread):

I've slightly rounded the head using my spanner and the bolt just won't budge. As its in such an awkward position, I can't get the spanner in any other way. Whomever tightened this bolt originally used way too much pressure!

Anyone got any tips or suggestions as to what I can do?

[Tool Pants]

I have not tried to remove that bolt so I do not know what the clearance issues are.

If you have a 6 point socket for a ratchet wrench can you get that on the bolt head?

If you are using an open end wrench/spanner. Then might also try a box/closed end wrench. Do not know what this is called in the UK.

[davej_anderson]

I have not tried to remove that bolt so I do not know what the clearance issues are.

If you have a 6 point socket for a ratchet wrench can you get that on the bolt head?

If you are using an open end wrench/spanner. Then might also try a box/closed end wrench. Do not know what this is called in the UK.

I know what tools you mean. It was the socket wrench that rounded off the edges to start with as the bolt appears to tightened beyond belief (the other seatbelt was a breeze to remove). I used the spanner afterwards so that it would utilise the flat edges of the bolt.

I may have to dremmel the old seatbelt off which is annoying as I wanted to try to sell the pair on eBay or keep them in case I want to swap them back when I sell the car.

Has anyone heard of bolt extractors e.g. Irwin bolt extractors?

[davej_anderson]

Well I bought myself a set of these:

In essence its a normal socket that fits on the end of a ratchet with spiral teeth with a reverse thread.

I soaked the bolt with penetrating fluid and after about a minute or 2 of swearing and cursing, the bolt finally gave way. I have no idea how strong the booga was who put this on - I'm hardly a svelte chap and it took some effort to release.

Having looked at the damage I had caused to the bolt, its actually a very soft metal which I found strange.

Oh well, just need to get a new bolt now...

[humara]

Well I bought myself a set of these:

In essence its a normal socket that fits on the end of a ratchet with spiral teeth with a reverse thread.

I soaked the bolt with penetrating fluid and after about a minute or 2 of swearing and cursing, the bolt finally gave way. I have no idea how strong the booga was who put this on - I'm hardly a svelte chap and it took some effort to release.

Having looked at the damage I had caused to the bolt, its actually a very soft metal which I found strange.

Oh well, just need to get a new bolt now...

glad you solved that problem.

those irwin tools look awesome. may have to buy a set just to have on hand in case.