Easy Out?

[WorkinLonghorn]

Hi there. I've got two bolts broken off flush in my 350 block. I went to buy an "Easy Out" and a left handed drill bit but on Amazon I see all of these brands that I've never heard of and I can imagine that they all come form the same one or two factories in China. The last thing I need is to deal with is broken off easy-outs.
Any of you guys know of a source for decent quality extractors? Thanks, -BA

[Dead Parrot]

Several years ago I bought a couple of sets off of a Govt Surplus site. Made by Greenfield Industries in Evans Georgia. No clue if made in USA is still available.

Set #56 Screw Extractors

Was good enough to get a stuck exhaust bolt out of a 350 head. Also involved lots of penetrating oil and a delay of a couple of days for the oil to do its magic.

[truckster]

Do you have a welder? Welding a nut on the broken bolt is the best method I've found.

If not, I've had good luck with the Irwin spiral screw and bolt extractors. They're "made in USA with global components", whatever that means.

[87chevy.com]

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

Hi there. I've got two bolts broken off flush in my 350 block. I went to buy an "Easy Out" and a left handed drill bit but on Amazon I see all of these brands that I've never heard of and I can imagine that they all come form the same one or two factories in China. The last thing I need is to deal with is broken off easy-outs.
Any of you guys know of a source for decent quality extractors? Thanks, -BA

share a picture of where the bolt is broken. don't buy cheap extractors. should you do, and it breaks, your 10x deeper in a hole you were in before and then you will need carbide drill bits which are hella expensive and shatter easily... very frustrating.

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-Tools-698.../dp/B01A8Q3BCE

is a real nice kit and can save your bacon if you have the room and will make extracting it and or thread repair much nicer and easier..
clint

[Accelo]

Here is a set made in usa.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18399995333...Bk9SR6z4lOH_YQ

You can find other USA brands like Proto on eBay.
The trick is to drill the bolt on center.
If you miss that you vastly limit your options.
The Amazon Kit 1987Chevy.com pointed out is also a great tool to assist getting the drill in the center.
It's a guide not the actual drill or removal tools.
Cheers

[WorkinLonghorn]

Excellent advice in the posts above. Thank you all. Can't weld and the bolt shanks are just a tad down the hole . These are the 2 Power steering front mount bolts on a 350 engine. I have to first get the bracket out of the way and I'm struggling with that bolt up near the engine mount. I'll get it now that my work has tailed off and I have some time.
Then I need to remove the radiator and shroud so that I can swing a hammer to center-punch the bolts and get my drill in there to start a 1/4" hole. I might try those USA extractors suggested by Accelo. I might spring for a left-handed drill too just in case they decide to come out easy, and at least I won't screw them further in. It's been about 50 years since I have done this sort of thing. Thanks again, -BA

Dead Parrot; Yeah I've got them soaking in Liquid Wrench.

[Getter-Done]

I have several sets and types.

I have the ones Accelo suggested.

They are Great

I will also suggest some drill stops.
So you do not drill to far into the block.

Link: https://www.harborfreight.com/7-piec...set-38336.html

[LS short box]

Just a tip. If you can get at the bolt grind it flat so you get good centered center punch. I would start with 1/8" drill bit. Then 1/4".
Be really careful with any type of easy outs. They are super hard and if you break one off in the hole your next step is an EDM machine.

[WorkinLonghorn]

Thanks everybody for the info and advice. They both came out just using the left-handed drill bit. No corrosion involved and I soaked them with Liquid Wrench for a week prior. -BA

[Getter-Done]

Great to hear good news

[truckster]

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

Thanks everybody for the info and advice. They both came out just using the left-handed drill bit. No corrosion involved and I soaked them with Liquid Wrench for a week prior. -BA

That makes for a good day!

[MySons68C20]

Well done!