Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Missyblue · 04-22-2018, 11:28 AM

Hey all just curious for advice. Have several bumper bolts in my bumper bullet to bumper where the locking nut you can't get a tool to is broke off and so the bolt just spins. Worried if we try and melt off it might damage chrome and curved bumper makes cutting seem challenging. Grind maybe? Curious if you had any suggestions and ideas. Thanks!

**mongocanfly** · 04-22-2018, 11:33 AM

grind the heads off...be the easiest way...other than a torch..

dsraven · 04-22-2018, 11:38 AM

yup, zip disc and it's all off in under 5 min. not much for heat to the bumper either, lots of sparks flying though so safety glasses and a face shield pulled down to your chest. maybe a hat too.

dsraven · 04-22-2018, 11:42 AM

if you find access is too hard to cut the head of the bolt off with a zip disc, because the bumper sorta wraps around, try the disc straight on the head of the bolt. X cut it down to the washer, then do another X in between that. keep doing the X's and pretty soon the head of the bolt is gonna have nothing holding it on. a small whack with a hammer and the head will fall right off or be easily twisted off with a plier or vice grip.

Missyblue · 04-22-2018, 12:52 PM

Awesome thanks for the tips. I have a handheld grinding blade I'll try the x process 1st 😄

1project2many · 04-22-2018, 09:56 PM

Sometimes the disc takes longer than just a "zip." It can save time to drill straight into the bolt head. Vice-grips on the flats will often be enough to keep it from spinning.

**mr48chev** · 04-23-2018, 12:26 AM

If you have a torch you might try heating the head of the bolt red hot an let it cool down and try to take it out.

The other way may be just to over tighten it and snap the head off.

vics stuff · 04-24-2018, 01:02 AM

I have center punched the bolt head then drilled out the center Works real well.
Vic

04-22-2018, 11:28 AM	#1
Missyblue Registered User Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Fruita, co Posts: 243	Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper Hey all just curious for advice. Have several bumper bolts in my bumper bullet to bumper where the locking nut you can't get a tool to is broke off and so the bolt just spins. Worried if we try and melt off it might damage chrome and curved bumper makes cutting seem challenging. Grind maybe? Curious if you had any suggestions and ideas. Thanks! Attached Images

04-22-2018, 11:33 AM	#2
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper grind the heads off...be the easiest way...other than a torch.. __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

04-22-2018, 11:38 AM	#3
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,323	Re: Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper yup, zip disc and it's all off in under 5 min. not much for heat to the bumper either, lots of sparks flying though so safety glasses and a face shield pulled down to your chest. maybe a hat too.

04-22-2018, 11:42 AM	#4
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,323	Re: Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper if you find access is too hard to cut the head of the bolt off with a zip disc, because the bumper sorta wraps around, try the disc straight on the head of the bolt. X cut it down to the washer, then do another X in between that. keep doing the X's and pretty soon the head of the bolt is gonna have nothing holding it on. a small whack with a hammer and the head will fall right off or be easily twisted off with a plier or vice grip.

04-22-2018, 12:52 PM	#5
Missyblue Registered User Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Fruita, co Posts: 243	Re: Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper Awesome thanks for the tips. I have a handheld grinding blade I'll try the x process 1st 😄

04-22-2018, 09:56 PM	#6
1project2many Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakes Region NH Posts: 3,200	Re: Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper Sometimes the disc takes longer than just a "zip." It can save time to drill straight into the bolt head. Vice-grips on the flats will often be enough to keep it from spinning.

04-23-2018, 12:26 AM	#7
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper If you have a torch you might try heating the head of the bolt red hot an let it cool down and try to take it out. The other way may be just to over tighten it and snap the head off. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

04-24-2018, 01:02 AM	#8
vics stuff Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Reno Nevada Posts: 393	Re: Recommendation for removing stuck bolt in bumper I have center punched the bolt head then drilled out the center Works real well. Vic



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