ideas (w/o using a dremel) for removing stripped bolt from frnt mastr brk cylinder

[seanarthurmachado]

Hi everyone

I just got done rebuilding the left front brake caliper.

I went to try to bleed the brakes, and took off the two screws from the front brake master cylinder; I have the rectangle type with 2 screws holding the cover down. (I replaced the old rusty bolts with 2 new fancy looking allen head screws with the idea they would not strip out.)

I refilled with brake fluid, tightened down, and as I was pumping I realized I needed to add more fluid.

One screw came off, the other did not and now is stripped.

I do not own a dremel tool.

Any ideas how I can remove this bolt? (Its now a bright sunny day, in the 70's which is fantastic....and I have no front brakes.)


thanks


Sean

 

[Wingsconsin]

Sears has these - and they work in your drill -
I think other places also sells them --like Home Depot, Lowes, Ace hardware, etc..

 

[bwringer]

I'd just CAREFULLY drill the head off the screw with a 3/16" drill bit (a left-handed bit if you have one). Once the cover is off, it should be pretty easy to unscrew the stub with a pair of locking pliers.

 

[tkent02]

What he said, the left hand bit will likely spin the screw out in a heartbeat. Next time, don't put them in very tight. They just need to be snug to keep the lid on.

 

[seanarthurmachado]

I managed to get the bolt out.

I ended up ordering a left handed drill bit (still in the process of being delivered) but I looked around, and ended up using a star-head screwdriver bit, a screwdriver, and a split firewood log to get it out.

I was looking around and noticed I had 3-4 sets of screwdriver bits, and that the star bits might go in the stripped out hole.
I pounded in the bigger star bit head, then managed to unscrew the screw.

Now its off to the hardware store for a new set of screws.

 

[jdvorchak]

So it didn't actually strip the threads just the head?

The reason is you bought a metric thread screw. They require a JIS screwdriver. It looks like a Phillips head but it's not as you found out. Pretty sure one of the forum members here had the best deal on JIS screwdrivers I've found.

 

[makeitso]

Glad you were able to get that out! I second the JIS screwdriver comment. I found a set on the regular interwebs with no problems. Even when I use the JIS I find that I still have to be really careful when I'm loosening these old screws though.

I seriously recommend getting a dremel tool. They are great for many things and you can get a reasonable quality one for pretty cheap

 

[seanarthurmachado]

So it didn't actually strip the threads just the head?

The reason is you bought a metric thread screw. They require a JIS screwdriver. It looks like a Phillips head but it's not as you found out. Pretty sure one of the forum members here had the best deal on JIS screwdrivers I've found.

Nope. I actually bought a metric ALLEN HEAD screw. I just over tightened.

All fixed now.....Im just waiting for a day without rain so I can get out of the shed, across DRY grass and out to the road.

sean

 

[seanarthurmachado]

I seriously recommend getting a dremel tool. They are great for many things and you can get a reasonable quality one for pretty cheap

I'll consider it; Ive been very slowly replacing tools. (a shady contractor and subcontractor worked on my basement and my cheap tools got mixed in and taken away when they left. So, Ive been replacing as needed.)

sean

 

[Guest]

Should not have had to order the left-handed drills. Auto Zone carries a 5-bit set for about $10-12.

 

[jdvorchak]

So does Harbor Freight