How to remove bolts using bolt grips

Shop for Bolt Extractors

Equipment you will need:

• Bolt grips
• One of the following: mole grip pliers, an adjustable spanner, a hand or air ratchet, air impact wrench or electric impact wrench.

Step 1 – Choose bolt grips

First, choose bolt grips of the correct size for the bolt being removed.

To do this, measure the head of the bolt being extracted. Bolt grips commonly have the size etched on their side, or printed on the case or packaging if available.

Step 2 – Choose square drive

If you want to extract with little effort or if the bolt is difficult to remove, then use the square drive. This will allow you to use a hand or air ratchet and an air or electric impact wrench.

Attach the bolt grip to the square drive.

Step 3 – Choose hexagonal flats

If you are using the hexagonal flats, then place the bolt grip on the bolt that you want to extract, making sure it is on comfortably without the grip moving at all.

Step 4 – Vice grip pliers or adjustable spanner

If you are using vice grip pliers or an adjustable spanner, place the jaws tightly around the hexagonal flats of the grip once it is placed onto the bolt.

Step 5 – Impact ratchet settings

If you are using an air or electric impact ratchet then you will need to set it to reverse.

Step 6 – Use impact ratchet

Now it is set to reverse, press the trigger on the air or electric impact wrench to turn the bolt grip anti-clockwise.

On the air ratchet you will need to press the lever to move the bolt grips.

Step 7 – Use hand ratchet

If you are using a hand ratchet, simply place this onto the bolt and turn anti-clockwise.

Step 8 – Use adjustable spanner or vice grip pliers

Using the adjustable spanner or vice grip pliers, grasp the bolt grips and turn anti-clockwise. The teeth of the grips should dig into the bolt.

Keep turning the bolt anti-clockwise until it starts extracting.

Step 9 – Remove bolt

The damaged or broken bolt can now be removed completely.