Broken grease fitting with broken extractor

[coastyjas]

does anybody have a good idea on how to remove a broken extractor tool tip from a broken ZERK fitting. I am beyond frustrated.

 

[007kubotaguy]

Post a picture with the location.

 

[Todd C]

The best way I have found for removing a VERY hard stuck item (DIY) like an easy-out or broken tap is with a Dremel and a small carbide burr. It takes patience but will work. You can even grind out to the threads keeping the hole well centered and pick out the remaining threads until you can chase the threads with a new tap. This advice comes from a machinist approaching 50 yrs experience. Of course we use EDM at work!

 

[The Evil Twin]

Photos are worth 1000 curse words.
if there is anything sticking out of the hole, you can try removing it with vice grip pliers. Otherwise,90% of the time, my left hand twist drill bits get it all out. Chase the threads and call it good. You'll want to remove whatever is behind it (loader pin, shaft, etc.)

 

[mcfarmall]

Photos are worth 1000 curse words.
if there is anything sticking out of the hole, you can try removing it with vice grip pliers. Otherwise,90% of the time, my left hand twist drill bits get it all out. Chase the threads and call it good. You'll want to remove whatever is behind it (loader pin, shaft, etc.)

Unfortunately the OP is dealing with a broken extractor. Typically such tools are heat treated very well and are resistant to drilling by any means.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

maybe, if you have a welder and 2 people....
one hold the rod on the busted piece, other turns welder on/weld/off fairly fast. then use vicegrips ? to remove the busted piece ??

 

[Nicksacco]

Depending where this is and how much room you have, you can dremel a "cut" in it with a cutting disk and use a flat screwdriver.
You might also be able to weld a nut on it.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

easy-out

Whomever named them "Easy Out's", should be keel-hauled.....

They should be called "You Go$$$$$mn, MotherFu*&^%G, Son of a BI^&H's, I Fuc*&^G hate you!!!!!!!"

Because that's exactly what I yell at the top of my lungs, when I break one off.

I've had good success using the "weld a nut on it" trick, but location is sometimes less than ideal.

They do sell carbide drill bits that at least give you a fighting chance at drilling them out, but many times the angle at which they break off makes it very difficult to drill it properly.

Pics would help

Paul

 

[River19]

Ah yes, the "easy out"......or as I like to think of them, "one more thing to break off and get stuck"......

I don't have any awesome solutions, but I feel your pain, it can be the most frustrating thing to deal with.

We'll be thinking about you and if you are like me, it is best to remove any expensive small items from within your reach so you reduce the chance of throwing something across the room that you will regret..... speaking from experience.

 

[fried1765]

The best way I have found for removing a VERY hard stuck item (DIY) like an easy-out or broken tap is with a Dremel and a small carbide burr. It takes patience but will work. You can even grind out to the threads keeping the hole well centered and pick out the remaining threads until you can chase the threads with a new tap. This advice comes from a machinist approaching 50 yrs experience. Of course we use EDM at work!

Next time,..... before using an "easy out"......
Try a left hand drill bit, just slightly smaller than the diameter of the zerk threads.
I have had excellent results with LH drill bits.
Unfortunately your situation is a somewhat different, since the "easy out" is made of hardened steel, and not readily drilled.

 

[Todd C]

Also note that if you are taking the path of welding a nut to the easy-out itself, the proper removal direction is to the right (clockwise). Best to get the easy-out removed first and then deal with the broken zerk.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Next time,..... before using an "easy out"......
Try a left hand drill bit, just slightly smaller than the diameter of the zerk threads.
I have had excellent results with LH drill bits.
Unfortunately your situation is a somewhat different, since the "easy out" is hardened steel.

Or just an ordinary tap drill to match the threads and pick the remains out. Quick and easy.

Dan

 

[GeoHorn]

Clean the grease/oil away with an aerosol electronic cleaner, etc….then lay a nut over the extractor/zerk…and using a wire-feed MIG… place weld INTO the hole of the nut…welding the extractor/zerk to the nut…. Let it cool a minute…then use an ordinary wrench or socket to remove the entire matter.

 

[GSD-Keegan]

Some grease zeros are aluminum? Yes..no???

 

[lynnmor]

Some grease zeros are aluminum? Yes..no???

No

 

[torch]

Square extractor or tapered spiral extractor? The spiral will probably come out pretty quick with the welded nut trick. The square may respond best to a freeze spray and dental pick, especially if you warm the surrounding material first.

 

[6869704x4]

Another vote for the dremel like Todd C says.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Unfortunately the OP is dealing with a broken extractor. Typically such tools are heat treated very well and are resistant to drilling by any means.

In my experience, 90% of the folks use inexpensive EZ outs that are not that much harder than a grade 8 bolt. I've had excellent success removing them from marine craft (after grinding a flat). Stubby carbide drill bits make quick work of the off-the -shelf EZ outs from big box stores.

 

[ve9aa]

Another vote for using more curse words.

(seriously---I'll change my vote to weld a nut on, and THEN curse words)

;-)

 

[Russell King]

Can you remove the piece and replace it or repair it at a machine shop?