Broken bolts in bearing plate

[Bill D 1,926]

Hi,

Anyone got any good tricks for removing broken bolts from the bearing plate on the M14 I just picked up?  I tried drilling them, but they are surprisingly hard.  They are the 1/4-20 bolts that hold the flywheel cover on.  Thanks, Bill.

[bc.gold 3,403]

[Achto 27,614]

4 tools needed for my method. 

 

1.Reversible drill 

2. 1/8" drill bit

3. 3/16" left hand drill bit.

4. propane torch.

 

If you can, get an 1/8" hole drilled through them. Heat the aluminum with the propane torch. Drill through your 1/8" hole with the 3/16" left hand drill bit. The left hand bit should catch on a burr and back the bolt out. Do not try to use an "Easy Out" with heat, you will wreck the Easy Out. 

[Crazyredhorse 295]

if you have access to a welder maybe tack a bolt to them?I've used these before with luck.but you would need to get some kinda hole started.maybe dremel with a good tip.if its aluminum plate heating real good should loosen it up.

Edited June 8, 2021 by Crazyredhorse

[Bill D 1,926]

I got the bolts out.  Drilled them about 1/4" deep with a 1/8" bit then welded nuts to them and warmed up the aluminum.  Worked them back and forth and they came out.  Took a few tries as I snapped the nuts off a few times.