Stripped Allen Wrench Bolt on Tower Speaker Clamp

[do420jc]

In the process of taking my tower speakers off for the new tower to be installed, I stripped one of the allen wrech bolts on one of the speaker clamps. I have tried everything to get it turn a few more times, (vise grips, flathead screwdriver, pliers). Anybody have this happen to them? Any suggestions to get it to turn? I am bringing my boat in on Tuesday and I have to get this speaker off before then.

Thanks for any help in advance.

[dogbert]

If it's really stripped, you may have to drill it out. You only need a bit wide enough to break off the head of the bolt.

[do420jc]

So, use a smaller bit than the bolt/screw. Do I drill all the way through the bolt till the bit comes out the bottom? And how do I get the actuall bolt out of the clamp at that point?

[dogbert]

Originally posted by do420jc
So, use a smaller bit than the bolt/screw. Do I drill all the way through the bolt till the bit comes out the bottom? And how do I get the actuall bolt out of the clamp at that point?

Yes, but only slightly smaller. It should be about the same size as the shaft of the bolt, not including the threads. You should only have to drill through the head.

Alternatively, if you can actually get to the head of the bolt with pliers, try using vise grips.

[chpthril]

You might be able to take a metric allen that is just slightly larger and hammer it in and break it loose.

[do420jc]

I tried getting a slightly larger allen wrench in there to no avail. I will have to drill through the head. I just want to make sure I do not drill anypart on the clamp. I'll let you know how it works out.

Thanks guys.

[billspin]

There is a tool out there that I believe is called an Easy-Out. You drill a hole into the bolt then start threading this tool into the bolt and it has left handed threads so as you screw the tool into the bolt it will actually grab into the bolt hole you drilled and start backing the bolt out.

[chpthril]

Good idea, billspin. here is one style that works real well.

[chpthril]

and another style.

[do420jc]

Yeah I was just looking at those easy-out bits. That's exactly what I need. Won't get to that today though. Off to the lake.....

[bneub]

I have used left handed drill bits before to remove bolts and screws. Since they turn the opposite direction, eventually they will break the bolt loose and back it out. The heat from drilling also helps. Use a size smaller than the female threads so you don't ruin them.

[dogbert]

Good idea! I'll have to remember that the next time.

[chpthril]

Any luck yet?

[do420jc]

Yep, I ended up just wiggling the screw out. It was only in a couple turns. It went in sideways so it actually stripped the bottom clamp too. Already ordered a new clamp and bolts from Audiofromz. I should be getting the boat back today or tomorrow with the new Monster tower on it, and the the new Acme 525 prop. I will then put my tower speakers back on and it will be good to go. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[chpthril]

cool deal, love 2 see some pics