Removing A Stripped Bolt From Your Oil Pan

Stripped oil drain plugs are a common issue, and while it may seem like a simple fix, it can lead to major engine failure if not addressed promptly. The process of removing a stripped oil drain plug involves several steps, and it is important to have the right tools on hand. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully remove a stripped bolt from your oil pan.

How to get a stripped bolt out of an oil pan

Use a wrench, socket and ratchet, or vice grips

Using a wrench, socket and ratchet, or vice grips is a common method to remove a stripped bolt from an oil pan. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure you have the right-sized wrench or socket and ratchet. Using the wrong tools can cause damage to the bolt, so it is important to select the appropriate size. If you are unsure, consult a mechanic or the vehicle's owner's manual to determine the correct size.

Once you have the correct tools, position the wrench or socket securely onto the bolt. You may need to tap it gently with a hammer to secure it in place. Then, turn the wrench or ratchet counterclockwise to loosen the bolt. If the bolt is particularly tight, you may need to apply upward force or use a screwdriver to wedge the bolt out.

If the bolt is very tight or damaged, vice grips can be attached to the bolt and turned counterclockwise. A gentle tap with a hammer may be necessary to help turn the bolt. Once the bolt begins to loosen, you can use a screwdriver to pry it out.

It is important to note that if the bolt is tightly cross-threaded or the threads in the oil pan are damaged, using vice grips could cause further damage. In this case, it is recommended to use a properly-sized socket with the correct number of sides.

Additionally, it is crucial to prioritise safety when attempting to remove a stripped bolt. Wear protective gear, such as mechanic's gloves and eye goggles, when working underneath the car.

Use a bolt extractor socket

If you are dealing with a stripped bolt in your oil pan, one way to remove it is by using a bolt extractor socket. This method is particularly useful if the head of the bolt has been rounded off.

A bolt extractor socket is a specialty socket with internal grooves that spiral. You can gently hammer the socket onto the bolt head, causing the internal grooves to bite into the bolt head. This will make it easier to extract the bolt. After the socket is secure, you can use a ratchet to turn and release the bolt.

If you don't have a bolt extractor socket, you can purchase one from Irwin Tools, which makes a reasonably priced set.

Before using a bolt extractor socket, you may want to try removing the bolt with a wrench or socket wrench. If the bolt is only partially stripped, you may be able to remove it with a larger socket or wrench. However, if the bolt is tightly cross-threaded or if the oil pan threads are already damaged, using a wrench or socket wrench could strip the bolt head further. In this case, it is better to use a bolt extractor socket.

Drill the bolt out

If your stripped bolt is still stuck, you can try drilling it out straight down the centre with a small drill bit. Drilling in reverse may pull the bolt out. You may also need to drill another slightly larger hole and remove the bolt with a bolt extractor.

• Place an oil collection receptacle beneath the oil pan of the car.
• Drill a pilot hole through the centre of the bolt with a drill and a 1/8-inch metal drill bit. Do not drill further than the length of the bolt, keeping your depth at around 3/4 of an inch.
• Drill a larger hole into the bolt using a slightly larger 3/16-inch drill bit. Repeat this process with a 1/4-inch drill bit. The heat and vibration may break the bolt free, allowing it to be removed.
• If the bolt is still stuck, choose an appropriately-sized straight bolt extractor from your bolt extractor set and insert it into the hole you have created.
• Tap the extractor firmly into place with a hammer, and twist the extractor counter-clockwise to remove the remainder of the stripped bolt.

Drilling out a stripped bolt should be a last resort, as it can cause damage to the oil pan. If you are unsure about the process, it is best to consult a professional mechanic.

Use a screwdriver

If you have a stripped bolt in your oil pan, you can use a screwdriver to remove it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, make sure you have the right tools. You'll need a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer. You may also want to wear safety gear, such as mechanic's gloves and eye goggles, as you'll be working underneath the car. It's also recommended to have a new drain plug ready before removing the stripped one, so you can simply pop the new one in after taking the old one out.

Next, locate the oil drain plug. It's usually found at the lowest point on the oil pan, which is attached to the bottom of the vehicle's engine. However, sometimes it can be found on the side of the oil pan, so be sure to check there as well. Once you've located the drain plug, assess the damage. If the plug is completely rounded off, you may need to use a specialty tool like a rounded bolt remover. If it's only partially stripped, you can try using a larger socket or wrench to get a better grip.

Now, let's get to the screwdriver part. Place the flat-head screwdriver on a flat surface of the oil drain plug. Then, gently tap the screwdriver with a hammer to turn the plug counterclockwise. This should help loosen the plug. If it doesn't turn, try applying a little more force or tapping a bit harder with the hammer. You can also try using a pair of round-jaw vice grip pliers to turn the plug counterclockwise. If you do use vice grips, be sure to tap them gently with a hammer, as too much force can make the problem worse.

Once you feel the drain plug start to loosen, you can wedge the flat-head screwdriver between the plug and the vehicle's oil pan to pry it out. Be careful not to strip the head of the plug or damage the threads in the oil pan, as this can cause greater issues. If the plug is tightly cross-threaded or the threads in the oil pan are already damaged, you may need to use a properly-sized socket instead of a screwdriver to avoid further damage.

If the bolt is still stuck, there are a few other methods you can try. You can apply heat to the area around the oil drain plug with a propane torch or heat gun to loosen it. Or, you can try using pliers to turn the plug counterclockwise. Needle-nose pliers or locking pliers may provide a better grip than regular pliers. As a last resort, you can drill a hole into the centre of the oil drain plug and use a screw extractor to remove it. However, keep in mind that drilling can cause damage to the oil pan, so it should only be done if all other methods have failed.

Remember to always use caution when attempting to remove a stripped bolt from your oil pan. If you're unsure or uncomfortable at any point, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.

Apply heat

Applying heat to a stripped bolt in an oil pan can help loosen it and make it easier to remove. Use a heat gun or a torch and apply heat to the area around the bolt for about 5 to 10 minutes. This process will help to break down any corrosion bonds that may be holding the bolt in place.

It is important to note that you should not use heat if the bolt is made of aluminium, as this could damage the metal. Instead, try using a wrench or socket to remove the bolt.

After applying heat, you can then try to remove the bolt with a wrench or impact wrench. If the bolt is still difficult to remove, you may need to use a bolt extractor tool or a stud extractor tool, which have specialised tips designed to grip onto stripped bolts.

Additionally, you can use penetrating oil or lubrication to further loosen the bolt before attempting to remove it. This will help ensure that the bolt does not break or strip further during removal.

When applying heat, always exercise caution to avoid accidental burns or starting a fire. It is also recommended to disconnect the car battery to prevent any electrical accidents while working on the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions