RE: Broken "Easy Out"

[Hirsch <Catenary@domain.elided>]

Keith Kelly writes:
>> ... As is my usual luck, things went downhill from there.
I then broke off a drill bit in one screw and broke off an
"easy out" in the other screw. Now I'm screwed! <<

I've had some luck removing the remains of a broken easyout
with a Dremel tool with a very small carbide tip. I think
they cost about $3 a bit and you will probably go thru a few.
It makes a mess of the surrounding aluminum too, but this
can be repaired.

Take a look at the article "Threaded Fastener Facts," by Andy
Pugh at the i Saluti website:

   http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/3837/thrdfast.html

I think the sections on "damaged fasteners" and "broken-off
drills, taps and stud extractors" does a good job of summarizing
your options at this point.

Good luck,

Rich Hirsch
Editor, i Saluti, St Louis AROC
Website: http://www.catenary.com/isaluti

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