How to Remove a Stripped Bolt or Nut in a Tight Spot 

6 point sockets and wrenches are your friend. 12 points are the devil when it comes to tight bolts or nuts.

Even when it’s not Subaru related, RU-vid brings me to you. You’re truly a great mechanic and have made my work so so much easier. Thanks man

This brings tears to my eyes haha. Recently i was taking off the rear exhaust manifold on my dad's V6 Altima and i did a great job all the way to the end when the very last bolt stripped. Hardened steel that's been heated and cooled like million times in a very tight spot, almost impossible to reach... Titanium drill bits would not even scratch it so i used a combination of WD40 (for cooling), cobalt bits with drill bit extension and a ton of pressure, cutting wheel and extra long chisel. -Cobalt bits had to be resharpened after 3 or 4 seconds of use -Cutting wheel would not reach the whole bolt, i could only damage like 1/4 of it -Chisel was 12" long but still too short so one person had to hold it from underneath while the other person was hitting it with a sledgehammer (big balls) We finally got it out after 4 hours =)

I remember learning this from my dad when I was a kid in his shop, one of the most useful tricks I ever learned. It works great on honda rotors with stripped JIS (look like phillps) heads. Just dig in a bit with a sharp center punch and then turn the punch a little and start turning it counterclockwise, vibration helps loosens the rust. Thanks for sharing great info, Brian! Keep it up!

Thank you for saving me from burning my truck to the ground, my turbo was held on by one nut for the last 6 hours and your video literally saved me. You are the man

Great idea; saved me a lot of aggravation. Thank you. I had a small bolt head in a confined space tried every trick to get it undone to no avail. This video gave me a new idea. I used a small punch instead of a chisel because the bolt had an 8mm head, too small for a chisel. It opened after a few strikes of the hammer. I was so happy. Thanks again man!

I cant beleive this video covers exactly my issue. Im dealing with a clutch fan also! Thanks man!

Thanks Brian - The chisel method was the way I was taught to remove stubborn fasteners 45 years ago :-)

I had the exact thing happen on the fan nut just like you had and this video saved me when I had no idea how I was going to get the nut off. Best thing was this worked for me! This is why I subscribed and look forward to exploring your other videos.

Just wanted to say thank you for posting this video. I have been battling with a frozen bolt over the last three days and nothing had worked and only made matters worse and worse. After watching your video I took a chisel and hammer to the bolt and it was off in a matter or minutes!!! I'm so grateful for you sharing your wisdom on this topic - THANK YOU!

Everyone share this man's channel as much as possible he really deserves tons more subscribers and viewers it's ridiculous that 2 other channels were way more suggested by Google than this one. I'm not gunna put dirt on anyone's name but the sure as heck don't deserve more credit than this guy. Please people for the love of all things car... Like, Subscribe and SHARE.

Thanks!! This helped in 30 seconds of me trying the hammer and flathead screwdriver.

Outstanding video! I had a stripped nut on my VW Bus and got it off with this technique in 2 minutes. You saved me hours of pain. Thanks!

Same situation here and never thought of that. Someone replaced the fan clutch on my car and did the same thing. I tried channel locks and vice grips but to no avail. My rides been sitting for almost a week, worst part is that I have those tools but did not think about the chisel. Thank you sir.

I would like to thank you, I had been trying to remove a seized nut for literally 5 hours and this did the trick.

Good tip. Actually practical compared to other videos.

Good info, I have used the chisel and hammer technique on oil filter cans when they are frozen stuck. This is usually caused by a 'numbnut' that doesn't lubricate the gasket and then over tightens the filter!

Another option if you have room is to use a nut splitter, which has it's own chisel blade that is turned down onto the nut, splitting it in two. I hate it when guys put locktite onto nuts in difficult areas, like this.

Your technique worked for me. I used a flat head screw driver and a hammer to loosen a bolt holding the ground wire in place on the back of a dryer. I was changing the cord from a 4 prong to a 3 prong cord. Thanks so much!

I literally have the same model, and came across this video. Wow. So glad you made this man. I literally thought of the welding portion too, but would run into the same issue. Haha. Seriously super useful. Thank you.

Glad I found this video, I was trying to hammer on a 11mm open end wrench onto a stripped 12mm bolt. It was TIGHT. Then I found this video and it made my 2hour struggle with 2 stripped bolts into a 30 minute beat down 😂, I was pissed off at those bolts. I can always replace them. Thank you so much

Holy smokes! I had the same fan clutch bolt completely stripped. Two pops with a homemade chisel and off it came. Thank You

Going to try to do this to a oil drain plug on a 2006 Ford Focus. Damn Firestone super tightened it up and I can't get it off

Just used your technique on a refrigerator door nut that was driving us crazy. Thanks for the tip! Worked great.

This is EXACTLY the problem I'm having which led me here - simple, effective, if inelegant :-) Thanks man!!

It's not a tight spot if you can chisel it lol!

I have to try this. I have an a nut in a similar space on an belt tensioner that I need to take off to stop the squeak.

Whe auto manufactures stop making ridiculous work spaces, only then will humanity see a glimmer of hope.

You are a freaking life saver. I have two hours into getting the stud nut off of my 1999 CR250R when I came across your video. 10 minutes later it’s off. Now I can pull my cylinder off 👍

I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!! I am replacing a power steering line in an 05 Honda Pilot...someone stripped and tightened the nut, lucky me. After watching your video i was able to get the nut off. I used your basic idea, went to Home Depot, bought a 3' metal rod, filed/sanded down the end to a point and BOOM! After a couple of GOOD hits i saw it move.

Old time method for stuck bolts. Propane Andre canning wax or candle wax. Heat the bolt apply wax. It wicks around threads. Works high percentage of times.

I have to try this tomorrow. I just spent 32 bucks on a nut remover set, but it's just as tight as yours is, and no room to play. Thanks for sharing!

It didn’t work y’all it just made it worse I need helllpppp😭😭

my experience,9 out of 10 will get striped using a visegrip.

As Troy said 6 point box end wrench, I use a 15 deg. offset and grind one side as you did and a real quick smack with the heel of the hand usually works.

Thanks Hoss, worked like a champ for me.

A good tip for a stripped or ripped bolt is one of those "universal" sockets. They suck for real socket usage but because they conform to any shape they will hug any shaped bolt and crank it no problem.

Hi Brian in the flat rate days i used to hit them with an air chisel i used an old chisel bit which i cut down and sharpened always worked like a charm.

My favorite technique. Used it today as a matter of fact. This also works particularly well on those stubborn brake rotor retaining screws. Try it!

I can't wait to go to school for automotive I ALWAYS strip something trying to remove old break parts. Thanks for this idea

It's so attractive when a man is handy with his tools. Thanks for the tips. 😃

I always use a 6 point wrench or socket when possible.

got the exact problem, same area. knew i would have to do the same but was not as confident till i watched you do it. thanks a lot.

Thanks for the info. Tried everything to remove a circular saw blade bolt (left hand thread). Had it sooooooooo rounded even vise grips could not grab anymore. As a last ditch effort I looked here for ideas. Saw your video and figured it cannot hurt. Well it totally worked. Saved me having to take to shop and get nut welded on top of bolt. And minimum $50.

Fricking genius! I would have never thought of this. Works for all kinds of stripped nuts and bolts. Great video

I drill mine with a small diameter drill bit, almost down to the stud. Then I use the chisel in the drill holes to tap it loose . Use this also on exhaust, rusted manifold nuts. This splits the nuts . If there is room, I use a nut splitter after drilling a couple holes into the nut. Nut splits very easy that way.

I'll try the hammer and chisel but is it ok if i'm doing it on a camshaft cap bolt? It's on the inside of my motorcycle engine. Really don't want to damage anything in there

Thank you, Thank you... was in the middle of a timing belt chain change on my sons car, when he stripped the head of a 10 mm bolt behind the fan blade clutch, just like your video. We used you chisel technique, it worked like a charm... Thank You, Thank You...

Gonna try this on my brake carrier. I've seen another guy use the chisel and hammer method so I'm confident I will have success.

I have a 2005 Quest and its in my opinion a really great vehicle. Now , having said that....WTF were they thinking in the design process? I have to take out my fan shroud and drain my radiator...then yank it out too...all to replace the alt...Anyways ....Thanks sooo much for your video. I got stuck on a nut to the pulley assembly (that also needs to come off to get to the alt swivel bolt) And after several tools it stripped pretty good. saw your video...went to the local store and got a small chisel. Took awhile but it got the job done. Again thank you very much.

Air chisel or knipex alligator pliers always work for me.

This is so awesome. My mitre saw bolt would not come off but the chisel did the trick. Glad I don't have to buy a new saw

Brian, you should check out the review I did on the "Knipex Cobra Pliers". They will lock on a nut like that and remove it with no problem....WAY better than vise-grips or any other type of pliers. Cool idea with the chisel though....I learn something new everyday :) Thanks!

Thank you for this video. You saved me from pure frustration getting a nut off of my egr sensor mount that had been on there for 12 years.

Brilliant! I am not needing this idea at the moment, but I'm glad I learned it, and saw it being demonstrated. Lubrication I'm sure would also help. Thanks!

What about the ones that are in a tight spot torqued down about 75 foot pounds?

Had to do this changing front differential oil on my AWD Sienna. Such s shallow drain plug and no room for anything!! Great tip!!

Thanks for spending the time and effort posting this - going to give it a go.

Great video i had a striped nut on my intake manifold i was already ready to call a mechanic to see what kind of tools they used but this technic got it off in a minute thanks again on this tip

Always nice to see how you handle these situations, thanks Brian

best example of removing a stubborn bolt.Nice.

I love when videos from time ago tell me exactly what i need to do i got a rusted out screw on my block and i cant really get to it with much but ill deff be able to get a chisle in there

I have found an air hammer does work too.I had a rounded off bolt that was a Torx.The previous person rounded it off so bad a torx bit could not be used.Used a flat chisel on the air hammer and removed that bolt right out.

I’m having this problem right now and I’ve literally tried everything, even drilled a tiny hole in the bolt and stuck a steel pin in there and tried to hammer it out but it’s not working. This is the most stubborn bolt I’ve ever come across in my 43 years on this earth!!

Good info! Love Ron Paul in the background!

It's 1 am...I have a rusted bolt on a toilet ...stripped out threads on a brass fitting...I am going for your chisel idea ...

After 7 hours of trying everything under the sun to remove this raggedy ass, stripped, piece of shit bolt, I came across your video. Thank you so much! Your video was my solution of hours of dead end trial and errors! Thanks again!

I have heard if a bolt is stuck on tight and stripped, heat the bolt, than hit it with a penetrating lubricant. The heat is supposed to suck in the penetrating lube. Not sure how well this works, just heard it through the grape vine and was wondering if you've ever actually tried it.

Thanks bro, spent hrs trying to remove crushed power steering line on rack, watched this & got it off in 20 mins

I tried this and the chisel went clean through the side of the nut...

the snap on flank drive plus wrenches are awesome for bolts that are starting to round

you just made my anger go from 100 to 0. thank you.

Tried just about everything - if in doubt use a chisel and great BIG hammer - saved my life. Thanks for the vid

Thank god I found this. Replacing my shift solenoid on a 99 accord and the last bolt is STUCK. I've tried everything but my problem was I couldn't even fit a box end wrench down there! Open ended, vice grips, nothing would make it give. But now I can give this a try. Great vid!

Losing hope, and lo and behold, this video is demonstrated on the exact part I'm working on. Toyota 4.7? Either way; THANK YOU!

Awesome tips Brian! I will no doubt use this sooner or later. Aloha and take care

I knew by the way you talk that you were from Utah. That’s awesome, I love videos like this!

Thank you Brian! You saved me a lot of headache.

It was my job as a kid to replace the muffler on the car (they used to rot out within a year or two). I used to do it with a hammer and cold chisel like this. Never broke a single stud.

My husband already tried this to remove 2 bolts from the water pump on a mazda 3 2011 and it did not work. Do you have more videos on how loosen a bolt in a tight spot?

Hammer and chissle. This is like old worlds craftsmanship.

If there's enough space, could you grind a slit in the middle to fit a flathead in there to remove? Or is that stupid? Having the same problem with a bolt on my rear caliper mounting bracket.

Thanks so much. Gonna try that for stripped bolt head for Acura water pump.

Will try this later! Will update you guys! Working on a 98 civic with 3 bolts stuck in the exhaust manifold. Wish me luck!

You saved my night with this trick, thanks alot! 🎉

worked great awesome tip! Same stripped fan bolts. 2014 Nissan Titan Pro 4X

How do you make an already tightened nut and bolt very difficult to remove for security purposes without having to replace them?

is it possible to try "the chisel method" on a stripped bolt that's on my starter motor on my 1999 ford ranger?

Thank you! This is the only thing that worked

Is anyone else here aggravated because this happened? I'm loosing it especially because I don't have a chisel.

I have a stripped oil drain plug 15mm, I've tried extractor sockets, pipe wrench, locking pliers, a chisel tool. would this work with that. Btw I love your videos they're awesome.

I will be giving this method a go again in the near future on a pulley lock nut that is slightly rounded from a shop over tightening it. I have one concern though, would I be risking throwing off the axis of the pulley causing it to wobble?

That worked! Thanks!

The chisel method worked like a charm. Awesome upload

This method helped me get a bastard stripped JIS-cross bolt off my 1980 Kawasaki, bless you dude

Or you could try a Vice Grip adjustable wrench, different from the pliers, they really grip well.

I am trying to remove a rounded nut from a front suspension that’s machined on and has loctite. Been chiseling away for days trying to split the nut but no luck, any suggestions?

Have you tried the air hammer with a sharp chisel ?

I've got a smallish chisel that's about a foot long, real handy for this sort of thing.

I have a stripped 14 mm bolt on a 98 Honda civic ex.it really is a tight spot. I was replacing the A/c belt. Removed lower motor mount, moved power steering pump out of the way in no time. I got to the idler pulley and I have been on this for 3 hours , I soaked it with WD 40 and PB Blaster. I have eventually rounded the damn bolt off . Any suggestions . I and my next door neighbor would appreciate it I am sure. I have thoroughly given him a complete list of every bad word known to man kind. I will have to go to church every Sunday for the next 6 months just to break even on all those bad words. It hasn't been this bad since the Falcons choked in the Super Bowl. LOL