Hi guys,
The previous owner of my 2010 Rancher has smoothened one hex screw used to attach left side engine cover plastic. How to unscrew this hex nut to remove plastic. I tried with liquid wrench to loosen it but hex nut key (Allen key) keeps slipping. Any idea how to remove it.

 

Weld a nut to it and then back it out.

 

Great advice thanks a lot. I do not have a welding kit but will try to get one. Any other idea?

 

Drill out the center of the bolt and tap it or drill into it and use an easy out kit. Welding works better.

 

If you can get a vice grip on the head that may do it. Kind of the same principle as welding a nut onto it. Easy outs can work but I haven't had the best of luck with them. You can also try using a dremel to cut a channel or two and try a large screw driver. Even better if you can pair that with an impact driver. I have also drilled the center of the head off bolts before so the head comes off. Leave as much of the screw as possible so that after removing the rest of the plastic you can get on it with the grips to remove. Spam wordSpam word Spam wordSpam word Spam wordSpam word Spam wordSpam word * Warning, I consider that last bit the "nuclear option."

 

Thanks Ms8091. I will try it but I think welding should be best option. Do you think I should use superglue to glue a cheap Hex nut key to the nut and try to remove it. I am guessing liquid wrench might have loosend it a bit and glued key may be able to remove it.

 

Super glue will never hold. A 2 part epoxy may work, but if you can't spin it all the way around, you will have a real problem. Harbor Freight and Walmart carry cheap welders that would be good enough, or grab one off of Craigslist. Works every time.

 

Thanks Scooter86. I loved your nuclear idea though. lol....

 

Ms8091. Thanks very much for great advice. I am off to Walmart super center to get one cheap welders. Will let you guys know of my progress tomorrow.