Ok, I'm trying to replace the rear rack on my 04 Arctic Cat. I got 3 out of 4 bolts off and of course, the last one has pretty much rounded itself (the bold head). I was down to using a torque wrench to loosten all the bolts. Obviously Arctic Cat doesn't give a darn about their own torque specs at the factory. Anyway, now I can't get that last bold out. I applied a little heat with a Bernz-o-matic torch but I have to watch out for the plastic fenders right there. That didn't seem to help. I've tried six sided sockets (broke the one I used! Back to Sears with it). I also broke one socket wrench too. I'm losing patience.

Help, help!

Thanks

 

Someone must have put some thread locker on it, to be that tight.
As long as sears is where you go, they make sockets that go over rounded heads, and get a good bite on the metal, that should do it. You could also try inch based sockets, and see if something works tighter . Like a 3/8 socket will work on a slightly beat up 10 mm bolt head. If it doesnt, then try a chisle and hammer to unscrew, then once its loose it should just come out.

 

Oh man, what the heck do they call those things...EZ Outs or something like that? Anyway, I have a set and it has saved me on a few occasions such as this. You might get a set and try it out, they come in all different sizes. Good luck.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Thanks guys. I'm headed for Napa Auto for some sort of "Super Tool" (I hope). I hate this stuff! A simple project like replacing the rack turns into a massive money pit thing... I've soaked it in Liquid Wrench. Now we're headed out to Sears (to get the socket and the socket wrench), then Napa.

Next time I won't roll the machine over [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

Tap on it a couple of times before you try anything. Then if yopu get it moving, twist it back & forth until it loosens up. Take your time before it breaks off

 

If it's not to trashed, use a impact hammer to remove it. You could also grind a straight groove through the middle of it and use a wrench while someone uses a straight screwdriver and try to see if that works

 

Sears sells similar items.

http://www.newmantools.com/drillout/how1.htm

 

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all your suggestions. I finally did get it off. Here's what I did. I took all the broken Craftsman stuff back to Sears and they're sending me new stuff (because the dinky little Sears store here in Carson City doesn't sell individual tools - just tool sets). I went to Napa Auto with a good bolt that came out fine. The sales guy matched it to a six-sided 13mm socket (which appears to be made of cast iron!). Cost me just under $8. Went home, put the socket on my 40 year old torque wrench and went to it. I had my wife tap on the end of the torque wrench/socket as I slowly applied pressure - and VIOLA! The bolt finally broke loose. Man, was I happy! Don't know if spraying on half a can of Liquid Wrench helped, but nevertheless, I got it to break loose. Whew!

So now the new rack is installed, the fenders line up the way they 'used' to when it was new, and life is good.

Sure do appreciate all your suggestions. This is why I've quit logging on to any other ATV site. Hope I can repay some of you - some day.

 

Good news! Now it's time to pull some wheelies and drag the rack in the dirt. Just testing it out[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

MrTommy, Next time, keep all four wheels on the ground[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Play it safe out there[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] On and off road[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] MD[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]