How to Use a Stud Extractor Tool
There's not much that can be more frustrating than dealing with a stud that
has been broken off, and we've all tried the same old ways to remove them
pliers, vise grip pliers, and we all know how that ends up.
Such was the case after pulling the engine in my truck to discover 3
exhaust manifold bolts broken off in the head, luckily there was still a lot of
the stud sticking out. Of course, I tried the usual methods without any
success, so after a quick search on Speedway Motors website, I found a
3/8” Stud Extractor Speedway Motors Part Number 728-16023.
I was extremely amazed at the simplicity of this tool and how easily, and
how great it worked. As you can see this is one of the three studs that are
broken off in the head.
Tools Needed to Extract a Broken Stud
The tools that I used are just basic tools that can be found in any toolbox.
- 3/8” Drive Ratchet
- 10" Adjustable Wrench
- 12” Adjustable Wrench
The stud extractor's simplistic design is in the three jaws that grip the
broken stud with amazing strength allow even the toughest frozen studs to
be removed quickly and easily.
The first thing is to make sure the small nut is loosened up enough for the
extractor to slide over the nut. The extractor nut has left-hand threads so
turning the nut to the right (clockwise) opens up the jaws, and turning the
nut to the left (counter-clockwise) closes the jaws.
Then slide the extractor over the broken stud, and then tighten the nut by
hand, and then using the 2 adjustable wrenches tighten the nut securely.
The stud extractor will remove studs from 1/4”-1/2” and (6mm-12mm) size
studs and the hex head makes it possible to use either a wrench or socket,
while the 3/8” drive makes it suitable for using a ratchet or an impact.
I chose to use a 3/8” drive ratchet, and within a couple turns the stud was
loose and on its way out.
Now using the same adjustable wrenches loosen the nut (clockwise) and
remove the broken stud from the extractor.
If you have any more studs to remove, just repeat the above procedure to
remove them quickly and easily.