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Torx Screw Drama

1K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  Rpkittle 
#1 ·
I know, I know! Another question about the dang tailgate hinge!

I was able to get the first two out with the impact gun, and the impact socket broke on the third one. No big deal because I was already able to drill the 4th one out. Well Because the tip of the impact socket is still in the torx screw, I cannot get it out OR drill through that hardened metal! What should I do? You can see in the pic I was trying to drill small holes around the piece, but that's not working to well either.

 
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#3 ·
Lol! Thanks for the comedic relief! I could try that method tomorrow, wouldn't hurt anything I guess! All I have to say is that the steel an impact socket is made of is incredibly strong! I'm also going to see if I can find a strong magnet. I think I was able to loosen it's death grip by placing a socket over the torx head and beating the crap out of it. Any who, any other suggestions are much appreciated!
 
#8 ·
If it were me I would find a nut that is approximately the same size as the head of the torx and weld the ID perimeter of the nut to the torx head. then use the nut to remove the torx bolt. It will ruin the bolt but will get it out easy enough.
My preferred method as well as it simply gets the job done.
 
#5 ·
Had the same exact issue with my tailgate. We drilled into the bolt around the broken tip and then chipped the tip out. After that used an easy out to get the bolt out. My advice if you are putting new hinges/bolts back in is to use anti-sieze on the new bolts so if you have to take them out again this won't repeat. Good luck!
 
#6 ·
Thankfully my hinges are in good shape! Despite the paint chipping lol. The reason why I am removing them in the first place is to install my savvy corner armor. I have the driver side done, but can't do the passenger side until I figure this out. Thanks for the good luck
 
#7 ·
Use a center punch and hammer to drive the screw counter clockwise. You hit the screw between the torx hole and the edge driving it in and very slightly to the right. Use a big hammer and hit it really hard. I' have gotten them to rotate out this way. Certainly worth a try.
 
#11 ·
I won! I beat that damn torx screw!

Want to know the trick? Well it was stupid simple. Since I had 2 come out clean, and I was able to drill the third one out, all I had to do was literally open the tailgate and spin it. Out came the bolt like it was nothing lol! Yeah it scratch the paint, but barely. And so what, I have full corners going on any way.

Thanks again for all of the thoughts guys!
 
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