5 replies to this topic

[Dev20]

As the title states, I was doing some routine maintenance. Greased up the radius arms and when removing the gun the nipple broke off too.

How do I go about removing the remaining piece, and is it possible to drive for a few miles?

[Spitz]

Should be no problems driving a bit.
Get an "easy out" or similar and you should be able to get it out.....careful not to damge the inner threads....fit a new greaser.

[Pooky]

I've also done this. Only problem is is that I can't seem to get the hang of using an easy out. It might be because I bought a cheap set from Halfords and all the bits are quite large but can anyone give a detailed description on how to use them?

[Spitz]

if they are too big you could simply drill it out. Counter punch first so the bit doesn't go all over the place.....use a very small bit first and work to a bit larger one....the idea being that just a thin layer of metal is left that can easily be removed.

If using an easy out that is too large, you may damage the threads anyway.

The easy out I have has a two ended bit....the one end "drills" into the stud to a fairly shallow depth, ....flip the bit around and put the drill in reverse....the "thread" is reversed so while the drill is turning backwards, the bit is biting into the stud and will grip it and turn it out. ( best case scenerio )

[dklawson]

As Spitz says, use progressively larger drill bits. Stop when you can see the threads in the hole and use a pick to remove what's left of the Zerk fitting threads. However, you shouldn't need to center punch the fitting for the initial first drill... there should already be a hole down the center of the broken fitting.

A nice option if you can find a local supplier is to use left-hand drill bits and a reversible drill motor. Use the LH drill bits as above (progressively larger sizes). Eventually enough material will be removed that there is no stress on the threads and the drill will "catch" in the bore of the broken fitting... backing what's left out of the tapped hole.

I hate EZ-Outs.

[Spitz]

"......there should already be a hole down the center of the broken fitting."

lol...I am a twit at times aren't I, of course there is a hole already...