twisted hex drivers or how do I remove the darn set screw?

**vintageveloce** · #1 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 04:05 PM

I'm trying to remove the metal covers from the seat hinges on my 66 GTV. There is a recessed set screw, with no exposed head, that is frozen in place. I've been soaking it in liquid wrench for days and trying to get it out. I have now broken or twisted three 4mm hex drive sockets!
Any ideas for getting this thing out? Are there any especially strong hex drive sockets available somewhere?
Also, I'm very hesitant to use heat, as it would easily melt the attached vinyl and foam seat.
I could try my "easy-out extractors", but won't until the hex is stripped, and it's still OK for now. I also don't want to break a hardened extractor off in there. I guess I could drill it to the threads and the try to scrape out the threads and clean it with a tap. But thats my last resort.
Any ideas?

Thanks,
Carl

**101/105guy** · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 04:42 PM

Can you show a pic of the screw in question? I've had my seats apart, but not sure where your problem screw is.
Randy

**ossodiseppia** · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 05:32 PM

I'd use an impact driver for that.

sh0rtlife · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 06:41 PM

try this....get another drill bit style hex and give it several VERY HARD smacks with a hammer..this will help free the threads ...next try to tighten it every so slightly then try removeing it...should come right out

**vintageveloce** · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 08:31 PM

Here's a pic of the evil set screw. I have removed the other three of these without drama. This last one has been confounding!
Tips please!?
C

**ossodiseppia** · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vintageveloce

Here's a pic of the evil set screw. I have removed the other three of these without drama. This last one has been confounding!
Tips please!?
C

**vintageveloce** · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 08:57 AM

I heard you Ossodiseppia! I have one of those in the drawer... just waiting to see what other ideas, if any, pop up. There no finesse with the impact driver... it will either; a) loosen the screw, b) twist the hex key, or c) strip out the head of the screw...
C

**vintageveloce** · #8 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 04:47 PM

Ossodiseppia, Impact driver failed. Whacked away for quite a while, hex wouldn't budge. I was really surprised it didn't strip the screw! At any rate, after quite a bit of hammering, I removed the impact driver and hooked up a wrench, and promptly snapped another 4mm socket.
My next step is to buy a hardened drill bit tomorrow. Sigh. At least I can return the lifetime warranteed hex sockets. ;-)
C