How to Remove a Stuck Socket Or Wrench
by Zyon Silket
It is not uncommon to get a socket or wrench stuck onto the head of a bolt. This happens when the head of the bolt is damaged of you attempt to use the wrong wrench or socket. For example, you force a 12 mm socket onto a 13 mm bolt. You can get it to fit but if the socket tilts on the head, it could cause the socket or wrench to be stuck.
Socket Stuck on the Bolt
Step 1
Thread the bolt back into the hole two or three times if the bolt had already been removed. Three to four threads into the hole prevents the hole from being damaged as you remove the socket from the head of the bolt.
Step 2
Firmly grasp the ratchet handle with your hand. If possible, hold the bolt steady with your other hand.
Step 3
Lift the back end of the ratchet up and then push it down. Repeat this as you "walk" the socket off the bolt head.
Wrench Stuck on the Bolt
Step 1
Place the wrench into a vice and tighten it so the threaded portion of the bolt faces down.
Step 2
Place a smaller bolt or screwdriver on the head of the bolt.
Step 3
Strike the smaller bolt or screwdriver with a mallet or hammer until the bolt breaks free from the wrench.
Wrench Stuck on the Bolt While the Bolt is in the Hole
Step 1
Grasp the end of the wrench not stuck on the bolt head.
Step 2
Pull up on the wrench and then push down on the wrench to "walk" the wrench off the bolt head.
Step 3
Strike the bottom of the wrench with a mallet or hammer. Strike the wrench as close to the bolt head as possible to ensure the wrench moves upward and off the bolt as you strike it.
Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Mallet
- Vice
Writer Bio
Since 2006 Zyon Silket has been writing for companies such as SEOWhat, L&C Freelancing and T-Mobile Wireless. He has extensive experience working in supervisory roles within the wireless and Internet technologies fields. Silket is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in business management and network technologies at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
