SpeedLube
Use a suitable cutting lubricant during drilling to help prevent overheating of the workpiece or fastener.
HMT VERSADRIVE IMPACTABITE BOLT EXTRACTORS – TECHNICAL GUIDE
HMT Versadrive ImpactaBite Bolt Extractors are designed to remove damaged, broken or seized fasteners using a left-hand drilling and extraction process. This guide covers suitable machines, reverse rotation, lubrication, pilot-hole preparation, extraction best practice and recommended impact torque.
What Are HMT Versadrive ImpactaBite Bolt Extractors Used For?
ImpactaBite Bolt Extractors are designed for removing damaged, broken or seized fasteners.
The system is designed for use in left-hand / reverse rotation.
Material-type categories such as structural steel, hardened steel, stainless steel and non-ferrous are not used as the primary selection criteria for this tool.
Which Machine Should I Use With ImpactaBite Bolt Extractors?
| Machine | Suitable? | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Wrench | Yes | Suitable for the extraction stage when used with the correct torque setting and in reverse rotation. |
| Rotary Pistol Drill | Yes | Suitable for left-hand drilling and pilot-hole preparation. High rotational forces can be generated, so use an appropriate machine and maintain control. |
| Compact Magnet Drill | Limited | Compact magnet drills are not usually suitable unless they have the required reversing and variable-speed features. |
| Large Magnet / Pillar Drill | Yes, where suitable | Can be used for larger-diameter left-hand drilling or particularly hard materials where reversing and suitable speed control are available. |
Does Material Thickness Affect Bolt Extraction?
The usual sheet/plate thickness categories are not directly applicable to bolt extraction.
The key factors are:
- fastener diameter
- pilot-hole size
- depth of drilling
- fastener condition
- material hardness
- accessibility
- machine control
Which Lubricant Should I Use for Bolt Extraction?
BioCut Paste
Recommended for overhead drilling and other applications where liquid lubricant is not suitable.
BioCut Blue
Use a suitable cutting lubricant during drilling to help reduce heat.
Which Adapters Can I Use With ImpactaBite Bolt Extractors?
Impact Adapters
Suitable for use with impact wrenches using the correct torque guidance.
Pistol Drill / Chuck
Versadrive shanks can be used in a standard drill chuck for the left-hand drilling stage.
Weldon Adapters
Can be adapted for use in magnetic drills where appropriate.
Morse Taper Adapters
Can be adapted for use in Morse Taper drilling machines where appropriate.
HMT Versadrive ImpactaBite Bolt Extractor Best Practice
Do I need a pilot hole or centre punch?
Yes.
For successful extraction, drill the pilot hole square to the centre of the fastener.
Accurate positioning helps prevent the extractor from running off centre and reduces the risk of damaging the surrounding thread.
What should I do if the fastener has a screwdriver slot or centre feature?
Where possible, use the existing feature to help locate the pilot hole accurately.
If the feature is damaged or unreliable, re-establish the centre before drilling.
What is the correct feed pressure?
Apply firm, steady feed pressure during drilling.
Excessive feed pressure can increase heat build-up and reduce tool life.
How can I prevent chipping or breakage?
For best results, drill fully through the bolt or stud before inserting the extractor where possible.
Tool breakage can occur if the pilot hole is not drilled to the correct depth.
Keep the drill and extractor aligned with the fastener.
Avoid side loading, tilting or excessive force.
What should I do with hardened bolts or particularly hard material?
For best results when drilling hardened bolts or materials, start with a smaller pilot drill where appropriate.
Larger drill sizes may be used progressively if required.
How do I use the extractor?
After drilling the correct pilot hole, insert the extractor and operate it in reverse / left-hand rotation.
Use controlled torque.
Do not exceed the recommended torque for the extractor size.
What if the bolt is seized?
Corrosion, heat or thread damage can make removal difficult.
Penetrating or releasing fluid can help in some applications before applying extraction torque.
Does the extractor always remove the fastener?
No extraction method can guarantee success in every application.
Fastener condition, corrosion, material hardness, thread damage and previous repair attempts can all affect the result.
Recommended Impact Torque for HMT Versadrive ImpactaBite Bolt Extractors
Recommended impact torque varies according to extractor size.
| ImpactaBite Drill Bit / Bolt Extractor Size | Impact Torque – Nm | Impact Torque – ft lb |
|---|---|---|
| #3 | 140–160 | 103–118 |
| #4 | 200–280 | 148–206 |
| #5 | 220–300 | 162–221 |
| #6 | 430–580 | 317–428 |
| #7 | 550–700 | 406–516 |