Bed bolts - &#!@*

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Oct 20, 2003 | 10:10 AM

pward76

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Urbandale, Iowa

Bed bolts - &#!@*

This may be a dumb question - but is there any way to get bed bolts out without torching them? I can't get a cutoff tool on the nuts, it doesn't look like there is enough room to slide on a nut splitter, so I didn't even try that (I'd have had to buy the nut splitter).

We tried wedging a screwdriver between the frame and bed to keep pressure on the bolts, but that doesn't work either - all the bolts do is spin as I try to take the nuts off.

We tried using the cutoff tool to create a screwdriver slot in the top of the bolt head, but couldn't keep a screwdriver in the slot.

Aside from the aforementioned cutting torch, I am now officially out of ideas.....

Oct 20, 2003 | 12:51 PM

buzzard

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,960

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From: All over Texas

Man, I feel your pain. When I did mine a couple years ago, that was by far the most time consuming and frustrating task I undertook. I wound up using a cutoff tool and a dremel tool to cut nuts. Slotting the tops worked on one or two of the carriage bolts, but I still had to completely drill out a couple of the really bad ones. Patience are a must.

Oct 20, 2003 | 02:37 PM

DesertFE

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2003

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I agree with . I had to use my high-speed cutter to take the heads of the bolts off. Once that was done it was a piece of cake. Did it with both my truck beds.

Oct 20, 2003 | 04:36 PM

jzjames

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Joined: Feb 2001

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Grind off the heads with a 4 inch grinder. Be carefull not to hit the sheetmetal. jz

Oct 20, 2003 | 06:11 PM

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 1,165

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From: central Alberta

Maybe try tack welding nuts to the top heads...

mike

Oct 20, 2003 | 06:42 PM

talisker

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

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From: Bridgeville,CA

I used your first idea. My bolts/nuts were a solid mass of rust. I just went under the bed and torched them off. Not a big deal and a whole lot easier then working from the top and risking the bed.

Oct 20, 2003 | 07:50 PM

trouble

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 458

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From: Rolla USA

I took a grinder , and ground the heads of then punch the bolt through with a punch. Works pretty good .

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Oct 21, 2003 | 04:25 PM

Mike W

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 7,157

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From: Central Kali

For the new ones I would cut a slot in the head before you install them and use anti-sieze.

Oct 22, 2003 | 03:00 AM

#10

willowbilly3

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 8,209

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From: Black Hills of SD

Defineately the gas axe, second choice is welding something on top to get ahold of. You should be able to get replacements with a socket in the head for an allen or better yet a torx, like a T-45 or T-50.

Oct 22, 2003 | 04:11 AM

#11

NM5K

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 497

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From: Houston TX

I'm partial to my trusty torch...

I guess you don't have one though....Either that, or scared it might warp the metal , which can be a problem if the heat builds up. Rusty bolts fear me when I have a torch in my hand. I don't have too much patience for whacking and hacking unless the torch will cause problems...:/
I almost sleep with my torch...I'm so paranoid someone will steal it, I bring it in the house every night. I've already had one boosted a few years ago. That hurt...I have to have a torch for work. MK

Oct 22, 2003 | 08:48 AM

#12

rebocardo

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Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 13,873

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From: Atlanta GA

If you have a sawzall and the bolts are loose, you can fit a balde bewteen the nut and steel channel to cut the bolt. The blades have a lot of bend and flex. I did this on a couple of mine. Otherwise I got a 4" cut off wheel and cut them off underneath.

Oct 25, 2003 | 04:07 PM

#13

boogity24

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 257

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From: Oceanway

if you dont care about the bed (i didnt) then torching would be easiest. my dad is a welder, it was pretty easy.

Oct 25, 2003 | 08:59 PM

#14

willowbilly3

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 8,209

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From: Black Hills of SD

I have always toched th bolts off underneath. If you are any good with a torch you can cut the nuts off without even damaging the bolt threads and the washer will protect you from cutting into the frame. Just make sure you have your leathers on or you may get burned when torching overhead.