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Need help with a stripped fastener on a Cessna 172 cowl from a job in Tucson last month
Was doing a 100-hour on a 172 out in Tucson last month and ran into a real pain. The top cowl fastener on the pilot's side was completely stripped, looked like someone went at it with the wrong size bit. I tried an easy-out but it just spun. Ended up having to drill it out carefully and re-tap the hole, which added like two hours to the job. What's your go-to method for dealing with these when an easy-out fails?
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brookerobinson3mo ago
Drill it out and re-tap is the last resort for me too. Try a left-handed drill bit first, sometimes it'll catch and spin the fastener right out.
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evan_dixon673mo ago
Ever try welding a nut onto it first?
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the_elizabeth6d ago
Oh boy, that's a risky one! Welding a nut onto a stripped bolt is definitely a classic trick, but it's not for everyone. You gotta have a welder handy and know how to keep the heat from melting surrounding stuff. Left-hand drill bits are my go-to first step, way less chance of making a bigger mess. But if the bolt is really stuck and you don't mind the extra work, welding a nut on can be a total lifesaver. Ever had it work perfectly, or did you end up making things worse?
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