Pop goes the hex wrench

[brandtb]

I was attempting to adjust the truss rod in my Schecter C-5 last night after successfully adjusting my Squier. I was using one of my hex wrenches with the ball end because it was easier to get in.

I give that baby a twist and POP...the ball-end breaks off.

Now I can't get it out of there. I have one plan that I hope to try later today:

- Take a drill with a thin bit and drill into the broken head
- Insert a screw into the drilled hole and attempt to tighten

...hopefully resulting in
- Pull the broken wrench end out

Has anyone else had this problem? What did you do to fix it?

[goldenglory18]

the ball end of the hex key broke off?

what model is this bass?

***Nevermind, i apparently can't read. Try using either a small magnetic retreiver, or a screwdriver with a magnetic tip.

[DrSmaggs]

This is why I can't stand allen keys with ball ends. They don't fit snugly and they have a tendancy to break.

Hopefully, you haven't stripped your truss rod end.

[elgecko]

try an EZ out

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw_extractor

[brandtb]

Originally Posted by elgecko

try an EZ out

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw_extractor

That's what I am attempting to duplicate with my proposed solution above. Since the wrench is stuck, the thread direction doesn't make any difference.

Glad to see someone else is thinking along the same lines.

[DrewinHouston]

Originally Posted by brandtb

That's what I am attempting to duplicate with my proposed solution above. Since the wrench is stuck, the thread direction doesn't make any difference.

Glad to see someone else is thinking along the same lines.

The ball end is wedged in from tightening it, I don't think you can get it unstuck by trying to turn it the same way. I think the left-hand threads of a screw-extractor would work better. You will probably have a hard time trying to drill the tool, though, they are usually made out of hard stuff. Try tapping on it with an awl or a nail to see if you can loosen it. Also maybe you could get a jeweler's screwdriver in there and unwedge it. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[brandtb]

Originally Posted by DrewinHouston

The ball end is wedged in from tightening it, I don't think you can get it unstuck by trying to turn it the same way. I think the left-hand threads of a screw-extractor would work better. You will probably have a hard time trying to drill the tool, though, they are usually made out of hard stuff. Try tapping on it with an awl or a nail to see if you can loosen it. Also maybe you could get a jeweler's screwdriver in there and unwedge it. Hope this helps. Good luck!

I'm not so much trying to turn it as I am trying to get something in there so I can pull it out.

I tried to use some small picks (think dental picks) last night to get it out with no luck at all.

However, your statement about it being wedged in makes a lot of sense. Maybe I'll try the tapping first. I don't have an awl, but I should have a nail that will do the trick. Something long and skinny like a finishing nail might be good.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

I have never broken the ball end and I have opened quite a few allen screws over the few decades I've been wrenching cars, bikes and machinery.


The fact that it broke may be a blessing for You though with the removal.
There's a good chance that the end of the wrench wasn't hardened, so You may be able to drill through it.

I'd suggest a trial drilling on the remaining stub on the wrench.

Do use a center punch before You attempt to drill, otherwise the result will be, well, unfortunate.

Originally Posted by DrSmaggs

This is why I can't stand allen keys with ball ends. They don't fit snugly and they have a tendancy to break.

Just like ratchets, they're invaluable for the jobs they're designed to.
Quality also plays a role with these tools as well as with any other tool.

Regards
Sam

[jb63]

All Allen wrenches are hardened to some degree. If the wrench is hardened through, you probably wont be able to drill into it. If it's case-hardened you might able to. Like Tbird said, try test drilling the other peice of the wrench.

If you can, I would recommend get the truss rod nut out first. If the hex hole on the truss rod nut is deep enough you may be able to lossen it and take it out. If you can get the nut out of the neck, try puting it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take it out and try prying out the broken piece. The tiny bit of contraction from cold might make the piece easier to get out. I've run into this broken ball end thing a number of times in a former life as a machinist. I've also done the freezer thing and taken the piece in question and thrown it as hard as I could at something hard, like a concrete floor. I know it sounds stupid but it worked for me. Good Luck!

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

Do use a center punch before You attempt to drill, otherwise the result will be, well, unfortunate.

And for that matter, center punching it might knock the ball end loose!

[brandtb]

I tried on Friday evening to wedge/drill/dig...and no joy.

It will take greater skills and tools than mine alone to fix this. The good news is that the neck is in good shape for now so I don't *need* an adjustment -- I was going for a very minor tweak.

Irrational Hope: The vibrations from playing over time might work that thing out.

Thanks to all for your input. Keep it coming!

[Tusec]

What if you sprayed the head with electrical component freeze mist? And what if you did this after you had heated the nut with a miniature butane torch? Maybe the combination of expanding nut and shrinking head would loosen things up.

And maybe try tapping the head with a center punch in such a way that would rotate it in the opposite direction than you were turning it when it broke.

If nothing else works, maybe cut a slot in the head with a dremel tool. Then try sticking a screwdriver in the slot. Maybe with the right twist it would break loose.