My 2004 Nissan Sentra is in need of a newer ignition switch and lock cylinder. The two screws holding the part to the steering column have breakaway heads as a security precaution, they say. I was able to use a cobalt drill bit to drill into the screw, and use an extractor bit to remove it. When I tried the same with the second screw, the cobalt bit broke off inside the screw, complicating my repair job.
I tried a number of fixes, to no avail. I'm thinking I have two good options left. One is to use a hacksaw to saw off one of the thick clamps holding the part to the column, and the other is to try to use a harder bit to drill through the cobalt bit.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated
Thanks so much!
Doug
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Use hammer and pointed punch to turn head of bolt - think about it - - - Dremel tool with metal cutting wheel - grind a screwdriver slot in head of bolt - turn bolt out with flat blade screwdriver..
Accessibility and talent may be the only obstacles.
Good luck!
You’re not going to be able to drill out a cobalt drill bit - however the Dremel & metal cutting wheel will cut the slot regardless of cobalt bit!
Hammer and pointed center punch method works - if it’s done right..
Side note for similar future issues - research > LEFT HAND TWIST cobalt drill bits.. These things work like a charm!
Usually the damaged fastener will spin right out as soon as the ‘left hand twist’ drill bit grabs it.
This is especially true when progressing from a smaller to the next larger size bit.
Of course a reversible - “counterclockwise” rotational drill will also be needed..
You’re not going to be able to drill out a cobalt drill bit - however the Dremel & metal cutting wheel will cut the slot regardless of cobalt bit! Hammer and pointed center punch method works - if it’s done right.. Side note for similar future issues - research > LEFT HAND TWIST cobalt drill bits.. These things work like a charm! Usually the damaged fastener will spin right out as soon as the ‘left hand twist’ drill bit grabs it. This is especially true when progressing from a smaller to the next larger size bit. Of course a reversible - “counterclockwise” rotational drill will also be needed..
This is worth a look: https://youtu.be/_R1b8niX13w