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WindTraveler101's avatar
May 05, 2014

How to remove chair bolts

I am trying to remove the club chair in my motorhome. Looked easy. They go clear through into the battery compartment. But turning the nut just turns the whole bolt. I can't get a hold of the top of the bolt to hold it as it is almost flat and slightly rounded. Any suggestions on what I could do at this point would be appreciated. I have sprayed oil on the bolts. I don't want to spend $80 minimum to take it in to the shop just for this.

5 Replies

  • I know of the type of (PITA) bolt head the OP is describing. Actually, the head is only a flat round piece.

    You might try to get a good set of locking pliers (aka Vise-Grips) on to that head to hold onto it - at least long enough the get the nut loose from underneath.

    Another thing to try...
    If you can get a socket on an Air Ratchet onto the nut and give it a quick spin (CCW), you may get the nut loose.

    When you get those out, if possible, I would change out those bolts with standard head bolts so you won't have to go through this again sometime.
  • Use a die grinder or hacksaw to cut a groove into the top of the bolt, you can now use a flat head screwdriver on the top of the bolt. You could go a little longer and cut through the bolt. You either have a lot more sparks flying or tired arms at the end.
  • I removed a chair by locking a pipe wrench on the nut and a socket from underneath. You just have to find the bolt head.

    They got in in that way. It can be removed the same way.