How to remove/replace bolt

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If you already own a vise grip then by all means try to grab the head and twist back and forth to see if you can get it loose. It looks like there is a plastic washer of some sort between the head and the frame. I would try to remove the plastic first.

EgorKC wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Self drilling screw

Self Drillers need 2000-2500 RPM to properly drill, tap and seat. Also, you need to get the correct drill point for the thickness of steel you are penetrating. The wrong point will either fail or strip out. Drill a hole and through bolt with lock washer and nut is the better option.
Greg

Goes without saying if suggesting a specific product it requires the proper tool to get er dun. Mentioned screw works with under belly in place or not.

I stand by my suggestion.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Self drilling screw

Self Drillers need 2000-2500 RPM to properly drill, tap and seat. Also, you need to get the correct drill point for the thickness of steel you are penetrating. The wrong point will either fail or strip out. Drill a hole and through bolt with lock washer and nut is the better option.
Greg

Self drilling screw

downtheroad wrote:
Thinking that I'd use my Dremmel tool with a cut off wheel.

Looks good to me too. I do agree that looks more like a nail than a bolt (Are there threads on the Pointed part???)

One option is grab head with a vice grip type tool but I doubt that will work.. Cut the shank (on the back side) flush and use a drift to drive it out.. Or drill it out from back side.

in fact the cut it off and drift drive it or drill are my best suggestions.. Drilling power nails may not be easy however they tend to be "High quality" metal.

No reason at all not to use the hole for a replacement bolt/screw. Makes more sense that drilling a new hole.

Great help from you all, as usual!

If I'm able to get the original powder nail out, is there any reason I couldn't use the original hole with a screw (self-tapping or otherwise)? The gentleman at the dealership suggested using vice grips to get the nail out, but I don't want to take it out without having some idea to replace it with.

Otherwise, I'll go to Ace and invest in some new tools. I'm sure they can help me find what I need to drill a new hole.

Buy a cutoff wheel/Dremel and cut it off. Then use a self drilling screw.

CarnationSailor wrote:
Yes, you will need a drill bit for drilling metal and make it a good quality one. Buy a 1/8-inch bit and a self-tapping screw appropriate for the hole (drill) size. The hardware store clerk should be able to help you choose a good drill bit, properly sized screw, and center punch (if you don't have one).

If you doubt your current drill can do the job, buy a good quality cordless drill. You will need it again if you continue to RV.

(You will be drilling from the bottom up.)

Start by using the center punch to mark the place next to the existing mounting point where you are going to drill. Hit the center punch firmly once or twice with a hammer after cutting a small circle out of the coroplast (so you can see the "dimple" made by the center punch). The "dimple" produced by the center punch will keep the drill bit from wandering around when you first start drilling. Drill a hole and attach the bracket with the self-tapping screw.

Good luck!

And wear safety goggles if you are under it drilling up!