Hack n Tap broken bit problem

[MudDawg]

This thread is a few days old, but I will throw in my 2 cents....you will never get that tiny bit hot enough to drill out without destroying the whole shaft...especially with it still in the case...the shaft will lose it's hardening and twist in two...

Drilling will not work...the broken bit is at least as hard as the drill bits...what will work is to get a dremel tool and a whole pile of tiny mounted stones and slowly grind your way down....in the end, the best thing to do is to get another shaft and start over....maybe take it to a machine shop and let them cut and tap it for you...

 

[caztaz]

Go with the Dremel suggestion and tungsten carbide bit. The back of the package will tell you that it is for hard metal, stainless steel, etc. I did the same thing last weekend with the 1/8" bit. I bought three or four different ones ($9 ea) but only needed one. I was able to countersink around the bit and it pulled right out. It took about an hour to do. Once it is out go with a larger bit as noted. The 1/8" is too small! Good luck.

 

[SLaSHeR]

Problem solved. Thanks to everyone for your feedback and advice. Yesterday (Saturday), I started bright and early with a tungsten carbide cutting bit for a dremel which made quick work of that stuck titanium bit in the TC output shaft. When I say quick, I mean about 2 - 3 hours of straight "drilling" with short breaks to rest my arms in between. Compared to the progress I was making with other types of drill bits, three hours was pretty quick. Nevertheless, I got it out and was back on track. The rest of the installation was smooth sailing and everything worked out great. Though it has only been a day, I took my rig on a 2 hour road trip last night and I couldn't be happier. Even at high speeds I am totally vibe free.

All in all, if anyone reading this finds themselves in the same situation, run out to Home Depot and pick up a tungsten carbide cutting bit for your dremel. It will save you a lot of headaches.

Thanks again for everyone's advice.

 

[SteelblueSteve]

Glad to hear it worked out. I've had my hack-n-tap of for 2 years with no problems, wheeling or road. Well worth the price, small investment really.