Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - How to extract broken blade bolt?

What method works to extract a broken blade bolt in the crankshaft? Mine broke while mowing today. This mower has never had the blade off as it is the first season I used it and of course the warranty is over.

Isn't this a reverse thread bolt making easy outs not a removal choice? :confused:

mowfixer
The bolt in the crank should be normally a 3/8-24 thread. It should not be left hand thread. If you can center punch it you should be able to remove it with an easy out. One trick I use at work is when a bolt shears off, I bring out the old stick welder and build the broken part of the bolt up to a point where I can get vise grips on it and I haven't had one that wouldn't come out. (the heat from the welder will usually help break the bolt loose.----just remember to not get any weld on the crank if you try this)

snoman

I used a reverse drill bit set and was able to spin the broken bolt out of the crankshaft. Got lucky!

mowfixer
Way to go...I'm glad it worked out for you.

snoman