Any tips to break a large Torx Screw loose?

"404 - User No Longer Available" (toni-cipriani) 11/24/2017 at 11:23 • Filed to: BMW, DIY

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Stupid me did not check that my car didn’t have the split folding seats (a.k.a. BMW Through Load System) before buying it...

Want to take out the rear seat back so I can load something long (a.k.a. Ikea), but I can’t seem to break loose the T50 screws at the base.

Any tips? I only have a screwdriver kit with the bit and a 18V cordless driver/drill.

MINIGTI > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 11:25

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Try tightening first. That worked on the Torx flatheads in my MINIs brake rotors.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 11:27

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Same as any fastening really. Make sure you have the right sized bit (should fit snugly with no looseness) and be gentle but forceful. Better with a ratchet than a drill. Quite easy to slip away from vertical and spin the bit.

PartyPooper2012 > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 11:29

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get the right fitting bit and use a ratchet. not a drill. You might end up stripping it.

shop-teacher > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 11:29

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The bit will fit in a 1/4” socket. Put it in one of those with a ratchet, press down REALLY hard, and pull slow and forcefully.

dogisbadob > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 11:30

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You should get a long T-handle. With it, push down hard on the screw.

Also, consider heading out to the junkyard to get a replacement seat that does fold down. Stupid BMW for not making it standard :(

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 11:32

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They make a 1/4 inch drive socket, Home Depot $2.00. I’ve also used vice grips on a t50 screw driver as a hack for leverage.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 11:33

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My suggestion? Suction cup roof rack:

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Dual-Cup-Suction-Lifter-Temporary-Car-Roof-Rac/

Urambo Tauro > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 11:38

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Not sure about BMWs, but when I encounter those kind of bolts, they’re usually held in with (I want to say red ) threadlocker and are stuck in there pretty good.

What I use for these is a 3/8" drive socket-type bit on a ratchet (or breaker bar). Haven’t broken one yet *knocks on wood*.

404 - User No Longer Available > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 11/24/2017 at 11:48

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I thought about just tying it down on some pool noodles...

Maybe a longer term a DIY Pool Noodle roof rack that mounts into the factory threaded holes.

404 - User No Longer Available > dogisbadob 11/24/2017 at 11:53

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I thought about it, but there’s a whole lot more involved than just swapping the seat back. Also Dakota Red seems to hard to come by at the yards.

atfsgeoff > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 12:14

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Heat up with a torch first, to break any possible red loctite used on the screws. Then use a socket and ratchet or breaker bar to get as much torque on it as possible.

Or buy an impact wrench. :)

Shoop > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 12:22

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Make sure you have EXACTLY the right size torx bit, preferably a new one. I’ve never stripped one out when I was using the right size

Shoop > dogisbadob 11/24/2017 at 12:23

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+1 t handles are the bomb.

tromoly > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 13:26

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Long ratchet, T50 is substantial enough you shouldn’t break it off unless you go full 10,000 pound gorilla on it.

MINIGTI > 404 - User No Longer Available 11/24/2017 at 16:00

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MINI used torx flatheads in the front discs. Make sure you use a good quality bit and lots of pressure or you can easily round things off. Also I had good success tightening a little first to get it moving.