Using torx bits that I can find locally, Im unable to break the tension on ones in my doors to replace the latches without stripping the bolt heads. Has anyone found a good manufactured bit that wont strip and that will actually bite?

 

Dusty, just to be clear, are you saying the torx bit doesn't fit well enough in the bolt so that it kinda "slips"?

If so, are you using a metric sized bit? I'm almost positive you can find the proper sized metric torx bit at a place like Home Depot or Ace Hardware. I know I bought one for the tailgate bolts at Home Depot. It was a metric set with different sizes, actually. They fit onto a socket wrench, and give plenty of torque.

- Jack

 

Thanks for the reply, yes, I tried both metric and Imperial and found that it was indeed metic that Ford used but was struggling to get a perfect fit. It seems like I may have just been trying to use a low quality brand and I'll look at Home Depot. THanks for the info!

 

Good hunting. If you have the right size, it should fit into the bolt with no "slop" at all. Hopefully, you haven't damaged the bolt heads with the bit you were using.

- Jack

 

If the bolt head is "chewed" up it may take slight hammer tapping to get the correct size back into the bolt

 

Good point Pat. The tapping may help to release any "bonding" in the threads of the bolts too.

- Jack

 

Can you get a close up picture of the bolt?
There are regular Torx bits (T25, T27) and then there's a relatively new style called Torx Plus (T25P, or T25IP) The tips of these are more rounded and beefier which allows greater torque.

I'll take a look at my brother's 02 ext. cab this weekend and confirm size and style.