How to Tighten a Bolt That Keeps Spinning

Tightening a bolt that keeps spinning can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to complete a project and the bolt just won't stay in place. 

This is often caused by a stripped bolt or a damaged bolt head, making it difficult to get a good grip. 

However, there are several techniques that you can try to tighten a bolt that keeps spinning and bring it to stay in place. 

In this article, we will discuss several methods that you can use to tighten a spinning bolt, including using a screwdriver, pliers, penetrating oil and a bolt extractor. 

With these tools and techniques, you should be able to tighten a spinning bolt and keep it from slipping.

Ways How to Tighten a Bolt That Keeps Spinning:

• Use a screwdriver or wrench to tighten the bolt. If the bolt is stripped or damaged, this may not work, but it's worth a try.

• Use pliers to grip the bolt head and try to tighten it.

• Apply penetrating oil to the bolt and let it sit for a while to loosen any rust or debris that may be causing the bolt to spin.

• Use a bolt extractor to remove the bolt. These specialized tools can grip the bolt and allow you to turn it without it spinning.

• Tap the bolt head lightly with a hammer to try to seat it more firmly in the hole.

• Use a bolt grip tool to get a better grip on the bolt. These tools have serrated jaws that can grip the bolt head firmly and allow you to turn it without it slipping.

• Use a vise grip to hold the bolt in place while you tighten it.

• Use a torque wrench to apply a specific amount of force to the bolt as you tighten it. This can help prevent the bolt from spinning and ensure that it's tightened to the correct torque.

• Use a cheater bar or pipe to give you more leverage when tightening the bolt.

• If all else fails, you may need to drill a new hole next to the bolt and install a new bolt to replace the one that is spinning.

Why Do Bolts Spin When Being Tightened?

There are several reasons why bolts may spin when being tightened, including:

Stripped threads: If the threads on the bolt or in the hole it's being tightened into are stripped or damaged, the bolt may spin when being tightened.

Loose fit: If the bolt is not a good fit in the hole it's being tightened into, it may spin when being tightened.

Rust or debris: If there is rust or debris present on the bolt or in the hole it's being tightened into, it may cause the bolt to spin when being tightened.

Improper torque: If the bolt is tightened with too much force, it may cause the bolt to spin.

Inaccurate tool: If the tool used to tighten the bolt is not properly calibrated or is not the correct size for the bolt, it may cause the bolt to spin.

How to Avoid Spinners?

There are several steps you can take to avoid bolts from spinning when being tightened:

Use the correct tool for the job: 

Make sure you are using the correct size tool for the bolt you are tightening.

Check the threads: 

Make sure the threads on the bolt and in the hole are not stripped or damaged.

Use penetrating oil: 

If the bolt is rusty or there is debris present, use penetrating oil to loosen it up before trying to tighten it.

Use a bolt grip tool: 

These tools have serrated jaws that can grip the bolt head firmly and allow you to turn it without it slipping.

Use a torque wrench: 

This tool allows you to apply a specific amount of force to the bolt as you tighten it, helping to prevent it from spinning.

Use a cheater bar or pipe: 

These can give you more leverage when tightening the bolt, helping to prevent it from spinning.

Check for loose or damaged parts: 

Make sure the parts being held together by the bolt are not loose or damaged, as this can cause the bolt to spin and not stay in place.

Use the correct bolt size: 

Make sure you are using the correct size bolt for the hole it's being tightened into. Overall, taking the time to properly prepare and properly tighten the bolt can help prevent it from spinning and ensure that it stays in place.

How to Tighten a Bolt That Keeps Spinning?

There are a few different methods you can try if you're having difficulty tightening a bolt that keeps spinning:

Use a wrench with a better grip: 

If the bolt is stripped or otherwise damaged, it may be difficult to get a good grip on it with a standard wrench. 

In this case, you may need to use a wrench with a better grip, such as a pipe wrench or a wrench with a rubber handle.

Use penetrating oil: 

If the bolt is stuck due to rust or other corrosion, you can try applying penetrating oil to the threads of the bolt. This can help to loosen the bolt and make it easier to turn.

Use a penetrating oil and heat: 

If the bolt is still stubborn, you can try applying heat to the area around the bolt using a torch or other heat source. Then, apply penetrating oil to the threads and try turning the bolt again. 

Be careful when using heat, as excessive heat can damage the bolt or the surrounding material.

Use a bolt grip socket: 

If the bolt head is damaged or stripped, you may not be able to get a good grip on it with a standard wrench. 

In this case, you can try using a bolt grip socket. These sockets have teeth that grip the sides of the bolt head, allowing you to turn it even if the head is damaged.

Use a bolt extractor: 

If none of the above methods work, you may need to use a bolt extractor. These tools are designed to grip the head of the bolt and remove it from the material it is attached to. 

Be sure to carefully follow the instructions for your specific bolt extractor tool to avoid damaging the bolt or the surrounding material.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What should I do if the bolt is stripped or damaged?

If the bolt is stripped or damaged, you may need to use a bolt extractor or drill a new hole next to the bolt and install a new bolt.

Can I use penetrating oil to loosen a spinning bolt?

Yes, penetrating oil can be used to loosen a spinning bolt by penetrating the rust or debris that may be causing it to spin.

Can I use pliers to tighten a spinning bolt?

Yes, you can use pliers to grip the bolt head and try to tighten it. However, if the bolt is stripped or damaged, this may not work.

Can I use a vise grip to hold the bolt in place while I tighten it?

Yes, you can use a vise grip to hold the bolt in place while you tighten it. This can help prevent the bolt from spinning and allow you to apply more force to it as you tighten it.

Can I use a torque wrench to tighten a spinning bolt?

Yes, you can use a torque wrench to apply a specific amount of force to the bolt as you tighten it. This can help prevent the bolt from spinning and ensure that it's tightened to the correct torque.

Can I use a cheater bar or pipe to give me more leverage when tightening a spinning bolt?

Yes, you can use a cheater bar or pipe to give you more leverage when tightening a spinning bolt. This can help prevent the bolt from spinning and allow you to apply more force to it as you tighten it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have a bolt that keeps spinning when you try to tighten it, there are several techniques you can try to get it to stay in place. 

These include using a screwdriver or wrench, pliers, penetrating oil, a bolt extractor, a bolt grip tool, a vise grip, a torque wrench, a cheater bar or pipe, and tapping the bolt head lightly with a hammer. 

If all else fails, you may need to drill a new hole next to the bolt and install a new bolt to replace the one that is spinning. 

By following these steps and using the right tools and techniques, you should be able to tighten a spinning bolt and keep it from slipping.