Broken zerk grease fitting

[mahans7]

Just discovered a broken zerk fitting on the right rear lift arm pivot. There is no nut left and only the threaded part is left. Do I use an easy-out and if so what size?

 

[Tazza]

I'm always worred about ezouts, they are very hard and if they break, you are kinda screwed.
Personally, i would try and drill it out. Tap the pivot pin just over half way through the arm, so it is still supported but so when you drill through what is left of the grease nipple, you don't touch the pin (if that makes sense). Drill up one size at a time till you are almost at the threads, then you may be able to un-coil the threads or run a tap through it to remove the remains.

 

[KarlB]

I'm always worred about ezouts, they are very hard and if they break, you are kinda screwed.
Personally, i would try and drill it out. Tap the pivot pin just over half way through the arm, so it is still supported but so when you drill through what is left of the grease nipple, you don't touch the pin (if that makes sense). Drill up one size at a time till you are almost at the threads, then you may be able to un-coil the threads or run a tap through it to remove the remains.

I'm not sure the thread size, but you may be able to buy a zerk in a larger size. Then just drill out, retap and install the larger thread size. ...karl

 

[[email protected]]

I'm not sure the thread size, but you may be able to buy a zerk in a larger size. Then just drill out, retap and install the larger thread size. ...karl

you can buy a grease fitting tool kit that has all of the right taps and the proper sockets to install/remove them. pretty handy to have around.

 

[lesgawlik]

you can buy a grease fitting tool kit that has all of the right taps and the proper sockets to install/remove them. pretty handy to have around.

You a set might try a set of left-handed twist drill bits. Aircraft mechanics always have a set of left-handed twist drills do handle corroded or rusted fasteners. If the bit "catches" on the broken zerk, it might pull the barrel out. If not, you should be able to chase the threads with a tap.

 

[Tazza]

You a set might try a set of left-handed twist drill bits. Aircraft mechanics always have a set of left-handed twist drills do handle corroded or rusted fasteners. If the bit "catches" on the broken zerk, it might pull the barrel out. If not, you should be able to chase the threads with a tap.

Left hand drill bits are magical.
All of the above are good points. One of them will get you out of trouble.

 

[mahans7]

Left hand drill bits are magical.
All of the above are good points. One of them will get you out of trouble.

Thanks again guys. HF has the magical left handed 13 piece drill bit set for $9.99. I think I'll try them.

 

[jkwilson]

Left hand drill bits are magical.
All of the above are good points. One of them will get you out of trouble.

The left-handed bits are a life saver. I start small and move up a size at a time. As long as you are centered, you'll eventually unscrew it or get to the point that only the threads are left and you can pick them out a piece at a time.

 

[mahans7]

The left-handed bits are a life saver. I start small and move up a size at a time. As long as you are centered, you'll eventually unscrew it or get to the point that only the threads are left and you can pick them out a piece at a time.

Hoping to get to it this weekend. I'm thankful for all the help and I'm sure others on here are also. Ed

 

[wright const]

Hoping to get to it this weekend. I'm thankful for all the help and I'm sure others on here are also. Ed

Im with Tazza on this ,Left handed drill bits are the best.

 

[mahans7]

Im with Tazza on this ,Left handed drill bits are the best.

I'm definitely getting the left handed drill bits this weekend. Will the HF zerk fittings in the assortment container be high enough quality or do I need to get something better?

 

[mahans7]

I'm definitely getting the left handed drill bits this weekend. Will the HF zerk fittings in the assortment container be high enough quality or do I need to get something better?

Still curious. Will the Harbor Freight zerk fittings in the assortment container be high enough quality or do I need to get something better?

 

[lesgawlik]

Still curious. Will the Harbor Freight zerk fittings in the assortment container be high enough quality or do I need to get something better?

I bought a zerk assortment through the mail when a had a few clogged and I thought I might have to replace them. They all look the same to me- Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, mail order. I wouldn't be surprised if the all came from the same machine shop in China.

 

[Tazza]

I bought a zerk assortment through the mail when a had a few clogged and I thought I might have to replace them. They all look the same to me- Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, mail order. I wouldn't be surprised if the all came from the same machine shop in China.

I tend to agree, they will all be the same. They should all be the same standard so they should be just fine.

 

[mahans7]

I tend to agree, they will all be the same. They should all be the same standard so they should be just fine.

Thanks again guys. You have no idea how helpful your advise is on these basic questions.