Trapped nuts - headlight

[southerly95]

Hi - I'm replacing the n/s headlight bits and although 2 screws came out with some coaxing the other 2 b.....s broke off leaving the rusted screw shank and trap nut as one.

Possible solutions are:

1) Drill the screw shank out and recut the thread, i've never managed this in situ without breaking loads of drill bits.

2) Cut the top off the trap nut surround and then get it in the vice to sort.

What els ecould I try? Thanks, john

[mike.perry]

Replace the headlamp bowls with plastic ones and replace the other fittings which must be pretty rusty.

[bmcecosse]

It's always nasty when your nuts get trapped. As mp says - throw them away - and fit new plastic shells (use brass nuts/bolts) - and don't worry about them ever again!

[Dean]

It's always nasty when your nuts get trapped.

Most definitely.. avoid treading on them at all costs!

[PSL184]

I've just had the same problem - The rotton metal bowl is in the bin and a new plastic one is going in - I've just got one fixing screw that broke off to drill out the wing then it will be brass nuts and bolts holding the new bowl in too....