how can I cut through a stainless steel bolt underneath the deck of my Jonn Deere mower?

Question

Its holding on a mulcher kit. its been on for 6 or 7 yrs.

Answer 1

I would say that the use of a stainless bolt was to prevent corrosion. This should allow you to unscrew it. A grinder with a cut-off wheel is probably your best bet. The Dremel wheels are nice for tight areas but you'll probably need a whole bunch of them.

Answer 2

If it's 1/4" or less in diameter you might be able to cut it off with a hammer and a sharp cold chisel. If there's a nut on it, a nut-splitter ( Sears ) might work if theres enough room around it. If you can only access the bolt head, you could center-punch it and then drill successively larger holes into the head until it's thin enough to shear off with the hammer and chisel. Just don't drill much deeper than the thickess of the bolt head. Cut- off wheels really need to be driven at speeds substantially higher than a hand drill will run, so if you go that route, be sure to have a grinder capable of at least 6,000 r.p.m. Actually above 20,000 is even better. Good luck.

Answer 3

First try to buy some Never Seeze stuff at the local hardware store.
It penetrates the threads and loosens the bolts so that they don't have to be cut off. Industrial plant contractors use it out in their areas all of the time to loosen up equipment.

A torch will work but use caution when around anything that uses fuel.
A cutting disk can be used to that is attached to a grinder.

Answer 4

Dremel cutting wheel used on a hand drill for delicate work. Lowels or Home Depot