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From the True Point AG Shop

Technical Tips

Short how-to videos on real problems we run into on John Deere sway blocks, 3-point hitch hardware, and RollerGlide installs. If you're stuck, chances are we've seen it — and there's usually an easier way out than most guys expect.

Tip #01 · Bolt Extraction

How to Get Out a Stripped Allen Head Bolt on a Factory Sway Block

One of the most common problems we see when guys pull the factory sway block off — a stripped Allen head that won't budge. Here's the fix.

Factory Allen head bolts on the John Deere sway blocks strip out constantly — they've been torqued down for a decade or more, they're full of dirt and rust, and by the time you're trying to back them out, half the time the socket just spins. Good news: you don't need to drill it out or replace the sway block housing. There are two clean ways to get it out.

Option A — The Easy-Out Method

If you have an easy-out set (also called a screw extractor), this is usually the fastest path.

  1. Pick an easy-out that matches the hole diameter of the bolt.
  2. Center-punch the head of the bolt to give the easy-out a bite point.
  3. Drill a pilot hole straight down into the bolt head, deep enough for the taper of the easy-out to seat.
  4. Turn the easy-out counter-clockwise with a tap handle or T-bar. The reverse threads bite as they turn and back the bolt right out.

Option B — The MIG Welder Trick (our preferred way)

If you have a MIG welder, this is honestly the cleanest fix and takes about 30 seconds. This is what we show in the video above.

  1. Take a spare nut and set it on top of the stripped bolt head.
  2. MIG-weld the nut to the bolt head — a good solid tack around the inside of the nut, filling into what's left of the stripped Allen recess.
  3. Let it cool for a few seconds. The heat also helps break the corrosion bond in the threads.
  4. Put a wrench on the nut you just welded on and back the whole thing out. The heat + the fresh bite gets it out clean.
Tools You'll Need
  • MIG welder (Option B) OR easy-out set + drill (Option A)
  • Spare nut — whatever size you can weld to, doesn't need to match the bolt threads
  • Standard wrench or socket for the nut
  • Center punch (Option A only)
⚠ Safety: If you're welding, wear a hood and gloves. Move away any fuel lines, hoses, or wiring near the sway block area — the tractor's not going anywhere while you extract one bolt, but you don't want a stray arc catching a hydraulic line. If the bolt is anywhere near a battery cable or the fuel tank, disconnect the battery first.

Doing your RollerGlide install and hit this problem? Give us a call at (720) 764-2094 or email orders@truepointag.com — we've talked hundreds of guys through it and we'll get you moving.

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