My shower jets dripped constantly, so I tried to replace the volume control cartridge. Because of the calcium & lime buildup, the cartridge was frozen in the valve. I used a 12-point socket to try turn the bolt, but it rounded/stripped the the bolt, making it unable to turn. Because of the small opening in the tile, I didn't have room to maneuver alternative tools to unfreeze the cartridge. I tried a 6 point socket (which I should've used the first time, had I known then what I know now) and it still didn't budge. Other suggestions by plumbers, hardware tool experts, plumbing supply stores, and the cartridge manufacturer: drip vinegar/water solution onto bolt, use vise grip tips, use screw extractor on the stem, drip CLR onto bolt, spray PB blaster on bolt, heat the stem, remove and replace the 24x24 piece of travertine into which the cartridge was set, etc. I tried every suggestion and was just about ready to remove the travertine so plumber could get leverage on the bolt when I searched for "bolt extractor" on Amazon. I had successfully used a screw extractor to remove the frozen handle on this valve previously (when the plumber I hired said he would have to saw off the handle, necessitating replacing 6 parts of the trim kit, which are no longer made). The original bolt was 18mm and needed a deep well socket, something that I was not able to find anywhere in my hometown, so I ordered Irwin's 17mm Bolt-Grip Deep Well Bolt Extractor from Amazon, hoping that because the bolt was rounded, this size would work. My stripped bolt was a little bigger than the bolt extractor, but I hammered the bolt extractor onto the bolt, then used a breaker bar to turn the bolt. What I spent 2 weeks trying to do (after numerous trips to stores, conversations with experts, purchases of other gadgets), this Bolt Extractor did in seconds! This was basically my last ditch attempt before removing and replacing the tile. It is perplexing that the most experienced plumber in my town--even when asked about the bolt extractor--or all the specialty hardware stores I polled, did not suggest this solution. This bolt extractor works just like it says it does!!! In fact, it worked so well that I can't remove the stripped bolt from the extractor, so will have to purchase another one if I ever have this problem again. Thank you Amazon and Irwin!!!
