How to remove "rivets" from ignition?

(2011-03-30 14:20:44)

1. whata waste Says: need to change ignition lock cylinder on a 98 Mazda. bought the part, only thing holding it are these 2 screw things that look like rivets. They have rounded heads but are threaded like a screw. not any room to cut the head thing off so how do I remove? Is there a special tool? No I am not going to a mazda dealer.

2. Lang Says: Use something like a Dremel to cut a groove into the head of the break-away screws. You can then use a screwdriver to remove them. Do not try to drive the screws through if they are threaded, you will damage the threads resulting in more work for yourself.

If you can get a groove cut in the head of the screw then use an offset screwdriver.

You can either remove the assembly from the steering column, or you can try to use a small chisel and hammer to attempt to turn the screws out. Place the chisel tip on the right side of the head and lightly tap to try to turn the screw counter-clockwise to remove.

Good luck.

3. br549 Says: Those will either be "shear bolts" which when tightened during installation, the head breaks off, or tamper resistant torx heads.

Tamper resistant torx heads are rounded. There is a pin in the middle of the head that keeps a regular torx driver from working. There is a special tool for that.

If they are shear bolts, you will have to drill out the head and use an easy out to remove them. Best if you can find a left handed extractor bit.

I am not sure which type screw your car used, but it IS removable, and no it wasn't designed that way so you would have to go to a dealer. It was designed to be theft proof. If you really want to defeat the theft proof feature, find a local car thief! He can get that off in a matter of seconds!

4. BLACKSWAN Says: To remove the rivets that hold the ignition coil to the bracket:

1. Use a file or grinder to remove the head of the rivet on the bracket.
2, Use a suitable punch and drive the body of the rivet out of the bracket.

5. Chris Baussman Says: Yes there is normally a special tool for the job or u could try drilling the things out,it's your choice. But a mazda dealer is probably your best bet.