How to remove bolt when the t-nut spins?

[z-adamson]

I have a few cabinets that I am having difficulty removing drivers from because the t-nut spins.

The mids in particular....I can't remove the woofer and hold the t-nut from the back because the t-nuts are contained within the sub-chamber for the mid. I would have to remove the chamber which I really dont want to do.

What are some of my other options?

[Lee in Montreal]

Can you slightly pry the driver out so that the nut rubs on the wood (allowing friction to work for you) while you turn the fastener anti-clockwise?

[Johnny_Law]

Get a hold of the bolt head and pull towards you (out) as you spin. With enough force, the t-nut teeth will engage and the bolt will spin out.

[gdmoore28]

What Johnny Law said. This is why I hate t-nuts. But, if you are able to grab the screwheads with a needle nosed Vice Grip, you can pull outward while you remove the screw and the t-nut will usually grab. That is, if the barbs haven't bent over.

Altec eventually began to install a large staple to span the back of the t-nut and prevent it from losing its grip on the cabinet.

I've begun replacing t-nuts with screw-in brass inserts.

https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=OIP.34Wf7yZ14k9U1FNk_HGRQAC0Cy&pid=15.1&rs=1&c=1&qlt=95&w=104&h=103

GeeDeeEmm

[Johnny_Law]

Another alternative, although along the same lines as t-nuts, are "hurricane nuts (https://www.parts-express.com/parts-express-10-32-hurricane-nuts-50-pcs--081-1082)" which are much more permanent. I use these in my vintage Polk restorations (passive radiators mean a sealed cabinet is important) and they work very well.

https://www.parts-express.com/Data/Default/Images/Catalog/Original/081-1082_HR_0.jpg

[Gary L]

I've been faced with the T nuts spinning and when all the above tips failed to get the bolt out I had to resort to the dremel tool and grind the head of the bolt off.

This allowed removal of the speaker so I could get behind the board and repair the T nut. What I usually find once I do get the T nut out is the sharp teeth on the T nut sheared off.

GaryL

[emilime75]

Sometimes you can shove a thin putty knife between the driver and baffle(unless the driver is recessed in the battle), make contact with the bolt and let the threads do the work as you back off the bolt. Once the bolt threads itself out against the putty knife, it will hopefully be enough for the t nut to make contact and stop spinning.