How to remove nut sert for tailgate assist?

[abouttobeglue]

My deezee assist nutsert stripped out a while back and I chuckedbit, finally got a new one, how can it get the old nutsert out?

 

[blue ghost]

One way is to drill it out, if it doesn't spin.

 

[nlambert182]

If you have the installation tool, you can try to over crush it to the point that it snaps off the ears. We've gotten them out that way before. The other method is to use a drill bit slightly larger than the bolt and then knock off the ears with a punch.

 

[mikeru]

I had to remove a stripped one from the used F150 we bought a few months ago. In my case it was pretty easy since it was a little loose anyway. I slid a large flat screwdriver under the outer lip and pried it up far enough to be able to grab it with a good set of pliers. From there it was just a matter of enough applied force to get it out. In your case I'd probably try loosening it with a drift and hammer to get it to the point where you can do what I did. Or you can try drilling it out like suggested above. But I suspect it might just spin in the hole once the bit grabs it enough to cut through it.

 

[hunterdan]

Carefully grind the head flat or super thin, then punch it through the sheet metal. If you pull the access panel off, you'd probably be able to find what's left of it and remove it so it doesn't rattle. Dremel with a sander attachment should make quick work of it.