1/2" Bolt Leader
(237 reviews)
Price: $5.70
In Stock
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Tow Ready Accessories and Parts - 80101-1
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Gooseneck Installation Kit
- Trailer Hitch
- Tools
- Bolt Leader
- Tow Ready
- 1/2 Inch
1/2" Bolt Leader used to fishwire bolts through the frame of vehicles.
Features:
- Overall Length: 20-1/2"
5482 1/2" Bolt Leader
California residents: click here
Video of 1/2" Bolt Leader
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Video Transcript for Using a 1/2 inch Bolt Leader FAQ
All right today, we're going to demonstrate part number 80101-1. This is a half inch bolt leader. Now this part is typically used to install carriage bolts and blocks inside the frame of the vehicle for attachment points for a hitch. We got our hardware here, a typical half inch carriage bolt and a block. We'll go ahead and put those together and then take a bolt leader, also known as a wire pull and put everything together. Now this is the access hole we're going to use, so we'll go ahead and actually take it apart, To thread our bolt through, typically you go head first and then slide the block in. Then we pull everything back through the same hole and that's called a reverse pull. Now the next technique that we show you will be the regular fish wiring a bolt.
Now this is really common. Basically what would happen is this would be our access hole and we'd run this through a hole further up in the frame. In this case, we're going to use these two right close to each other for demonstration purposes. What we'll do is actually take our bolt leader, go through the hole that we want to use, back through our access hole. Then we'll take a block, which typically used, we'll push it in the frame, I like to keep it typically separate, so it can move around independently of the bolt. Plus if there are any obstacles in the way inside the frame, it kind of helps work the wiring.
Then we'll go ahead and take our bolt and put it onto the bolt leader, flip it around again, push it in head first. In certain situations, you may have to work it around like that, just rattle it to get it to work through and then back through the hole you're going to use. There you have it for part number 80101-1.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
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Customer Reviews
1/2" Bolt Leader - 80101-1
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (237 Customer Reviews)
1/2" Bolt Leader used to fishwire bolts through the frame of vehicles.by: Armando10/06/2020
I needed his leader to remove the bolts from my trailer hitch from a previous car and put in on my new car. So happy that it was available from eTrailer as I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't been able to find one.
It arrived promptly as indicated when I ordered.
by: Timothy09/12/2023
Great customer service 5+stars!
by: Don 11/25/2022
This was a must have on my particular installation. Made fishing bolts through car frame for trailer draw bar a breeze.
by: Ryan T07/10/2016
Worked perfectly as I was installing my trailer hitch, which is a simple task but ran into an issue. The bolt holes were pretty corroded on the right side so they needed the threads cleaned, with good ole WD 40 I continued to clean with a tap. After getting 2 done the center one weld nut break off inside the frame, as they have very small tack welds from factory holding them on. So I ordered up this bolt, plate, washer, leader, and a nut to fix the issue, it was simple and an easy fix to a problem at first I wasnt sure how I was going to fix. Fast shipping from etrailer.com and it was done ready to be used in a jiffy. Highly recommend
by: Ronald 06/27/2023
Just what I needed
by: Gary C.04/21/2014
Bolt Leader / Fishwire tool: What a great little product. Worked exactly like it was shown in the video. Blew me away. Nothing works like its shown on video...but this DID.
Only gripe is that the install video makes it seem like it is included with the standard hitch install hardware. It isn't. I delayed my install by a week because it's insane to try it without the fishwire. Worth the wait for me, but order it when you order your hitch.
Gary C.
4/21/2015
Its crazy to see all these five-star ratings. I usually think they are bogus. But this hitch kit is the REAL DEAL. The installation kit and fishwire worked just like the video. My trailer is too heavy for lots of use but Im buying a lighter one and then it will get much more use. I am very satisfied.
by: Anthony10/02/2022
Would not have purchased but wasn't sure if any were included with hitch, not noted in description! Hard to see in pic!
by: Paul B06/06/2015
One of the BEST helpful products I have ever seen or used! The installation of the hitch would be next to impossible without this device as the size of the bolt and square washer just barely fits where it's supposed to go and if for some reason you need to remove the bolt you can push the bolt back out and start over again! Takes the frustration out of the installation....awesome tool!
Paul B.
6/5/2016
Next to impossible to install those 2 bolts without this ingenious device!
by: Cliff W.07/19/2016
I needed to remove an e-trailer hitch and reinstall it, so I repurchased these devices that let one thread the hitch hold on bolts through the frame. Worked well again.
Cliff W.
1/10/2018
The wires used to install the trailer bolts are really only used once - whenyou install your trailer hitch. They worked fine.
by: Kenneth 10/06/2022
Made the installation so much easier.
Very good price. Fadh shipping
Good customer service. Excellant product.
by: William M02/18/2012
Installation was a nightmare. I bought the bolt leader after watching the video think that was a slick way to get the bolt through the frame. It did not look like the one in the video or the website. The spring material was so thin, it could not erect the bolt inside the frame to be pulled it through the backing plate and frame hole. Had to cut two holes in the trunk of the car to fish out the bolt and get it vertical to drop through the backing plate and frame hole . After that the rest of the installation ( one U-bolt) went well. From the outside, the hitch installation looks good. On the inside, I had to cut plates and seal them over the holes in the trunk to keep the exhaust gases out of the car.
by: theDean31605/29/2015
This tool is ESSENTIAL to fish the bolts through the frame of my car. They made what could have been hours of labor into just minutes. Also, they are more durable than I thought they would be. I ordered two, and only needed one!
by: FC01/16/2017
Delivery was fast. Wanted to put hitch on
A different car(same model/year) and not used stressed bolts. Needed spacers and leaders so purchased the items needed from one location,in one box.
Fc
1/16/2018
Parts worked perfect. Have had good experiences ordering parts and hitches from etrailer
by: Jeffrey01/11/2019
If you're installing a trailer hitch and don't have ones of these, you're doing yourself a disservice. This makes getting the bolts to go through the frame rails a breeze.
Just a tip, get 2 and it'll make your life even easier. Doing one at a time works, but if you had two I could've installed my hitch in under 10 mins.
by: Mark01/23/2017
Thank you etrailer, customer service and prices are great! Appreciate installation videos & tips. Hitch fit is spot on for my 2003 AWD Rendezvous. Did install in carport by myself without having to lower exhaust or spare tire. Part 80101-1 is a must to make job easier, and 41405 wiring harness is a simple plug in. Will be using primarily for a receiver mounted bike rack.
by: Steve P.07/31/2014
I called etrailer to make sure I was getting the right hitch. It was sent out the same day and got it on day 2. The installation was a piece of cake. There installation videos are a big help. I knew just what to expect with no surprises.
I also ordered the 1/2" Bolt Leader used to fishwire bolts through the frame of vehicles. one nifty tool for only 95 cents. I would definitely buy from them again. Highly recommended.
by: Chris P09/30/2016
Etrailer,
A new-to-me truck meant a new hitch installation. Needing the mounting hardware for a hitch that I already own, I tried several local vendors for the needed parts to no avail. After a brief internet search, I easily located the bolts, nuts, washers, and fish wire on your website and placed an order. Then, WOW! The level of attention and communication from your staff regarding my order was incredible. The order and the communication was timely, accurate, and thorough. I am now a loyal customer. Thanks for the great experience! Wish me luck in not busting my knuckles during installation.
-Chris
by: George M.04/11/2012
These little inexpensive items are the real key for making the installation of a trailer hitch a simple process. Be advised that the trailer hitch hardware kit DOES come with more than one of these. At least mine did. The website did not state how many anywhere that I could see so I ended up purchasing 3 extras that I really didn't need. I would recommend calling to check how many your kit would come with if you have any questions about that at all. But they are almost a necessity for a quick and easy install.
by: Jim S02/25/2017
I ordered this tool to re-install my hitch. The tool makes installation of attachment bolt,s in a solid frame, simple. I ordered this tool because I misplaced my original tool. E trailer had the part to me in 4 days. I order ALL my trailer and hitch related parts E trailer. Their install videos are GREAT and accurate. Thanks guys and gals.
by: Keith S06/25/2016
Godsend!!! Only way to go if you want to mount your trailer hitch like the factory install. Worth every penny!
Keith S.
6/25/2017
Still holding strong!
by: Miles 07/29/2020
This helped me fix a broken weld nut on my xterra frame....something an autobody repair shop broke and didn't tell me. Now all the bolts on my tow hitch are rock solid!
by: Sam05/29/2016
I emailed customer service because I lost these pieces and they were great in helping me find them on the website. I have used Etrailer a couple times and always recommend them to friends who want a trailer hitch.
by: Mike M06/19/2016
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for the tip to purchase this to facilitate the installation of trailer hitch.
Extremely helpful sales person, all products purchased shipped quickly, installed easily, and work perfectly.
5 stars for eTrailer
by: Drew02/19/2013
I was able to install the Curt trailer hitch on my 2013 Subaru Forester, by myself. Working in my garage, with the aid of two ramps and the 1/2" bolt leaders, the installation went smoothly. I do wish that I had had a 6" extension for my torque wrench, although I was able to torque the flange nuts without the extension.
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See what our Experts say about this Tow Ready Accessories and Parts
- Installing Trailer Hitch on a 2019 Honda Odyssey with Broken WeldnutYes, it sounds like you broke something. Specifically one of the weldnuts that are on the inside of your 2019 Honda Odyssey's frame for the trailer hitch's bolts to thread into. It's annoying but not really a huge problem. Although it'll probably cost you a trip to the hardware store. You need a Grade 8 carriage bolt and a washer, nut, and spacer block that fit it. You also need a bolt leader, part # 80101-1. You're first going to need to get the bolt out by breaking off the head....
view full answer...
- Using Fish Wire, part # 80101-1 to Install Hitch on 2004 Honda Odyssey With Broken Weld Nut The weld nuts can present a challenge. You need to make sure that they are cleaner than clean before attempting to install the bolts. Spray them well with the WD-40, then scrub them thoroughly with a wire brush to remove all road grime and corrosion. Our installers use a wire brush designed to clean battery terminals, which works very well. With the broken weld nut, you will have to cut the bolt off, and use a 1/2 inch grade 5 or better carriage bolt to replace the bolt you have cut. You...
view full answer... - Solution for Installing Hitch on Vehicle with Broken Weld NutsSince you have broken weldnuts the only thing you can do is use a block and carriage bolt, drop them down through the frame using the fishwire technique with a bolt leader like # 80101-1 and then use a nut to secure the hitch to that bolt. This is assuming you do not want to go through the trouble or expense of having new weldnuts professionally installed in the frame. If you do this you will need bolts that are grade 5 or better, the same size as originally included with the hitch and...
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- Solution for Broken Weld Nuts Installing Trailer Hitch on 2012 Honda OdysseyDid two of the weldnuts in your trailer frame brake as you were tightening them down? All 6 of the install bolts for the Draw Tite hitch part # 75270 will thread into the weldnuts on the vehicle frame. Broken weldnuts can be rather annoying when trying to install a hitch. It's a fairly common problem that we see and because of that we made an FAQ video on how to address this problem. Check out the video I attached to the right to see it. You will need a bolt leader like part # 80101-1 as well.
view full answer... - What Size is the Bolt Leader when Installing a Trailer Hitch on a 2011 Chrysler 200For your 2011 Chrysler 200 you will need a 1/2 inch bolt leader # 80101-1. If you have never used one before I have linked a video demonstrating how it works.
view full answer... - Does Gas Tank of 1996 Ford Bronco Have to Drop to Install Trailer HitchWe don't have any fit notes for having to drop the fuel tank of your 1996 Ford Bronco to install a Class III hitch like the # 75038. I did some googling and found that one guy had to fishwire his hardware through the frame to get around the fuel tank but that's really not that difficult. For a bolt leader to do this you would need the part # 80101-1. I attached a help video on fishwiring for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Will Trailer Hitch for 1996 Ford Bronco Interfere with Larger Gas TanksWe don't have any fit notes for having to drop the fuel tank or have any other tank interference of your 1996 Ford Bronco to install a Class III hitch like the # 75038. I did some googling and found that one guy had to fishwire his hardware through the frame to get around the fuel tank but that's really not that difficult. For a bolt leader to do this you would need the part # 80101-1. I attached a help video on fishwiring for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - What Size Bolt Leader Does Draw Tite Hitch # 24706 UseThe Draw Tite hitch part # 24706 that you mentioned comes with a bolt leader/fishwire so you wouldn't need to supply one but if for some reason you needed a replacement it would be part # 80101-1.
view full answer... - Replacement Bolt Leader to Fishwire Bolts for Trailer Hitch Installation on a 2010 Jeep PatriotFor trailer hitch # 13548 you will need a 1/2 inch bolt leader. For that you can use # 80101-1. It is 2 feet long. To help with installation I have included a link to a video showing a typical installation of the trailer hitch for you to view.
view full answer... - Is Hardware and Bolt Leader Included with Draw-Tite Class II Receiver Part # 36425The Draw-Tite Class II Receiver, part # 36425 includes all the hardware necessary for installation. The bolt leader or fish wire is not included and is available separately as part # 80101-1. I would strongly recommend getting one or two of the fish wires, as they really are a big help during the installation. If you go to the product description for the Draw-Tite # 36425, the fourth small photo under the large main photo shows the actual hardware included with the hitch. The photo will...
view full answer... - Does the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver 36309 Come with a Bolt LeaderThe Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 36309 does not come with a bolt leader. This will need to be purchased separately using the 1/2" Bolt Leader part # 80101-1.
view full answer... - Does Gas Tank have to be Removed to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 1996 Ford BroncoSince access to the frame is blocked on your 1996 Ford Bronco what you can do is fishwire in the bolts and spacer blocks by using a large enough access hole for the frame or, if no hole exists, you could make a hole through which to run the bolts and blocks using fishwire # 80101-1. I have linked a help article that has a section that explains fishwiring. Looking through the other hitches for your Bronco all of them attach to the bottom of the frame rails in the same manner so if fishwiring...
view full answer... - How is a Bolt Attached to the Fishwire?You would need wire that is flexible enough to wrap around the bolt threads without coming loose. Annealed Stove wire works great. We also offer the fish wire in either 7/16 or 1/2 inch size. The part # for the 7/16 size is 80103-1. The part # for the 1/2 inch size is 80101-1. The bolt would actually thread into the fish wire.
view full answer... - Is Fishwire Required When Installing Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 521181-1When installing the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 521181-1 you will indeed need to fishwire the carriage bolts and backing plates during step 17 in order to tighten them to the existing holes in the frame rail. This allows you to feed the bolts and plates through the frame. For the bolts you will want to use a 1/2 inch bolt leader like # 80101-1. I have attached a video demonstration on this process that you can also check out.
view full answer... - Bolt Leader Size for Installing Hitch on 2021 Mazda CX-5The Draw Tite hitch you have part # 76138 uses a 1/2 inch bolt leader like part # 80101-1. We also sell the complete hardware kit with # RHK.
view full answer... - How to Install Trailer Hitch on Vehicle that is Missing Weld Nuts in Trailer FrameWhat you can do is use a bolt leader like # 80101-1 with a carriage bolt block through an open portion of your frame to basically act as a weld nut so you can install the hitch. This normally is a solution we use when a vehicle has a broken weld nut and we have to come up with a way to install the hitch. We made a video on how to do this which I have attached to this page. Best option will be to source a carriage bolt (it will have square shoulders under the head of the bolt) the correct...
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- What Size Bolt Leader to Use with Draw Tite Hitch # 75214The bolt leader size you need for your Draw Tite hitch # 75214 is 1/2-13 like the part # 80101-1 which would be what you'd need. These are easy to damage so having extras ready to use is a great idea!
view full answer... - Installation Instructions for a Draw Tite Hitch on a 2011 Ford EscapeI attached installation instructions for the Draw-Tite Hitch # 36501 that you referenced. To get the carriage bolts in position in the frame channel you will need to use a Wire Pull # 80101-1. I would recommend you get a couple in case something happens to one. I attached a video on how to use a wire pull for you to check out also.
view full answer... - Solution for Installing Hitch on 2021 Tiguan R-Line AWD that is Missing Weldnuts in FrameThat's really odd that your 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan didn't come with bolts and weld nuts already present on the frame that you'd use to install the Curt hitch # C13381 but we do have a way to help. What you are going to need to do is get a bolt leader like the part # 80101-1 with a carriage bolt, carriage bolt block, and nut to route the bolt and hardware through the frame and out of the hole with the hitch in place. From underside pictures of your vehicle you do have enough frame hole access...
view full answer... - Installing Trailer Hitch on 2012 Chevy Equinox with Rusted Weld NutsDirty and rusted weld nuts are actually not too uncommon, in fact we have a dedicated article on exactly this subject that I have attached. You will want start by cleaning them out with a spray lubricant (WD-40, etc) and a simple wire brush. You may need to do this a few times depending on how much grime and corrosion is built in. As for the nut that looks to be a bit stripped, your best option will be to use a screw tap like what you mentioned and see if you can then thread a bolt in....
view full answer... - Does Curt Hitch for 2013 Volkswagen GTI Come with Bolt Leader for InstallationThe Curt hitch part # C11000 that you referenced comes with the needed bolt leader. If you needed a replacement or a backup you would want the 1/2 inch bolt leader part # 80101-1.
view full answer... - Completing Hitch Install on 2008 Toyota RAV4 after Weld Nut BreaksYour best bet would be to use the spacer block you referenced, in conjunction with a grade 5 or higher, 1/2 inch by 1-1/2 inch carriage bolt, lock washer and nut. You would use a fish wire like part # 80101-1 to fish the bolt and the block washer up into the frame member through the access hole shown in the photo and out the hole where you want to install the hitch. You might need to slightly enlarge the access hole as shown in order for the head of the carriage bolt and the block washer...
view full answer... - Feeding Bolts Through Frame on a 2001 Chevy Silverado Using Fish Wire to Install a 5th Wheel HitchIn the video, which I have linked for reference, our installers are using what is called a fish wire or bolt leader. The bolts used in that part of the video are the 1/2 inch bolts so you would use # 80101-1.
view full answer... - Solution for Broken Weldnut During Hitch InstallBroken weldnuts can be rather annoying when trying to install a hitch. It's a fairly common problem that we see and because of that we made an FAQ video on how to address this problem. Check out the video I attached to see it. You will need a bolt leader like part # 80101-1 as well.
view full answer...
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Ryan T.
1/16/2018
The parts are doing what they were intended to do and super happy with my purchases. If I am ever in need for future vehicles etc I wouldnt hesitate to buy from you again. Thanks again Ryan thumbs up