We’ve all been there before—you’re making great progress on a project when that momentum suddenly comes to a screeching halt. The culprit? A bolt so rusted it looks like it hasn’t been touched since the Ford Administration. Of course, you’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. But what if, after you give it all the elbow grease you’ve got—not to mention a few choice words under your breath—you’re still no closer to making it budge?
There’s got to be a better way.
Penetrating Oil Spray
When working smarter is an option, why work harder? You can cut the torque required to remove the stuck bolt by up to 50% by applying a coat of premium penetrating oil. Just be patient, please!
To avoid drilling out a damaged bolt, give it ample time to penetrate deeply into the threads and break the metal’s surface tension.
Buying a large quantity of penetrant spray to loosen bolts is a good idea. This way, you won’t have to buy small cans every time you need to use the spray. However, buying a larger can is best if you use it frequently, as many penetrant sprays are only available in small bottles. A good penetrant spray is a must in your garage.
Heat torch
One of the things you must do to loosen a stubborn bolt is to use a heat torch. The heat from a propane torch will loosen a bolt by expanding the nut’s threads. However, keep combustible materials from the area where you’re heating the connection. Also, remember to check the temperature of the bolt and nut before heating them. If they’re too hot, you’ll risk a fire. The best way to use a heat torch is to aim it at the head of the bolt. Then, move the heat torch in a circular motion around the bolt for 30 seconds. Once you’ve done that, use a socket wrench to rock the bolt back and forth until it comes loose. If the bolt is stubborn, repeat the process. After applying heat, you can clean up the wet area with a non-flammable brake cleaner. Before using a heat torch, remember to use caution as it can damage flammable materials and fuel lines. Also, ensure the bot is cooled before applying the heat to avoid burning yourself or damaging other components.
Wire brush
If you want to save time and effort, try using a wire brush to loosen stuck bolts. A wire brush will clean the exposed threads on the bolt head and make the penetrating fluid work more effectively. The wire brush can be hand-held or powered by a drill. After cleaning the bolt with a wire brush, apply penetrating oil to the bolt threads. This will soften the rust and allow the Liquid Wrench to penetrate deeper. This process may require some extra time but will help you avoid the risk of stripping the bolt head.
Time-tested tricks
Try one of these time-tested tricks if you can’t turn a nut on a bolt. First, hold the head of the bolt. If it is too rusted to turn, you may need to apply penetrating oil to loosen it. Use a large amount and wait about five to ten minutes. Then, place a cloth or rag under the bolt head. Another simple trick is to heat the bolt. This will loosen the metal’s corrosion bond between the threads. This will also help expand the bolt hole, allowing you to thread it out. The heat will loosen the bolt, so you’ll have a much easier time removing it. Another trick is to use a hammer. This technique will help you loosen stubborn bolts. It’s also easy and fast. But you’ll need a large open area to perform this task.
