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How to loosen a rusty bolt?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 10:54 am
by Adam
I have a couple of rusty bolts in a tight area that barely fits a wrench. I can get a bit of torque on them, but I'm afraid of shearing them off, or ending up with a big dental bill like James. Maybe I'll wear a mouth guard. Anyone have a suggestion for something I could spray on them to loosen the bolts?
EDIT: I just googled rusty bolts and found "Liquid Wrench", guess I'm heading to CDN Tire this weekend.
Re: How to loosen a rusty bolt?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:03 am
by Green1
liquid wrench is good, other options include WD-40, or any other "penetrating lubricant" generally soak it as much as you can and let sit for a long time....
Re: How to loosen a rusty bolt?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 12:25 pm
by BCDelica
Try a hammer type impact driver (I think that's what there called), if there's room. Combining that with a propane torch can be really effective.
Re: How to loosen a rusty bolt?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 12:33 pm
by Adam
BCDelica wrote:Try a hammer type impact driver (I think that's what there called), if there's room. Combining that with a propane torch can be really effective.
Unfortunately there's no room for anything but a small wrench. The bolts are holding on a bracket right beside one of the diesel tanks, so I'm not too anxious to heat them up with a propane torch. I'll try the liquid wrench a go and if that fails I'll get more extreme on it.
Re: How to loosen a rusty bolt?
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 1:18 pm
by rlsimpso
If Liquid Wrench doesn't work for you, try PB Blaster:
http://www.pbblaster.com/store/moreinfo ... oduct_ID=1 .
A friend with an old BMW showed me this stuff and it works very well. The amount of salt used around Detroit is ridiculous. I had to drop the tank in my 89 and it was amazing how this worked on the rusted bolts. This stuff combined with a hammer impact driver got the nuts off with only one broken bolt.
The stuff written all over the can makes it look like snake oil, but it really does work. And no, I am not affiliated with the company that makes it in any way.
Re: How to loosen a rusty bolt?
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 9:37 pm
by 39Ronin
Soak or pour diesel fuel on it, or dot 3 brake fluid.
Re: How to loosen a rusty bolt?
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 10:43 pm
by patty
sounds like your trying to get the front steps off, thats the exact problem i had whne i was doing that.incredibly rusty,no socket could fit and no room to crank...and unfortunetly i wacked my face pretty good with the socket.anyways i just kept hammerin away at it and got her done.
Re: How to loosen a rusty bolt?
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 10:52 pm
by rdub
I would do the liquidwrench stuff or wd40 for sure want to let it sit for a while ,also try turning it out a bit and then go back in ,turn it out ,go back in ,try doing this till the bolt is fully out.