Best way to remove rusted/siezed bolts, impact or slowly?

[V6UnderPressure]

I've had my fair share snapped bolts lately due to rust building on the threads. I have tried to get a nice straight grip on the bolt with the ratchet, but sometimes it just doesnt work. My question is, what is better to break a rusted bolt free without snapping it? Is it better to have an impact to give it a nice quick hit, or is it better to take it slowly? A simple question, but I always wondered if I have been doing it right.

 

[BlackMetal]

In some ways, if the bolt is going to snap, it's going to snap. Working it back and forth with hand tools is probably the safest way, an impact gun is clearly more jarring and applying much more force all at once. But bolts break by hand too.

Always try to use a rust penetrant and also depending on the material sometimes heating the area with a small torch will help things along.

 

[liv4gnz]

depending on location and area of the bolt/nut

if its out of everythings way no plastic or things that can melt, or cathc on fire or any gas lines

heat that bitch up red hot with a torch and back it out slow by hand with a good socket thats not rounded out.

if you can spray some liquid wrench like pb blaster or something and you know it has a chance of working into the threads and not just on the surface let that sit for a couple hours if your not in a rush

whats the location maybe it wil be easier to find a better solution but if you dont have those things

use a good socket again no 12 points just 6 point 12s will round it out before you even apply pressure,

and try tighten and loose back and forth and pray,

 

[T-CHRGD]

I know from my experiences....." I can't win no matter what I do " .........

Soak in PB Blaster, tap with a hammer :biggrin:

I have had more luck with impacts. Every time I think I am loosening it by hand, the broken nut or bolt head ends up in the socket ...

 

[BlackMetal]

I have had more luck with impacts. Every time I think I am loosening it by hand, the broken nut or bolt head ends up in the socket ...

LoL yeah it's great when you think "WOW it suddenly got real loose!" and realize it twisted off.

 

[liv4gnz]

i guess it would be easier if you tell us what bolt your trying to get out?

 

[DailyDrifter]

Try tightening it a little first.

 

[GNRick]

I just busted both bolts holding the #7 body bushings. I just turned it a little by hand. I guess those are known to get real rusty in the Midwest.

 

[V6UnderPressure]

No specific bolt, just bad experiences lately. The best solution I have had that truly has never failed has been to heat it up with a torch. But basically what I should have asked is the best way should that not be an option (plastic, flammables etc.) Thanks for all the input guys

 

[03FatBoy]

The biggest thing is don't rush... use PB or another brand, and be patient! Don't expect it to fall apart as soon as you spray it. Give it days of penetrating time, tap with a hammer, work it back and forth, heat, all generally work with patience.

 

[turbo nasty]

I have had to heat several that have been stuck in turbine housings until its red hot then they always come out after that.

 

[charlief1]

PB blaster or Kroil work great if you have the time. If you don't, heat it up. If you cant heat it go very slowly and work it back and forth slowly and keep spraying it with oil. With luck it will come out and if not I hope you can drill straight.

 

[DIAZ 87]

Try tightening it a little first.

2x would be the best way to due it.heat it up alittle then try and tighten it then try to loosen it,that should work.

 

[Drewster]

second penetrant and hammer taps

spray penetrant on the nut (CRC "screw loose: is my favorite) let sit a minute or two. put a steady force on the nut with wrench. moderate smacks to the bolt while still steady force on wrench. this will help the penetrant sink in. you should start to feel the bolt free up. this is similar to a impact wrench but not as shocking to the fastener.
if it binds on the way out, tightent 2 loosen 3 (works for galled threads also)

Andrew

 

[rogerv6]

Try this product

Ultra One Degreaser and Safest Rust Remover

work for me

 

[Junior Samples]

Try tightening it a little first.

With every bolt...always tighten before backing it out

good luck

 

[V8Assassin]

PB works well

..:: Blaster Chemical Companies, Inc. - Product Detail ::..

 

[turbobuick1]

IMHO, impact wrench all the way. Gradually applying torque to a WELL rusted fastener is sure to shear it. Generally taking an impact to a fastener and gradually applying more and more torque on it works great, but if you see a nut or bolt that looks rusted to the point where it looks like it is one with the part it is holding, bust out the oxy-acetylene torch (or a propane if you don't have one) and put heat to it until it's borderline glowing, and then quickly switch to an impact and gradually apply torque.

Now, this works in most cases, but in the case of body mount bolts with rubber bushings, heating it is almost out of the question.

Just my .02.