Rusty/Stuck Bolts

[modelbuilder]

What is the best way to loosen a bolt that appears rusted or stuck.

WD40? Something that can penetrate and loosen the connection.

 

[BKCowGod]

If you can't heat cycle the bolt, then a PB Blaster soak followed by some solid taps from a hammer.

 

[chasespeed]

+1 on the PB Blaster

I use nothing else.

 

[milo12]

I use Kroil. Best i have ever found.

 

[Maximus Ram]

If you can't heat cycle the bolt, then a PB Blaster soak followed by some solid taps from a hammer.

Another vote on pb blast...I start soaking the nuts/bolts I want to loosen a few days before. Hitting them a couple of times a day.

 

[granitex1]

A mixture of ATF and Acatone 50/50 also can do wonders for frozen fasteners. PB blaster is a lot more convienent and also does a very good job.

WD40 is a pathetic lubricant, good at water displacement (which the WD stands for) but it is not designed as a penatrating oil, or a rust catalist.

 

[SilverBullet]

PB Blaster and heat, I use a torch some times to get things loosened up too, if it is accessable.

 

[Pedro]

pB blaster - Mapp torch - PB blaster (while hot) - one last PB blast to soak it and try and work it.

works on all of my vehicles in Maine (100k+mi)

 

[UNI]

Best product I've found Liquid Wrench

 

[DaveInDenver]

I use Kroil. Best i have ever found.

Same here. Used to be a PB Blaster user until I tried AeroKroil. Amazing stuff.

 

[mountainclimber8]

Same here. Used to be a PB Blaster user until I tried AeroKroil. Amazing stuff.

X3 on the Kroil. I've been using this product since the late 70's. It works.

 

[ntsqd]

I use PB and AeroKroil with about the same results. Each seems to have a different ideal situation where it works best. The NLA stuff that was better than both is the old GM Goodwrench "Heat Valve Lubricant & Penetrating Oil."

I've read about the 50/50 mixture and have been waiting for an occasion to try it. And my current can of PB to run out.

If you can apply heat then try putting some paraffin wax against the hot threads.

Sometimes very slightly tightening the bolt will break it loose better than trying to only loosen it.

I've found hitting it straight down through the center of the bolt to be particularly effective when dealing with Lock-tite of any strength. Even the 620/680 variety.

 

[Ruination Fan]

GM goodwrench heat Valve Lubricant as mentioned above. Great stuff.....spray, let soak and then carry on. Think it runs about $9 a can or so. Here is the old part number, i think it subs to a new one. #1052627.

 

[Jean-Seb]

...I start soaking the nuts/bolts I want to loosen a few days before. Hitting them a couple of times a day.

x2 Works great for me too. I use Liquid Wrench though, it's the first one I found at the store. hehe

 

[Spur]

I use Kroil, PB Blaster, heat, and a BFH. I know it's obvious, but don't forget a breaker bar. Extra torque makes things a lot easier.