Editing Removing stuck fasteners

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==Summary==
A list of techniques for removing rusted or broken bolts, nuts, screws, and fasteners. '''You''' can edit this article right now.

==The hot and cold method==
This method uses alternating heating and cooling. The resulting expansion and contraction is thought to break a fastener loose from the grip of rust.

#With a welding torch, heat up a bolt head until it turns red.
#While it's still red-hot, squirt it with water.
#Repeat the hot and cool process again with the torch and water.
#Turn out the bolt.

==The left-handed reverse drill bit method==
#Buy a left-handed drill bit collection from a hardware store.
#Insert the bit in your drill, then put the drill in reverse.
#Drill out the bolt.

==The heat and paraffin wax method==
#Heat the bolt with a torch.
#Touch the threads with paraffin wax. Ensure that the bolt is situated such that the wax will run down into the mating threads.
#Remove the bolt.

==The weld-on-a-larger nut method==
#Place a close-fitting washer over the top of the bolt, to protect surrounding material.
#Take a nut that is larger than the actual thread of the broken bolt, and weld it to the broken bolt.
#Welding in short bursts, heat it until the weld comes up into the nut.
#Welding generously, fill up the nut. This will heat the bolt, but not the surrounding material.
#Let it cool completely. The bolt will contract and break the grip of the rust.
#Turn out the bolt.

==Penetrating and lubricating oils==
Penetrating oil is extremely low-viscosity oil that can penetrate into the area between threads on a fastener.

Some penetrating oils that are recommended by hotrodders:
*[http://pbblaster.com/store/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=1 PB Blaster]
*[http://kanolabs.com Kroil]

==Special tools==
*Flameless heat tool useful for removing rusted or broken fasteners: [http://www.theinductor.com/ The Inductor].

==Tips for broken-off bolt heads==
*If enough of the bolt remains, try to grab it with locking pliers.
*Try to saw a groove in it, so that a flat-head screwdriver can be used to turn it.
*Take a 12-point socket that is just larger than the shaft of the bolt, and beat it down onto the bolt with a hammer. Turn it out with a ratchet. When done, put the socket in a vice, and tap the broken bolt out of it with a tap.
*If a bolt is broken off below the surface, built it up with a welder until there is enough to weld a nut to.

==Miscellaneous tips==
*Weld a piece of metal to the top of the bolt to use as leverage when loosening.

==References==
*[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/tip-day-33-a-75849.html Tip of the day #33], ''Hotrodders Bulletin Board'', December 10, 2005.
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penetrating_oil Penetrating oil], ''Wikipedia'', retrieved July 15, 2006.
*[http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/stuckbolt.htm Stuck Bolts], ''ChevyTrucks.org'', retrieved July 16, 2006.