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.

==Smack it with a hammer==
Though this may not be practical for all situations, you can often break loose a stuck bolt simply by hitting it on the head with a hammer. In such a case, a brass drift may be helpful. Drifts of varying lengths can be made from brass tubing, and used to access hidden bolts. Brass is used because it's softer, and thus less likely to damage the head of a fastener.

==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 or a hand-held propane torch, heat up a bolt head until it turns red.
#While it's still red-hot, squirt it with water.
#Repeat the heating and cooling process again with the torch and water.
#Turn out the bolt.

==The left-handed reverse drill bit method==
#Insert a left-handed drill bit in your drill, and 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. A stuck fastener is often heated, sprayed with penetrating oil, and then tapped with a hammer.

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 out the broken bolt.
*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.
*If the slot of a round-headed screw is stripped, file two flat edges in it. Then, it can be turned with an adjustable wrench. Or, use a hacksaw to file a new slot at a right angle to the existing one.

==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.
*[http://www.pumaracing.co.uk/tooluse.htm Removing Stuck Fasteners] ''PumaRacing.co.uk'', retrieved July 16, 2006.
*[http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=17889 Loosening Stubborn Nuts, Bolts, and Screws] ''Reader's Digest'', retrieved July 21, 2006.
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