Removing stuck fasteners
(→General Advice) |
(→Smack it with a hammer) |
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Though this may not be practical for all situations, a stuck bolt can often be broken loose 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 bar, and used to access hidden bolts. Brass is used because it's softer, and thus less likely to damage the head of a fastener(However the problem with brass is it will absorb some of the shock of the blow from the hammer, so one may need to use a melt drift for maximum shock to the bolt). Brass hammers are also available and one about 3 or 4 lbs. in weight is good for this. | Though this may not be practical for all situations, a stuck bolt can often be broken loose 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 bar, and used to access hidden bolts. Brass is used because it's softer, and thus less likely to damage the head of a fastener(However the problem with brass is it will absorb some of the shock of the blow from the hammer, so one may need to use a melt drift for maximum shock to the bolt). Brass hammers are also available and one about 3 or 4 lbs. in weight is good for this. | ||
| − | If I could have only one chemical tool, it would be | + | If I could have only one chemical tool, it would be "Liquid Wrench". Note that when trying to loosen rusty parts, it's important to first remove as much of the rust as possible with a wire brush. Once it's as clean as a wire brush will get it, apply Liquid Wrench, then give the piece repeated light taps with a hammer for ten or fifteen seconds; this helps work the Liquid Wrench into the crevices. Wait two minutes, then repeat the Liquid Wrench/tapping procedure. After repeating the procedure 3 or 4 times, THEN try to loosen it with one swift blow. Sometimes it won't work, but the majority of the time, your patience will allow you to not only remove the rusted nuts and bolts, but to possibly even reuse them. |
Many people recommend "PB Blaster", which led to me trying it - it did an excellent job for me. An overnight soak-in is an important step. | Many people recommend "PB Blaster", which led to me trying it - it did an excellent job for me. An overnight soak-in is an important step. | ||
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